AAUA Don Urges FG to Deploy GIS for Security, Disaster, Agriculture Management

Professor Ebenezer Yemi Ogunbadewa of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has called on the Federal Government to establish a National Geospatial Agency to coordinate the development and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for addressing national challenges.

Jun 27, 2024 - 19:02

AAUA Don Urges FG to Deploy GIS for Security, Disaster, Agriculture Management

In a significant call to action, Professor Ebenezer Yemi Ogunbadewa, a distinguished Professor of Environmental Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has urged the Federal Government to establish a National Geospatial Agency. This agency would coordinate the development and application of GIS to address various challenges facing Nigeria, including security, disaster management, and agriculture.

Speaking during AAUA’s 25th Inaugural Lecture titled "Visualization Without Barriers: The Quintessence of Geospatial Technology in Environmental Management," Professor Ogunbadewa emphasized the transformative potential of GIS. He advocated for the Ondo State Government to create a State Geographic Information System (SGIS) to leverage GIS for tackling state-specific issues.

GIS, as explained by Ogunbadewa, is a computer-based system designed for inputting, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying spatially referenced information about any location on Earth using appropriate software. He highlighted that developing geospatial data infrastructure and building capacity through training and education programs are crucial steps for all levels of government.

GIS aids in managing natural resources, addressing climate change, and disaster management. It supports efficient agricultural practices and sustainable forest management. In educational administration, GIS facilitates online classes, attendance tracking, and enrollment projections. For healthcare, it enhances epidemiology, needs analysis, and service inventory. In security enforcement, GIS is vital for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and identifying crime spots. GIS also improves election results transmission, voter registration, and infrastructure planning. In business management, it assists in demographic and market analysis and site selection.

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Professor Ogunbadewa also called for policies and regulations to support GIS use, integrating Geospatial Technology with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and unmanned aircraft systems like drones. He emphasized the importance of supporting research and development and fostering international collaboration to enhance technology applications.

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Olugbenga Ige, chaired the event. He underscored the importance of inaugural lectures as platforms for professors to share research findings and propose solutions to societal challenges. Professor Ige acknowledged Ogunbadewa as an eminent scholar whose contributions will significantly benefit society.

In conclusion, Professor Ogunbadewa stated that the future of geospatial technology promises more coordinated, connected, informed, and sustainable decision-making processes, crucial for addressing global environmental challenges.