Our History

The Young Surveyors Network (YSN) Lagos began under the visionary leadership of Surv. Tunji Lawal in 2012. At its inception, the network comprised just five pioneering surveyors who identified a critical gap; young surveyors in the state lacked a unified voice and a structured platform for collaboration, expression, and growth. Recognizing that young surveyors are the future of the profession, the founding members believed it was necessary to take bold steps toward showcasing their potential, and amplifying the presence of young professionals within the broader surveying community. The founders were motivated to demonstrate that young surveyors have both the competence and creativity to contribute meaningfully to the profession on a global scale. One of the most notable milestones achieved during the early years was the successful hosting of the Harvest of Ideals II conference in Lagos, which brought together young surveyors from across Nigeria.

After the founding tenure of Surv. Tunji Lawal and his team in 2017, the leadership baton was passed to a three-person interim committee led by Surv. Damilola Kolawole, with Surv. Opeyemi Alabi and Surv. John Olayiwola serving alongside him. This interim leadership guided the network until December 2018, when an election was conducted to appoint new leaders. Surv. Hudson Irivbogbe and his executive members led YSN Lagos from 2019 to 2021.

The Surv. Hudson Irivbogbe-led administration introduced new ideas, developed a work plan for the Network, created a membership database, and launched the YSN Lagos website. They also held training workshops, leadership and capacity-building seminars, and annual conferences. As a way of giving back to the community, YSN Lagos, under their leadership, launched a career awareness programme for secondary school students tagged "Mapping the Future." Hosting the YSN Lagos Conference 2021 and launching the maiden edition of the YSN Lagos Magazine; the first of its kind in Nigeria, were the hallmarks of their administration and marked the point where they passed on the baton of leadership to the next administration.

In December 2021, at the YSN Lagos Conference, a new set of executives was inaugurated, with Surv. (Mrs.) Boluwatife Dare-Williams as the State Chair. Upon her assumption of office, her administration embraced the mandate of continuity and positive advancement, with a clear vision to sustain excellence, foster innovation, and promote knowledge exchange within and beyond the local surveying community. Her administration championed monthly virtual meetings for peer learning, accountability, and professional growth. Through strategic collaborations, a series of impactful training sessions, webinars, and workshops were curated under her leadership. Committees were actively established and empowered to support the smooth running of the Network. In line with the foundation laid by the previous administration, the "Mapping the Future" initiative was continued. Under her leadership, YSN Lagos received the Certificate of Excellence from the Office of the Vice President International, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, an acknowledgment of the team’s commitment to professional growth and innovation. The administration also oversaw the successful publication of the second and third editions of the YSN Lagos Magazine. All these achievements were made possible through the collective dedication of the 2021–2023 Executive Council, active committees, and the support of institutional bodies, private organizations, and individual sponsors.

Her tenure came to a close in December 2023, when a new set of leaders was inaugurated. Surv. Adegoke Samson Adediji and his executive members have led YSN Lagos from December 2023 to date. Since assuming leadership, Surv. Adegoke Samson Adediji has steered YSN Lagos with a clear focus on professional development, community building, and visibility. His administration has sustained the Network’s core values while introducing new initiatives to meet evolving member needs. Monthly virtual meetings and quarterly physical gatherings were re-established to foster learning, networking, and consistent engagement. Thirteen committees were inaugurated to drive program execution, with a balance of gender-inclusive leadership. To further enrich professional growth, the inaugural YSN Lagos Bulletin was launched, followed by a second edition, offering members valuable industry updates and insights. The administration also oversaw the successful publication of the fourth edition of the YSN Lagos Magazine.

Hands-on programs like the Mapping the Future outreach to schools and the Training Academy session have reinforced the Network’s commitment to practical education and youth empowerment. The administration also introduced a mentorship program, job and internship placement support, and hosted wellness and soft skills initiatives for members, along with a business training session for sponsors. Notably, membership has grown steadily, with over 100 new members recorded. The administration has also strengthened ties with student chapters in institutions offering Surveying and Geoinformatics within Lagos State. YSN Lagos’ digital footprint continues to expand, with increased engagement across major social media platforms under his leadership.

YSN Lagos remains one of the most active networks under FIG YSN Nigeria, with its members participating actively in local, regional, and international events.