In a heartwarming act of generosity, parents and students in Akure, the Ondo State capital, found unexpected relief as Beauty for Ashes, a committed non-profit organisation, carried out its 2024 community outreach. 

With school bags and essential educational materials distributed to over 120 pupils, the foundation offered a lifeline to families burdened by economic challenges, bringing renewed hope to students of the affected schools.

The event, which was organised to ease the burden faced by parents as schools resumed, amid the current economic hardship in the country, took place at Ijapo Estate Caring Heart Mega Primary School, Ijapo Estate, on Friday, 11 October 2024.

Beauty for Ashes is a non-profit organisation founded by Mr. Akinbolawa and Mrs. Olubunmi Akinbobola, dedicated to providing basic needs and empowerment programmes to underprivileged schoolchildren.

In a similar vein, Beauty for Ashes, in conjunction with The Hope Foundation, awarded scholarships to some indigent students in tertiary institutions, fulfilling its promise to alleviate the financial challenges faced by less privileged university students in their pursuit of academic careers.

In their goodwill messages at the event, the founders expressed profound gratitude to God for the grace to be a blessing to underprivileged schoolchildren in the communities, and for the success of the programme in the Ondo State capital.

The Akinbobolas, represented by Pastor (Mrs.) Christianah Akindunbi, expressed appreciation to the parents, recognising their continuous efforts and sacrifices in supporting their children’s education and ensuring they do not drop out of school.

In her words: “The mission of Beauty for Ashes Foundation is to help these children thrive and reach their full potential, despite the challenges they may face.

“We believe that every child deserves access to food, clothing, and education, and we are committed to making a positive impact in our community.

“With many parents and students grappling with concerns about securing essential educational supplies, this initiative has provided a much-needed lifeline.”

Pastor (Mrs.) Akindunbi, who noted that Beauty for Ashes has been involved in various welfare programmes in Lagos State and its environs, expressed happiness that the foundation extended its hands of fellowship to underprivileged schoolchildren in the Akure and Oba-Ile communities this year.

According to her, they initially expected about 100 beneficiaries, but the turnout exceeded all expectations, showcasing the needs in the communities.

Mrs. Olubunmi Akinbobola, the convener of Beauty for Ashes, is an alumna of Ijapo Primary School, now Ijapo Estate Caring Heart Primary School.

She distributed the Back-to-School packages to beneficiary pupils and students as part of her community service to her alma mater and to underprivileged pupils in secondary, primary, and nursery schools in Akure and Oba-Ile communities.

“Honestly, this is a laudable project, and we thank the family behind this vision for their selfless service to humanity. Everyone knows the high cost of imported school bags and educational materials now.

“I pray that the good Lord will continue to bless the family and the organisation and expand their reach. Like Oliver Twist, we pray that come next year, 2025, our children will once again benefit from their generosity,” she stated.

Beneficiaries were selected based on specific eligibility criteria. They are current pupils and students in nursery, primary, and secondary schools who are less privileged and in dire need of financial assistance for their education.

Schools represented in the distribution included Ijapo Estate Caring Heart Mega Primary School; St. Anthony Araromi Primary School, Akure; Ondo State Special School, Oba-Ile; Brilliant Group of Schools; Best Legacy; God’s Favour; Grace and Favour; Apostolic; Goview; and several others. Secondary school beneficiaries were selected from St. Louis Girls’ Grammar School, Akure; Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure; Ijapo Estate High School; Alagbaka High School; Commercial Secondary School, Akure; St. Daniel’s Secondary School; Accord Academy, and others.

The lucky students received a variety of school essentials, including backpacks, mathematical sets, rulers, exercise books, pencils, and other vital provisions.

Earlier, Pastor Hyginus Adebayo, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, encouraged students to take charge of their destinies during an exhortation.

He emphasised the importance of hard work, seriousness in their studies, avoiding negative influences, and respecting their parents and teachers, assuring them that a bright future awaits those who strive for excellence.

Some beneficiaries, including Godstime Ekpeonyong Offong, a Primary 5 pupil from Ijapo Mega Primary School, and Aluko Divine from Brilliant School, thanked Beauty for Ashes for their kind gesture.

“We appreciate Beauty for Ashes for giving us these educational materials. May the Lord be with them,” they prayed in unison.

Over 120 students and pupils from more than 30 schools, both public and private, including nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Akure and Oba-Ile, benefited from the philanthropic gesture.

Equally, no fewer than 10 undergraduate students benefited from the 2024 scholarships, with financial assistance to cover their tuition fees throughout the duration of their courses at their various institutions.

Highlights of the event included an uplifting musical interlude led by a popular gospel artist, Minister Omowumi Maxwell, among others.

… says Gov showing leadership 

Eight days to the governorship election in Ondo State, a lawmaker representing Ondo West Constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Biola John Oladapo, has continued to mobilise support for the State Governor and candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to ensure landslide victory at the polls.

Hon. Oladapo described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a visionary leader who has the interests of the state at heart.

The lawmaker specifically solicited the support of the people of his constituency and the state at large to secure an overwhelming victory for the APC in the upcoming November 16 governorship election.

Hon. Oladapo explained that Governor Aiyedatiwa has continued to display leadership and empathy ever since he assumed office as Governor of the Sunshine State, and in that capacity, he has proven beyond all reasonable doubt that he has the love of the people of the state, as well as the struggling masses, at heart.

He further stressed that, “The humanitarianism of His Excellency is quite visible and clear, as he has shown excellence in all fields concerning Ondo State.”

The lawmaker expressed confidence that, come November 16, the APC candidate and Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will emerge victorious in the governorship election, based on the overwhelming support and endorsement he has been receiving across the state during the ongoing campaign.

“No critical sector of the economy in Ondo State has been left untouched by the Midas touch of His Excellency, ranging from education, health, social welfare, agriculture, economic growth, bilateral and multilateral relations, among other notable achievements.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is the best option for Ondo State; he is the only man in the arena who understands how to unify the good people of Ondo and drive the state forward to attain its peak of proficiency and productivity—an Ondo we all can be proud of.

“Come election day, I beseech all Ondolites to come out en masse to vote for His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as the Executive Governor of Ondo State under the platform of the broom party — All Progressives Congress,” Oladapo stressed.

…says democracy threatened by electoral fraud

A professor of Political Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, Adebukola Osunyikanmi, has emphasised the need for inclusion of more women within the democratic frameworks to positively impact governance and development.

Prof. Osunyikanmi, who said this on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, while delivering the 29th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, “Democracy and Gender Inclusion: Synthesising Political Phenomena for Good Governance”, also pointed that the nation’s democracy is threatened by electoral fraud.

Professor Osunyikanmi highlighted the core principles of democracy, emphasizing that it is “a system of government that guarantees the rights of citizens” and “ensures the equality of all citizens under the law.”

She pointed out that Nigeria is yet to achieve full democracy, as the country remains classified as a “hybrid regime” by the 2024 Democracy Index, largely due to issues such as electoral fraud, corruption, and a non-independent judiciary.

The Inaugural Lecturer said, “Unsurprisingly, Nigeria is not yet a full democracy. The EIU (2024) still classifies the country as a hybrid regime because of prevalent electoral frauds, government’s pressure on political opposition, numerous cases of corruption, wrong application of the rule of law, continuous pressure on the media, and non-independent judiciary. Nigeria scored 4.23 and was ranked 104th in the Democratic Index 2023.”

The Don underscored the importance of equal representation of men and women in government, just as she lamented Nigeria’s dismal performance in this regard, noting that only 3.9% of the House of Representatives and 3.7% of the Senate are women, according to a 2024 report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

 “Despite the benefits of gender parity in government, women are still underrepresented in leadership and public administration in Nigeria. A democratic nation thrives when its men and women have an equal opportunity of being elected into the executive and legislative arms of government. In spite of the benefits of gender parity in government, women are still underrepresented in leadership and public administration in Nigeria. 

“The report released by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in June 2024 indicated that Nigeria had 14 women out of the 358 members in the House of Representatives; that was a meagre 3.9%. In the Nigerian Upper House, the distribution was similar as only 4 female Senators or 3.7% were in the 109-member Senate. Nigeria is among the countries with the least female representation in the lower and upper chambers of parliament”, she said.

Addressing the broader implications of good governance, which Prof. Osunyikanmi defined as essential for fostering economic growth, social cohesion, and human capital development, she cited Nigeria’s low ranking in the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, placing 30th out of 54 African countries.

” The nation’s underwhelming governance has also contributed to poor outcomes in health, education, and economic performance. “Nigeria’s GDP has declined significantly, from $475 billion in 2022 to $252.74 billion as of June 2024,” she remarked.

Prof. Osunyikanmi stressed the need for electoral reform, gender inclusion, and the fight against corruption. She called for legislation that would ensure ballot integrity, penalise electoral fraud, and promote internal democracy within political parties. 

She further emphasized the urgent need for political parties to actively recruit competent women and support gender parity at all levels of governance. 

“The unconscious bias against women must be removed from our national consciousness. The National Gender Policy must be reinforced by an appropriate legislation so that all stakeholders will be compelled to support its proper implementation. At individual levels, men must be prepared to accept significant female involvement at all levels of leadership. Women must support women in leadership issues, too,” the Don urged.

Prof. Osunyikanmi added, “As a matter of urgency, each of the political parties should develop a unique ideology that will enable the electorate to differentiate them according to their stand on national issues, evaluate their candidates by considering their competence and integrity, and make wise choices at the polls.”

She called for Nigeria to fully embrace democratic values and prioritise development outcomes. “Democracy must succeed in Nigeria. The citizens of Nigeria should begin to witness considerable improvement in development outcomes.”

Earlier, while introducing the Inaugural Lecturer, the Chairman on the occasion and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, noted that inaugural lectures provide opportunities for professors to share their research findings and ideas for the benefit of society and to propose solutions to societal needs. 

The VC acknowledged Prof. Osunyikanmi as a distinguished scholar whose wealth of experience would undoubtedly benefit society

…recommends one health approach to mitigate durge 

A renowned microbiologist, Prof. Adedayo Ajayi, has raised the alarm over the increasing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, warning that the proliferation of these “superbugs” poses a serious risk to human health and the environment. 

He issued this warning on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, while delivering the 28th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, titled Microbiomes and Genomics: Battle Against Antibiotic Resistant Battalions within Biospheric Reservoirs.

Prof. Ajayi explained the critical role of microbiomescomplex communities of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that naturally inhabit various environments, including the human body, water bodies, and soil. He emphasized that understanding the genomic information of these microorganisms is crucial for identifying microbial species and functions, which can help in developing targeted therapies to combat infections.

“The microbiomes not only influence ecosystem balance but also human health safety. Genomic data allows us to understand microbial species better, trace their evolution, and devise strategies to control infections,” Prof. Ajayi stated.

The don described antibiotic-resistant microbes, which he referred to as “microbial battalions,” as a significant and growing challenge in both healthcare and environmental safety.

 These battalions, also known as superbugs, are resistant to most available antibiotics and can multiply at alarming rates, forming colonies that are difficult to treat.

“These microbial battalions can replicate in millions per hour and trillions in days, depending on the species or pathogenic agent,” he explained, adding that the unchecked spread of these superbugs is deleterious to human survival. 

Prof. Ajayi explained that, “resistance to antibiotics occurs over time through genetic changes in pathogens, but its spread is driven by human activities, particularly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in treating infections across humans, animals, and plants, stressing the need for public campaigns to raise awareness and curb drug abuse, misuse, and addiction.

To combat the rise of antimicrobial resistance, Prof. Ajayi called for a comprehensive “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. He emphasized the need for equitable distribution of healthcare services, noting that all citizens must have access to healthcare facilities and amenities capable of addressing public health challenges.

There is a need to put in place structures that can enhance equity and justice. Health services and amenities that make life more bearable must reach all the nooks and crannies of the country. We all have roles to play, especially in adopting a ‘One Health’ approach to mitigate the surge of antimicrobial resistance,” he urged.

The One Health approach enhances disease prevention, early detection, and response by monitoring and controlling health risks across multiple sectors. It addresses environmental factors that impact human health and promotes responsible antibiotic use, the development of new treatments, and environmental stewardship, Prof. Ajayi explained.

According to him, the approach, in Nigeria, and globally, has proven effective in the control of diseases such as Tuberculosis, Malaria, pandemic influenza, COVID-19, Ebola, Brucellosis, and HIV/AIDS.

To effectively implement the One Health approach, Prof. Ajayi called for the involvement of several key stakeholders, including research and development institutions, national health platforms, international partnerships (e.g., WHO, OIE, FAO), community engagement programmes, and policy advocacy. 

The Professor of microbiology urged the academic community and the public to continue working towards sustainable solutions that integrate human, environmental, and animal health.

Earlier, while introducing the Inaugural Lecturer, the Chairman on the occasion and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, noted that inaugural lectures are opportunities for professors to share their research findings and ideas for the benefit of society and to propose solutions to societal needs. He acknowledged the Lecturer as a distinguished scholar whose wealth of experience would undoubtedly benefit society.

A distinguished Professor of Microbiology, Adedayo Olajide Ajayi, is set to deliver the 28th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.

The lecture, titled Microbiomes and Genomics: Battle against Antibiotic-Resistant Battalions within Biospheric Reservoirs, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the University Multipurpose Hall.

A statement from the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman, Ceremonies Committee, Prof. Adebisi Daramola, revealed that the event will be chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, and will commence at 2:00 pm. 

Guests and members of the university community are encouraged to be seated by 1:30 pm.

The inaugural lecturer, Prof. Olajide Ajayi, holds a first degree in Environmental Health and a Master’s degree in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. He later earned a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Ibadan.

A recipient of the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Grant, Prof. Ajayi joined Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko as an Assistant Lecturer in 2001. He rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2016.

Prof. Ajayi has held several administrative and academic positions at the institution, including Head of the Department of Microbiology, Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Control and Drug Development, Chairman of the Laboratory Committee, Member of the AAUA Humboldt-Kolleg, and Editor of Science Research Annals, among others.

He is a sought-after speaker and moderator at national and international conferences and seminars. 

He has authored and co-authored more than 87 research papers and books, which have received rave reviews in esteemed journals globally.

Prof. Ajayi has received numerous grants and awards, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Grant to the USA. Notably, he secured a ₦2 million TETFund research fellowship grant for the production of bioactive compounds from Afromomum melegueta, a postdoctoral grant on the Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance Reservoirs in South Africa, as well as a research grant from Adekunle Ajasin University, among many others.

His academic achievements have earned him recognition at the Infection Societies Conference in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he presented a paper titled Antibiotic Sensitivity Test of Microorganisms from Water Sources in Akungba Akoko. He also won the Best Poster Prize Award at the EuroSciCon Conference in recognition of his role as co-chair in sessions on Medical Microbiology, Environmental Pathogenesis, and Microbial Infections.

Prof. Ajayi is married with children.

A Professor of Banking and Finance at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Sunday Akinmulegun, has asserted that one of the reasons behind Nigeria’s economic difficulties is the government’s tendency to implement economic policies that are incompatible with the country’s culture and context.

 He warned that Nigeria’s economic future is bleak unless urgent and significant measures are taken.

Prof. Akinmulegun made these remarks on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, while delivering the universitys 27th Inaugural Lecture titled “Navigating Economic Conundrum through Globalisation and Financial Strategies,” held at the University Multipurpose Hall.

He advised that for the country to emerge from its economic woes, the government should strengthen macroeconomic policies, improve governance, reduce corruption, develop infrastructure, reform the banking sector, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

He further recommended that the government diversify the economic base, encourage technological advancements, improve the business environment, enhance human capital development, leverage public-private partnerships, revolutionize agriculture, disinvest from government-owned enterprises, and domesticate economic policies.

Prof. Akinmulegun, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Management Science, emphasized that the variables discussed in his lecture are intricately linked and crucial for the nations development trajectory.

He stated, “One of the reasons for Nigeria’s economic challenges is a lack of glocalisation rather than globalisation, which underscores the importance of incorporating local cultures and contexts in the production of goods and services for global consumption. Several global economic policies do not have the cultural foundation in Nigeria to thrive.

 The government must critically isolate and examine local content and cultural economic paradigms suitable for economic growth in Nigeria, as the Asian Tigers have successfully done.”

He added, “Globalisation has undeniably shaped modern economic policies and global interactions through enhanced connectivity and interdependence. However, the anticipated benefits for Nigeria remain largely unrealised.

 Nigeria’s experience with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reflects a broader failure to capitalise on these opportunities due to economic mismanagement, poor governance, and political instability. Despite substantial inflows of FDI, the expected economic growth has not been significantly evident, indicating the need for robust policy frameworks and stable political conditions to attract and effectively utilise FDI.”

Prof. Akinmulegun also highlighted Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil exports, which has led to economic imbalances and the neglect of other vital sectors. He noted that the 

‘resource curse’ phenomenon, coupled with financial instability and poor regulatory practices in the banking sector, has further exacerbated these challenges.

The Inaugural Lecturer, who has over 45 published research works, emphasized that growth and food security cannot be achieved without allocating more resources to the agricultural sector and ensuring their proper utilisation to prevent misappropriation.

In his introductory remarks, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the event, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described Prof. Akinmulegun as a dedicated academic with over 30 years of experience in academic and research work both locally and internationally. 

Prof. Ige urged governments at all levels and the audience to take the key points of the lecture seriously, emphasizing that the lecturer’s insights are invaluable given his extensive experience in senior administrative and academic positions.

Prof. Ehiabhi

A Professor of African Political and Diplomatic History at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Simon Odion Ehiabhi, will deliver the 26th Inaugural Lecture of the Institution on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The lecture, titled “Historical Consciousness, Shared Identity and the Quest for a Restructured Nigeria,” promises to provide deep insights into the nation’s quest for restructuring.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 PM, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30 PM.

Prof. Ehiabhi’s remarkable academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in International History & Diplomacy in 1999, another Master’s degree in History in 2003, and culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2013, all from the University of Benin, Benin City.

Joining Adekunle Ajasin University on January 10, 2001, as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, Prof. Ehiabhi has ascended through the ranks to become a professor in October 2019. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and has held over 70 roles within the university, including Acting Head of Department, Editor/Reviewer of departmental and faculty journals, Secretary and Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union, and President of the Academic Staff Cooperative Multipurpose Society.

Prof. Ehiabhi’s prolific academic career is marked by his contributions to seven books, reviews of two books, and over 30 published articles. He has attended more than 25 local and international conferences and has been involved in over 20 community service initiatives. His professional memberships include the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), the African Action Research Community, and the African Studies Association.

A Professor of Environmental Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Ebenezer Yemi Ogunbadewa, has emphasised the necessity of establishing a national geospatial agency to coordinate the development and application of GIS to address various challenges facing Nigeria. 

Prof. Ogunbadewa also called on the Ondo State Government to create a State Geographic Information System (SGIS) to harness its potential benefits.

Prof. Ogunbadewa made these recommendations on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, during the 25th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, Visualization Without Barriers: The Quintessence of Geospatial Technology in Environmental Management.

The Inaugural Lecturer, who defined GIS as a computer-based system that has the capabilities to input, store, manipulate, analyse, and display output of geographically (spatially) referenced information about anywhere on the earths surface in a database system using appropriate software, said, Governments at all levels should develop geospatial data infrastructure for storage, management, and sharing of geospatial information; build capacity and expertise through training and education programmes which in turn will benefit our environmental health, security, satellite revisits period, natural resources management, climate change, disaster management, agriculture, and forest management, among many others.

He highlighted GIS’s role in educational administration through online classes, attendance tracking, and enrollment projections, as well as in healthcare for epidemiology, needs analysis, and service inventory. 

“In security enforcement, GIS is beneficial for surveillance, intelligence gathering, smart barcodes, creating virtual boundaries, and crime spot identification’ he said.

The Inaugural Lecturer also pointed out that GIS is also useful in election results transmission and analysis, voter registration, infrastructure planning, maintenance, business management through demographic and market analysis, and site selection. 

He further called for the development of policies and regulations to support the use of GIS and protect privacy and security, while recommending integrating geospatial technology with artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and unmanned aircraft systems like drones. 

He also emphasised adequate support for research and development to enhance technology applications and collaboration with international organizations to share knowledge and best practices.

Prof. Ogunbadewa noted that the future of geospatial technology is promising, with the potential to improve how global environmental challenges are addressed by providing a more coordinated, connected, informed, and sustainable context for optimizing decision-making processes and offering clear views without hindrance. 

Earlier, the Chairman of the event and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, noted that inaugural lectures are opportunities for professors to share their research findings and ideas for the benefit of society and to propose solutions to societal needs. He acknowledged the Lecturer as an eminent scholar whose wealth of experience would undoubtedly benefit society.

A Professor of Environmental Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Ebenezer Yemi Ogunbadewa, has emphasised the necessity of establishing a national geospatial agency to coordinate the development and application of GIS to address various challenges facing Nigeria. 

Prof. Ogunbadewa also called on the Ondo State Government to create a State Geographic Information System (SGIS) to harness its potential benefits.

Prof. Ogunbadewa made these recommendations on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, during the 25th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, Visualization Without Barriers: The Quintessence of Geospatial Technology in Environmental Management.

The Inaugural Lecturer, who defined GIS as a computer-based system that has the capabilities to input, store, manipulate, analyse, and display output of geographically (spatially) referenced information about anywhere on the earths surface in a database system using appropriate software, said, Governments at all levels should develop geospatial data infrastructure for storage, management, and sharing of geospatial information; build capacity and expertise through training and education programmes which in turn will benefit our environmental health, security, satellite revisits period, natural resources management, climate change, disaster management, agriculture, and forest management, among many others.

He highlighted GIS’s role in educational administration through online classes, attendance tracking, and enrollment projections, as well as in healthcare for epidemiology, needs analysis, and service inventory. 

“In security enforcement, GIS is beneficial for surveillance, intelligence gathering, smart barcodes, creating virtual boundaries, and crime spot identification’ he said.

The Inaugural Lecturer also pointed out that GIS is also useful in election results transmission and analysis, voter registration, infrastructure planning, maintenance, business management through demographic and market analysis, and site selection. 

He further called for the development of policies and regulations to support the use of GIS and protect privacy and security, while recommending integrating geospatial technology with artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and unmanned aircraft systems like drones. 

He also emphasised adequate support for research and development to enhance technology applications and collaboration with international organizations to share knowledge and best practices.

Prof. Ogunbadewa noted that the future of geospatial technology is promising, with the potential to improve how global environmental challenges are addressed by providing a more coordinated, connected, informed, and sustainable context for optimizing decision-making processes and offering clear views without hindrance. 

Earlier, the Chairman of the event and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, noted that inaugural lectures are opportunities for professors to share their research findings and ideas for the benefit of society and to propose solutions to societal needs. He acknowledged the Lecturer as an eminent scholar whose wealth of experience would undoubtedly benefit society.

A Professor of Environmental Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Ebenezer Yemi Ogunbadewa, has emphasised the necessity of establishing a national geospatial agency to coordinate the development and application of GIS to address various challenges facing Nigeria. 

Prof. Ogunbadewa also called on the Ondo State Government to create a State Geographic Information System (SGIS) to harness its potential benefits.

Prof. Ogunbadewa made these recommendations on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, during the 25th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, Visualization Without Barriers: The Quintessence of Geospatial Technology in Environmental Management.

The Inaugural Lecturer, who defined GIS as a computer-based system that has the capabilities to input, store, manipulate, analyse, and display output of geographically (spatially) referenced information about anywhere on the earths surface in a database system using appropriate software, said, Governments at all levels should develop geospatial data infrastructure for storage, management, and sharing of geospatial information; build capacity and expertise through training and education programmes which in turn will benefit our environmental health, security, satellite revisits period, natural resources management, climate change, disaster management, agriculture, and forest management, among many others.

He highlighted GIS’s role in educational administration through online classes, attendance tracking, and enrollment projections, as well as in healthcare for epidemiology, needs analysis, and service inventory. 

“In security enforcement, GIS is beneficial for surveillance, intelligence gathering, smart barcodes, creating virtual boundaries, and crime spot identification’ he said.

The Inaugural Lecturer also pointed out that GIS is also useful in election results transmission and analysis, voter registration, infrastructure planning, maintenance, business management through demographic and market analysis, and site selection. 

He further called for the development of policies and regulations to support the use of GIS and protect privacy and security, while recommending integrating geospatial technology with artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and unmanned aircraft systems like drones. 

He also emphasised adequate support for research and development to enhance technology applications and collaboration with international organizations to share knowledge and best practices.

Prof. Ogunbadewa noted that the future of geospatial technology is promising, with the potential to improve how global environmental challenges are addressed by providing a more coordinated, connected, informed, and sustainable context for optimizing decision-making processes and offering clear views without hindrance. 

Earlier, the Chairman of the event and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, noted that inaugural lectures are opportunities for professors to share their research findings and ideas for the benefit of society and to propose solutions to societal needs. He acknowledged the Lecturer as an eminent scholar whose wealth of experience would undoubtedly benefit society.