Oyo Deputy Gov tasks estate Surveyors and Valuers on professionalism 

Reiterates gov’t commitment on housing development 

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has tasked members of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers on professionalism, urging them to uphold industry standards in their service delivery.

He gave the charge on Thursday at the 2025 mandatory continuing professional development (MCPD) Seminar held at Lead city College, which was organized by the Oyo State branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and brought together key stakeholders in the real estate and housing sector.

Speaking on the theme of the seminar, “Land Affordability and Housing Adequacy: Collaborative Efforts Amongst Government, Developers, and Estate Surveyors and Valuers, the Deputy Governor emphasized the need for strict professional regulation in the estate management to maintain quality, integrity and efficiency. 

He expressed concern over the proliferation of quacks in the real estate profession, calling on the Estate surveyors and Valuers to regulate and digitalize the system to make the practice of estate management more transparent and without stress. 

Barr. Lawal, who equally reiterated the commitment of Makinde led administration in addressing housing deficit and enhancing infrastructure, said the government has implemented strict anti-land grabbing laws to curb the activities of land grabbers who are obstacles to the state’s development.

He added that Governor Makinde also recently appointed Special Adviser on Housing and Urban Development, stressing that the administration is doing a lot to boost the economy of the state through its abundance vast land.

Barr. Lawal said: “Continuous education on estate surveyor and Valuers is very important. Pseudo or quack practitioners are affecting the profession because it’s lucrative and enough for a life time living. 

“Estate Surveyors and Valuers must be able to digitalize the system and be transparent. You can not be running an opaque system. In fact, the governor recently appointed urban special adviser to remove bureaucracy in the system. 

“In Housing corporation, I made sure that the system was transparent when I was acting as chairman and also ensured a record keeping and equally put structure in place. 

“So, your institution must address some of the challenges confronting estate surveyors and Valuers. The institution must be transparent. 

“The Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde is doing a lot on Housing and infrastructure development as we have created many estates which are beneficial to people. 

“Here in Oyo state, we have Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja estate, Lere Adigun, Projectscope in Bodija, among others which will be beneficial to investors, government and estate surveyors and Valuers.

“Any asset that is not yielding money is a death asset. That’s why Oyo state government is partnering with developers to boost the economy of the state.”

The Deputy Governor insisted that vast lands in Oke-ogun, Ogbomoso, and Ibarapa, among other places, are in need of development and that the focus of estate surveyors and valuers should not just be in Ibadan but also in other parts of the state. 

The affordability of land is another issue, according to Lawal, who also points out that developers can opt for locations with university and hospital campuses, among other facilities, to have a decent estate and enable growth to spread equally throughout the state.

He added: “Estate developers are migrating from Ogun state, Lagos State into Oyo state because of the land mass. They are trying to do vertical development because they don’t have a land spread as we have in Oyo state. 

“Here in Ibadan to Kishi is about 250km without lake but surplus of lands. Developers must not be looking at 50 hectares but more than that. They must be looking at how best they can use land available for development.

“We are also on track on security issue. The government is investing in massive projects to expand the economy of the state, including the ongoing construction of airport to international standard among others.

“So, I urge professionals in the building and construction industry to also provide timely and accurate advice to clients, ensuring that homes are built to meet the required standards”, he said. 

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Lead city, Prof. Aderemi Adeyemo, commended the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, for gracing the occasion with his esteemed presence. 

He described him as a seasoned administrator known for his remarkable leadership and dedication to public service. 

In his words: “Before assuming his current position, the Deputy Governor served as the Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, where he left an enduring legacy through transformative policies and infrastructural development. 

“His tenure was marked by visionary initiatives that reshaped the housing sector, setting a high standard for excellence. With a strong legal background and a wealth of administrative experience, he continues to play a pivotal role in the progress and governance of Oyo State. 

“The Oyo state government plays a pivotal role in creating policies, providing infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory frameworks that enhance land accessibility and housing development. We commend the Oyo State Government for its continued commitment to urban planning, real estate development, and housing policies that promote affordability and sustainability.

“Lead City University maintains a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the Oyo State Government, fostering collaboration in various sectors. One of the notable partnerships is with the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, which has been instrumental in the training of our medical students. This collaboration has provided invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing the quality of medical education and healthcare delivery. 

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Oyo State Government for its continuous support and to the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Fagbemi, for his commitment to this initiative. His leadership and dedication have significantly contributed to the success of this partnership, ensuring that our students receive the best practical training in the medical field.

“This program marks the third MCPD seminar hosted at Lead City University. It serves as a vital platform for disseminating knowledge and sharing insights into contemporary estate management practices, real estate valuation, and modern business innovation. The seminar also provides a unique opportunity for the academia and industry to interact, exchange ideas, and collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to challenges facing the real estate sector in Nigeria.”

On the entourage of the Deputy Governor included the Commissioner for Special Duties, Joke Sanni; Chairman Civil Service Commission, Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; Chairman OYSROMA, Busoye Ogunlade; Chairman Hospital Management Board, Akin Fagbemi and other top government functionaries.