The Eastern Surveyors Forum (ESF) of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has successfully held its 3rd Annual General Meeting and the Surv. S. G. Wokemba Memorial Lecture in Aba, Abia State.
The event, which took place at Hotel du Golf, attracted surveyors, academics, and stakeholders from across the South-East. The theme of the conference was “Geospatial Analysis of Igbo Diversity and Its Contribution to National Development.”
In his address, the ESF Chairman, Surv. Gabby Okeke, described the gathering as a milestone in the forum’s history and a celebration of the life and legacy of the late Surv. Shedrack Gregory Wokemba, a past President of both NIS (1983–1986) and the Surveyors Registration Council of Nigeria (SURCON).
Okeke explained that hosting the 2025 edition in Aba was symbolic, being the hometown of the late Wokemba. He recalled that the first and second editions of the memorial lecture were held in Enugu (2019) and Owerri (2023), respectively. According to him, the 2025 theme reflected the creativity and industrious spirit of Aba, encouraging surveyors to harness geospatial data to strengthen national unity and development.
He lauded Wokemba’s pioneering contributions to the profession, notably the introduction of “pillar fees” and “mandatory deposit” systems that secured financial stability for NIS and SURCON. Okeke urged members to sustain his legacy by expanding into specialized fields such as engineering, hydrographic, photogrammetric, and geodetic surveying.
The ESF Chairman also appreciated the attendance of the NIS National President, Surv. (Chief) Pius Eze, whom he described as a founding leader of the forum. He highlighted the forum’s growing impact in national affairs and youth engagement through the Young Surveyors Network, which has promoted unity among surveyors across the South-East.
Okeke further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a posthumous pardon to Nigeria’s first indigenous surveyor and nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, describing the gesture as a long-overdue recognition of the profession’s role in nation-building.
In his remarks, Surv. (Chief) Pius Eze, President of the NIS, said the forum provided an opportunity to celebrate Wokemba’s enduring legacy and to reflect on the importance of geospatial science in national growth. He commended the ESF leadership for its commitment and congratulated all participants for sustaining the memorial lecture series.
Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of the NIS, Surv. Robert Apanta, described the theme as timely and thought-provoking, urging participants to reflect on the Igbo people’s contributions to urban and national development.
Representing the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to comprehensive land mapping and sustainable infrastructural planning. He lauded the organizers for promoting professionalism and contributing to Abia’s transformation agenda.
Other dignitaries, including Hon. Alex Ikwechegh (Member, Aba North/South Federal Constituency), Surv. Isa Funtua Abdulkadir (Chairman, Northern Surveyors Forum), and Surv. Folakemi Abisola Odunewu (NIS Secretary-General), delivered goodwill messages, praising Wokemba’s visionary leadership and the forum’s dedication to professional excellence.
The highlight of the event was a keynote paper presented by Surv. Prof. Ebele Josephine Emengini, titled “Geospatial Analysis of Igbo Diversity and Its Contribution to National Development.”
