Ondo NIS Inaugurates Surv. Kayode Tajudeen Bello as 13th Chairman of the Institution
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Ondo State Branch, has inaugurated its new executive members, ushering in a new era of leadership under the Chairmanship of Surv. Kayode Tajudeen Bello (MNIS).
The inauguration, held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the NIS Building on Agagu Road in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, was graced by eminent personalities and stakeholders in the surveying profession.
The newly inaugurated executive members who will steer the institution for the next four years include:
– Surv. Awe Emmanuel Babatunde, MNIS – Vice Chairman
– Surv. Ayodele Kolawole Anthony, FNIS – Secretary
– Surv. Akintunde Abayomi Robert, MNIS – Council Representative
– Surv. Ojo Johnson Olakunle, MNIS – Treasurer
– Surv. (Mrs.) Obiora Priscillia Ngozi, MNIS – Financial Secretary
– Surv. Adeleke Olusayo, MNIS – Assistant Secretary
– Surv. Oguntuase Temitope Lekan, MNIS – Internal Auditor
– Surv. Fakinlede Omowole Michael, MNIS – Publicity Secretary
The inauguration featured a lecture delivered by Prof. Julius Kayode Olujimi on the topic, “Local Government Financial Autonomy: Its Implications on Development and Maintenance of the Environment.” Prof. Olujimi called for deliberate efforts by the government and concerned stakeholders to enhance local governance and its impact on environmental sustainability.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman, Surv. Kayode Tajudeen Bello, expressed his commitment to building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor. He emphasized that his administration would manage the institution’s resources and members’ welfare with integrity and transparency. Surv. Bello pledged to bring his wealth of experience to bear in elevating the institution to greater heights, calling for unity and collaboration among members to achieve their collective goals.
“We have numerous monumental projects ahead of us, and the key to achieving them is through unity,” Surv. Bello remarked. “We will support all schools offering surveying courses in the state and ensure that the confidence placed in me by this institution is not betrayed.”
He also vowed to tackle the issue of quackery within the surveying profession by leveraging digital equipment and public sensitization through radio and TV jingles.
The Chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Surv. (Dr.) Simeon Ogunlade, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the event and urged the new leadership to prepare for the significant tasks ahead. He stressed the importance of diligence and hard work as the institution embarks on its new journey.
Surv. Adeniyi Oluwagbemiga, the immediate past Assistant Secretary of the Institution, who made a notable donation of a 300kVA solar power system for the NIS Secretariat, also advised members to remain committed to the institution’s objectives.
Others who spoke with DEMOCRAT NEWS Magazine, including Surv. Fakinlede Omowole (Publicity Secretary), Surv. Ayodele Kolawole, Surv Adebumiti Oluwaseyi Ayodeji, Surv. Ojo Johnson Olakunle, and Surv. Adeleke Olusayo, echoed the need for consistency and dedication in the institution’s activities.
The Royal Father of the day, HRH Kabiyesi Abiola Obadunjoye, the Olu of Iyange, also congratulated the leadership of the institution and charged them to be resolute in eradicating quackery within the surveying profession.
Surv. Kayode Tajudeen Bello, (MNIS) In Brief Description
Surv. Kayode Tajudeen Bello, MNIS, was born into the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Bello Owanekun in Odigbo, Ekan Quarters, Ikare Akoko, situated in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State. His educational journey began at Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School, Alagbon, Oyo, where he studied between 1969 and 1974. He furthered his early education at Ansar-ud-Deen Modern School from 1974 to 1977, and subsequently completed his secondary education at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, between 1977 and 1982.
Surv. Bello’s passion for surveying led him to the Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he pursued a National Diploma in Surveying from 1984 to 1986. He advanced his professional training at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, earning a Higher National Diploma in Surveying between 1987 and 1989. His commitment to excellence continued as he obtained a Professional Diploma in Surveying from the same institution between 1997 and 1999, alongside a Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in 1999.
His journey in the surveying profession reached a significant milestone in 2002 when he became a Registered Surveyor under the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) and a full member of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (MNIS). Surv. Bello also enhanced his expertise with certifications in ESRI’s Introduction to ArcView GIS, ArcGIS II, and Creating and Managing Geodatabases, among others.
Beyond surveying, Surv. Bello has acquired various certificates, including those in Prediction and Prevention of Accidents in Hazardous Jobs, At-Risk Behaviors, Offshore Survival Training, and Leadership Skills. These credentials have equipped him to work effectively in diverse environments, including hazardous conditions.
Surv. Bello’s professional experience is vast and varied. He began his career with Geosite Surveys in Warri, Delta State, where he worked as a Surveyor from 1992 to 1994. He later joined Chevron Nigeria Ltd as a Quality Control and Quality Assurance Senior Surveyor, serving from 1994 to 2013 through Geocore Surveys, Surveying and Software Nig Ltd, and AAC Consulting Nig Ltd. He is currently the Principal Partner at Bekat Digital Data and Services, Akure, a firm that offers comprehensive surveying and allied services.
A dedicated mentor, Surv. Bello has guided numerous young professionals, helping them achieve their potential in the surveying field. His contributions extend beyond his professional life into community service and leadership roles, both within and outside the surveying community.
Positions Held Within the Surveying Community:
– Assistant Secretary, National Association of Survey Students, Polytechnic Ibadan (1985-1986)
– Member, Student Representative Council, Federal School of Surveying, Oyo (1987-1988)
– Member, Beacon Standardization Committee (2008)
– Chairman, NIS Adhoc Welfare Committee (2014)
– Member, Ondo State Delegates to the Amendment of NIS Constitution, Abuja (2014)
– Member, NIS Delegates to Stakeholders Meeting on Ondo State Systematic Land Titling Registration (SLTR) Implementation (2014)
– Producer, Anti-SLTR Radio Jingle (2014), instrumental in preventing the government from issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) without input from Surveyors
– Secretary, NIS Committee on Irese Road Regularization Project (2016)
– Assistant Secretary, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Ondo State Chapter (2016-2018)
– Member, NIS Delegates to APBN Ondo State Chapter (2016-2020)
– Member, Ondo State Delegate to National Stakeholders Dialogue on Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) (2018)
– Member, LOC Hosting of South-West Forum Meetings (2015-2020)
– Publicity Secretary, NIS Ondo State Branch, anchoring “Survey Today” on Positive FM Akure (2012-2016)
– Team Lead for NIS appearances on OSRC Television’s “Good Morning Shows” (2016-2020)
– Secretary, NIS Ondo State Branch (2016-2020), where he established an efficient secretariat
– Member, NIS Ondo State AGM/Survey Week Committee (2021-2022)
– Chairman, Rapporteurs for 2nd Annual Survey Week/AGM (2021)
– Member, Ondo State Delegates to the Maiden National Conference of APPSN (2023)
– Secretary, NIS Building Committee (2020-2023), overseeing the construction of the NIS Event Centre
Contributions Beyond Surveying:
– Assistant Secretary, Oluwalose Quarters, Iyange III, Akure (2010-2012)
– Vice Chairman, Oluwalose Quarters, Iyange III, Akure (2018-2023)
– Member, Elders Forum, Oluwalose Quarters, Iyange III, Akure (2023-present)
– Chairman, Building Committee, Albir Islamic Model Schools, Akure (2015-2021)
– BOT Chairman, MSSN Islamic Model Schools, Akure (2021-present)
– President, Al-amanah Islamic Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Akure (2020-present)
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Surv. Kayode Tajudeen Bello, MNIS, was decorated as the 13th elected Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Ondo State Branch, amid resounding applause and admiration. His extensive experience, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the profession, marks him as a distinguished leader ready to guide the institution to new heights.