In this interview, 82-year-old Chief Olukunle Akinola, one-time Lagos State Surveyor-General, tells ARUKAINO UMUKORO about his life
When and where were you born?
I was born in October 1931, at Ipaja, Lagos, where I also grew up.
Where did you school?
I started my schooling at St. Andrews Primary School, Ipaja. Then, I gained admission to CMS Grammar School. In 1951, I was employed by the Federal Ministry of Works as a junior officer in the survey department. We were employed by the then Western Region. I then went for a survey course at the survey school in Oyo State. I passed out of the school in 1952 and was posted to Ibadan, but I did surveying work all over the Western region. In 1957, I gained admission to study surveying at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Enugu. There were three of those colleges then in the country. I spent four years there. On passing out, I went for a one year professional study in the UK, at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, where I obtained a diploma in 1961/62. I came back home to Nigeria and became a qualified surveyor in 1962.
Where did you work on return to Nigeria?
I was posted to Ikeja division to become the provincial surveyor there. From 1964 to 1966, I went to teach at the survey school. Afterwards, I went for another course in mapping in Tokyo, Japan. When I returned, I was again posted to Ikeja. In 1967 when new states were created, including Lagos, I opted to work with the Lagos State government. I worked as the officer-in-charge of the survey division in the governor’s office. I retired as the Surveyor-General and Coordinating Director, Lands and Survey Services in Lagos State in 1987. Since then, I have been in private practice as Olukunle Akinola and Associates.
Tell us about your parents
My father was a farmer and a good Christian. My mum was a trader. Christianity also played a great part in our lives. Before my father died, he was a church leader, a lay reader in the church. Early in the morning, we woke up, the family said our morning prayers and in the evening before we went to bed, we said our evening prayers. I follow that tradition up till today.
How was growing up like for you in those days?
It was interesting. Our parents taught the values of hardwork and helping others in need. From Ipaja then, which was like a village, we used to trek about five and a half miles to Agege, and another three or so miles to Ikeja. Now that is history. In those days, sometimes one had to wait for about three hours before we got a bus from Agege to Ipaja.
What were some of the values your parents taught you while growing up?
I used to tell my children and grandchildren, never leave till tomorrow what you can do today, and a stitch in time saves nine stitches. During my growing up years, we woke up early to do our house chores and said our prayers. These were some of the things I learnt from my parents. I also learnt how to serve and trust God. Once you trust God in every situation, you will become successful in life. Also, do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
Did you always know that you will become a surveyor?
It was commonly said that surveyors carried poles and went to the bush. So, I wanted to be involved in that and not simply live in the town. That was what first motivated me to become a surveyor. I enjoyed every bit of it. My father was a farmer and during secondary school holidays, I went to the farm with my father in Ipaja. I also joined the Boys’ Scouts because of the bush life it also involved. So, when I finished grammar school, I just felt that those things which will take me to the bush would be good for me (laughs). Again, many of my contemporaries from Ipaja who also became surveyors like me were also used to bush life.
What are some of the high points of your working experience and as a Surveyor-General?
When I took up the affairs of the survey division in Lagos State, I was the only professional man in the office. Later I think there were five others. But when I was leaving, there were 25 professionals and over 450 members of staff. During my time, the division grew and developed. I ensured that we expanded the division to cater for all aspects of surveying. We designed maps and plans for town planning purposes, and for other uses. There was much cooperation from the state government because it was a new state that needed to be developed. We were using poles and chains in those days, but nowadays, surveyors use Electro-Distance Measuring equipment. The technology has developed so much that you don’t need to climb the hills today to make sure you ascertain the geographical coordinates at those stations. Today, the survey division has improved because of technology.
From your experience, do you think the poor urban planning and development in the country is due to the dearth of qualified surveyors?
I don’t think so. But, one thing I can say is that our people are too much in a hurry. When we made our first metric maps in 1975/76, we clearly identified roads, villages, rivers, high tension wires, whatever it is, and the town planners would come out with layers to guide development. Unfortunately, people are too much in a hurry to build, they just buy lands and start to build without proper planning. If they follow the layouts designed by the planners, there will be no problem. Today, the government is complaining. In the maps, swampy areas are identified, but people still go there and build. Where there are no solid foundations, houses will collapse. I think most of the (town planning) problems are man-made because people don’t follow the laid down rules and regulations. Again, in some cases, in swampy areas, you test the ground to know the type of foundation to put there. There are also some unprofessional contractors who just make poor mixtures of cement and sand. There structures are compromised, which inevitably leads to collapsed structures.
What were some of the challenges you faced during your time?
The first thing I did when I took office was to ensure that I left a survey division that could thrive on its own and will not disappoint the government. It was during my time the state secretariat was built, and we included an office extension for mapping and photogrammetric purposes. But if we had been in a compacted or compressed area, there would have been no room for expansion. I also ensured that officers are well taken care of by creating departments relevant to the survey division which they developed.
Do you think the creation of more states in Nigeria will help in the areas of town planning and development?
It’s not about just creating new states; do they have the funds to run, expand and develop these planned states? It will fail if this is not so. In some cases where there is a clamour for more states to be created, politicians just want to have more control, while in a few other cases, the people feel they are not well taken care of. All the same, the Federal Government should be careful to ensure that any state created will have sufficient funds to make it viable. State creation can only be good if the new states can survive on its own.
How many children do you have?
I have three boys and three girls. They are all doing fine. Among the boys are a medical doctor, an engineer and a pharmacist. Among the girls, I have a school proprietor, caterer and a nurse.
Interestingly, how come none of them took after you as a surveyor?
I tried to convince one of my sons, who eventually became a pharmacist, to become a surveyor, but he derailed on the way! But I thank God my grandson, who has just graduated from the University of Lagos and is doing the National Youth Service Corps programme, is a surveyor. That is my comfort (laughs). I am very happy about that. But, I also thank God that all my children are successful in their different fields.
Do you think parents should directly influence the study and career paths of their children?
No, they should instead guide them. As I said, the one I told to go and study surveying eventually became a pharmacist. Parents should not force themselves on their children, but they can guide them.
Who were some of your contemporaries?
Most of them are late now. Back then, we had an association of old grammarians. We used to have a monthly meeting. I think only three or four of us are still alive. Some live outside the country and we communicate by phone. But there are not more than four left in the Lagos area. Those of us left are now waiting at the departure hall.
How does it feel to be 82?
It’s the Lord’s doing. The Bible that said we would live up to 70 also mentioned that one could also live to 120. My advice is that one should live their lives normally and do a lot of exercise because as one grows older, the body parts start becoming stiff. Regular exercise will help a great deal.
What kind of exercises do you do?
I used to play lawn tennis and table tennis. When I was in the Nigerian College, I joined the recreation club there to play lawn tennis. So, when I came back to Lagos, I also joined clubs where I could exercise myself playing lawn tennis, table tennis and other games. I’m a member of the Ikeja club. I’m the sports secretary. I am also now a patron. We built the lawn tennis club. So, I exercise by playing lawn tennis but because one is older now, I play more of indoor games. I play darts; sometimes I spend at least an hour playing darts. If you don’t move about in your old age, you will have health problems. People tell me I don’t look my age, I thank God, but I don’t sit down at home expecting death to come. Death will come when it will at any time. The Boys Scout motto says, Be prepared. So I’m prepared to go at any moment and it will not be a surprise. That is why it is important to tidy up everything one is doing here so that when the time comes to go, you are prepared for it.
Would you advise senior citizens to also pick up a sport to keep fit?
Yes. Senior citizens can also go to the gym and exercise themselves regularly, but not strenuously. During the elders’ forum at the Ikeja club some week ago, we decided to have a gym section. I also donated a gym equipment and hope that people will build on that. Young people should also do regular exercises. Being part of a social club is not about drinking or chasing women. I also used to do a lot of road walks, but with the population increase and okada, I don’t do that anymore.
What are you most fulfilled about in life?
I am very happy that the survey division I started is still doing fine. That is an achievement. Also, although I’m not a pastor but a church member, I am also happy that my last son would soon become a reverend in the Anglican Communion this December. I’m also happy that I am blessed with children who are disciplined and successful, and all of them are Christians, and at last, one of them is now a reverend gentleman. So, if I die now, I know for sure that I am fulfilled. I thank God.
Do you have any regrets?
No. It depends on the individual. That’s why it’s good to express oneself even when people hurt you. That’s why some people have stress and headaches because they keep a lot in their mind. Talk to people when you are distressed to help you. When people annoy you, open up, talk to them and reconcile. Maybe some people felt I had offended them in one way or the other, I ask for their pardon. For example, when I leaving the civil service, I called my senior officers together and addressed them. I told them that some probably thought I had delayed their promotion for one reason or the other at that time, but it wasn’t so. I also told them that if they thought so or if there were some who felt I should have recommended them for promotion and I didn’t, they should all pardon me. You know human beings have their different ways of reasoning.
How did you meet your wife?
I met her when I went to my friend’s house at Ibadan. Back then, I usually travelled to visit some of my friends during the school holidays because their parents had their own houses there. My friend’s house was directly opposite the secondary school my wife attended at the time. So, when they closed from school, we saw the students from upstairs. I zeroed in on one of them and we agreed and got married (laughs).
Did you know you were going to marry her immediately you saw her?
Marriage is not a thing you rush into. One takes time to assess his or her partner. As the relationship progressed, we saw that we were suited for each other. Thank God, I made the right choice. We got married in 1955.
You’ve been married for 58 years now. What are the successful ingredients that make a good marriage?
One of the things is what I mentioned earlier. Don’t keep any grudge. There is no way a couple won’t disagree. Sometimes, you disagree to agree. When you are annoyed, say it but ensure you mend ways. Nobody is perfect but it depends on how you approach matters. Be quick to forgive. Also, be careful about what third parties tell you about your spouse, because if you are not they could ruin your marriage. When I officiate in marriages, I usually tell them, try to sort things out between yourselves amicably. I have no regrets in my marriage.
During your days, it was common for people to get married in their 20s, like you got married at 24….
Yes, but things are different now. Nowadays, it takes longer for people to finish schooling to tertiary level and get a job. But it is advisable to get hooked immediately after schooling and get married early so that one can see and nurture one’s grandchildren before departing this life. Then, when we were newly married, me and my wife rented a single room and partitioned it. But we were able to cope because my wife was industrious and hardworking. When she finished schooling, she got a job and did other businesses to augment her salary. So, she made efforts to ensure that we had sufficient funds to train our children and run the home. I was a civil servant. One would certainly appreciate such a partner because she was also helping you to grow.
What is your favourite meal?
Do I have any? I eat whatever they give me (laughs). But I like native foods, like amala and ewedu soup. I don’t take much heavy meals now. I take light meals in the morning and night and heavy meals in the afternoon. I also try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
What are your hobbies?
I like watching television. I would have liked to learn how to use the Internet but there is no time these days. Maybe I am becoming lazy because it would take a lot of time to do that. Then I have many appointments to keep in a day.
At 82, you still run your private practice. How do you manage?
My office is far away from my residence, and that is good. If I decide not to go to the office and stay at home, I should have died. Having an office is not really for financial reasons. It’s a way of getting out of boredom and to interact with people and then I go back home. Also, people come to my office to ask me for advice, which I give. Going to the office regularly keeps me going. If one decides to just submit himself to nature, nature will simply kill one and that is the end of it.
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