A seasoned town planner and the Aare Mayegun of Owu Kingdom, Kazeem Bakinson, has called on youths to explore the economic potential of drone mapping technology.
Bakinson made the call during an onboarding session held at Owu Club, Abeokuta, for 125 youths who enrolled in a drone mapping training programme.
The initiative is designed to introduce participants to the full scope of drone technology, including its value chain and economic opportunities. Bakinson said the onboarding marks the first phase of the programme, which will be followed by online learning modules and hands-on practical sessions.
“The onboarding is an opportunity to bring them into the fold. There will be online training and practical sessions. We are not stopping there; we are also securing licences for them in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations, because without a licence, you cannot operate a drone,” he said.
He added that the skills acquired could open doors for participants to work with organisations requiring drone services, including oil companies needing pipeline mapping.
Bakinson expressed optimism that the initiative would create sustainable income opportunities, reduce poverty, and empower youths to build better lives for themselves and their families.
The Aare Bakinson Foundation, which provides annual scholarships to students in Ogun State, is also offering interest-free loans to support trainees in starting businesses, including drone marketing.
The training is expected to run until the first quarter of 2026, allowing participants to specialise in areas such as drone piloting, engineering, software sales, and drone-as-a-service operations.
Bakinson explained that his interest in drone mapping aligns with his broader vision for the development of Owu Kingdom. The technology will play a key role in creating the Owu Master Plan, a long-term development guide for the community using modern spatial planning techniques.
“This initiative is important because I am committed to developing the Owu Master Plan. As a town planner, I know drone mapping is essential for this,” he said.
The programme is a collaborative effort involving Owu youths, the Cathedral Church, and Akinale youths.
Drone mapping technology is gaining traction in Nigeria, with applications in land management, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. Its use ranges from cadastral surveying to improve land administration and reduce fraud, to precision agriculture and AI-powered data analysis, providing youths with digital skills that can help combat unemployment and poverty.
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