Embracing Innovation: Sambus Geospatial Nigeria Limited’s Transformative GIS Day Celebrations.

by Damilare Ogunajo & Chidiebere Nnadiegbulam

Introduction

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of GIS Day, Sambus Geospatial hosted a series of thrilling events that captivated students and educators alike. The festivities took place at prominent institutions such as the University of Lagos, Bells University of Technology in Ogun State, and various secondary schools in Abuja including Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, Government Secondary School Gwarimpa, Funtaj International School, Government Science Secondary School Pyakassa, and even in our physical offices in Abuja and Lagos blending physical and virtual experiences to maximize reach and impact.

Inspiring Young Minds in Abuja

In Abuja, Sambus Geospatial reached out to secondary schools, introducing younger students to the fascinating world of GIS. Nigerian Tulip International Colleges became a hub of research as students presented their cutting-edge GIS research.

We continued in Government Secondary School, Gwarimpa, Government Science Secondary School, Pyakassa and Funtaj International School through engaging activities and interactive sessions, students were encouraged to explore GIS concepts and consider future careers in this exciting field. The enthusiasm and curiosity sparked during these sessions were palpable, promising a bright future for GIS in Nigeria.

GIS Day at Bells University of Technology

On November 21, 2024, the serene environment of Bells University, Ota, Ogun State, was abuzz with excitement as over two hundred participants, including students, lecturers, and professionals, gathered for a day dedicated to the wonders of GIS. The event, held at the Bells University auditorium, highlighted the profound impact of geospatial technology on various sectors.

The Sambus team, comprising Mr. Louis Iwegbuna, Mr. Kolawole Benjamin, Mr. Damilare Ogunajo, and Miss Korede Mayowa, was warmly received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Akunnaya Pearl Opoko. This meeting set the tone for a day of fruitful interactions and potential collaborations.

Engaging Sessions and Hands-on Training

Mr. Louis Iwegbuna, General Manager of Sambus Geospatial Lagos Office, kicked off the event with an inspiring speech. He outlined the innovations, vision, and goals of Sambus Geospatial, emphasizing the transformative power of GIS technology. Following this, Miss Korede Mayowa captivated the audience with a session on “Getting Advanced with Africa Geoportal.” Her interactive presentation demonstrated the practical applications of the Africa Geoportal, particularly for students, highlighting tools like Survey123.

Mr. Kolawole Benjamin continued the momentum with an enlightening session on the Esri Academy, discussing MOOCs, certification processes, and career enhancement opportunities. His insights underscored the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of GIS.

GIS Day at the University of Lagos

A few days later, on November 26, 2024, the vibrant campus of the University of Lagos, Akoka, hosted another successful GIS Day event. Held at the Geography Department lecture room, this event drew significant interest both in-person and online, reinforcing the importance of GIS technology in modern academia and professional landscapes.

Upon arrival, the Sambus team, including Mr. Emmanuel Ozonandi, Mr. Kolawole Benjamin, Mr. Damilare Ogunajo, Miss Korede Mayowa, and Miss Aisha Malik, was warmly received by the Faculty of Art. This collaborative spirit was evident throughout the event, fostering an atmosphere of mutual learning and growth.

Educational and Interactive Sessions

Miss Korede Mayowa once again dazzled the audience with her session on the Africa Geoportal, followed by Mr. Kolawole Benjamin’s detailed presentation on the Esri Academy. These sessions were not just educational but also highly interactive, engaging participants and providing them with practical knowledge and skills to advance their GIS capabilities.

The event concluded with closing remarks that underscored the vast potential for growth in the GIS field. A vote of thanks from the vice president of the Urban and Regional Planning department, Miss Arafat Sorunke, highlighted the appreciation and enthusiasm of the participants. The event ended with group photographs, capturing the essence of a day filled with learning and inspiration.

Virtual Engagement for a Wider Audience

To extend the celebration’s reach, Sambus Geospatial Nigeria organized a virtual event tagged “GIS for Innovators” that included interactive demonstrations.
Key highlights included:

• Inspiring keynote address setting the stage for an engaging and informative webinar
• Engaging ice breaker session with some tricky and entertaining GIS Trivia
• comprehensive sessions on GIS, the ArcGIS System, and innovative demos on Survey123 and other field applications, ArcGIS Dashboards, and ArcGIS Data Pipeline for Extract Transform and Load (ETL) for integrating data from multiple sources
• A thrilling mini-competition where 5 participants won ArcGIS Licenses from Esri! 🥇Congratulations to Precious Bankole, Oritsetimeyin Asamilor, Abubakar Sadiq Musa, Hassan Habidat and Favour Oroh.
• Q&A Session where questions on ArcGIS Licensing, Africa Geoportal and workflows were answered comprehensively.

Conclusion

The 25th anniversary of GIS Day was a significant milestone for Sambus Geospatial Nigeria Limited. The company’s commitment to promoting GIS education and awareness was evident in the diverse range of activities and the enthusiastic participation of students. By bridging the gap between technology and education, Sambus Geospatial continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of GIS in Nigeria.

By fostering knowledge, enhancing career opportunities, and driving technological advancements, Sambus Geospatial continues to pave the way for a brighter, more connected future. Join us in our journey to transform the geospatial landscape, one innovation at a time.