By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Government has announced the commencement of an extensive aerial mapping exercise, set to kick off on Sunday, April 20.

The initiative, which forms part of a broader strategy to implement a comprehensive land management solution, is expected to run until December 2025.

Disclosing this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the exercise would involve an aircraft flying at very low altitudes across the State to capture high-resolution images required for mapping purposes.

Olatunbosun highlighted that the project would significantly aid the State Government in generating accurate and reliable geospatial data, crucial for effective land management, urban planning, and infrastructure development.

He explained that the aerial survey would equip the government with critical tools to make informed decisions on land use, allocation, and overall development, leading to enhanced governance and sustainable growth.

According to him, the availability of precise and current geospatial data would also benefit stakeholders, ranging from landowners and property developers to investors and community groups by offering greater confidence and clarity in land-related transactions.

“This will drastically reduce the risks of land tenure insecurity, boundary disputes, and fraudulent dealings, while also attracting increased investments in real estate and infrastructure,” the Commissioner noted.

Assuring residents of their safety during the exercise, Olatunbosun stated that all necessary security and safety protocols would be strictly adhered to, with the activities of the aircraft being closely monitored throughout the operation.

He appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the project and urged the public not to panic upon sighting low-flying aircraft during the period of the survey.

“This is a crucial step in the government’s effort to develop the State in a structured and sustainable manner,” he said.