By Ochiaka Ugwu
The Governing Council on the African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information, Science and Technology (AFRIGIST) has applauded the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) for the development and expansion of infrastructure at the institute.
The institute formerly known as Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace (RECTAS) was established under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is currently being managed by the Governments of Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Nigeria, the host.
Chairman of the Council, Mal. Mohamodou Keita standing in for the Malian Government; the Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF), Surv. Samuel Adeniran Taiwo who is the First Representative of the FGN on the council and other members of the council were conducted round the various projects located within the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State by the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr. Akingbade Adewale Olusola.
The projects being funded by the FGN which were on various stages of completion included among others AFRIGIST Administration Block, staff quarters, renovation of the existing quarters, student hostels, halls, health bay and seven projects of boreholes.
While thanking the FGN for its commitment to the development of the institute, the Executive Director, Dr. Akingbade appealed to the FGN through the SGoF for a clinic, and release of funds for completion of on-going projects.
In his response, the SGoF, Surv. Taiwo expressed the commitment of the FGN to the development of the institute. He pledged to present all the requests of the governing council and in particular the appeal made by the Executive Director to the FGN through the Minister of Works and Housing, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who according to him was a goal getter and a surveyor’s delight.
AFRIGIST has trained over 2,500 students from various African countries since its inception in 1972.
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