For the Deputy Surveyor-General of Ogun State, Surveyor Haleemat Oluwatoyin Yusuf, it was indeed a double celebration, joy and success as she has achieved a remarkable milestone, bagging two prestigious honors simultaneously.
Known with the Sobriquet “Hanimoney,” a coinage she derived from her father’s name “Animo Owo,” which means someone with abundance of money, Surveyor Haleemat was inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), a testament to her exceptional professional expertise at an event held on the 6th of May, 2025 at The Dome, Alagbaka G.R.A, Ondo State.
To cap it up, at a very close interval, she was also awarded a Doctor of Philosophy
PhD in Built Environment, Urban and Regional Planning Department, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management of the Lead City University in Ibadan, Oyo State. 
A Journey of Dedication and Perseverance, Surveyor Haleemat’s path to success was not without its challenges, but she has navigated both academic and professional hurdles, demonstrating unwavering dedication and perseverance.
Her tireless efforts have ultimately paid off, as she reaches the pinnacle of her career. Thus, as a member of the Class of 2025, Surveyor Haleemat joins 38 other distinguished professionals who have achieved this esteemed honor.
Her induction as a Fellow of the NIS and the attainment of her PhD degree are a testament to her hard work and commitment to her profession and these are sure no mean feat, especially for a woman.
Surveyor Haleemat’s remarkable achievements will no doubt serves as an inspiration to her peers and aspiring professionals in the field of surveying. Her story underscores the importance of persistence, hard work, and a passion for excellence.
In an address at the induction, the President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Surveyor Dr. Matthew Ibitoye, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors stressed the indispensable role of surveyors across various sectors, from infrastructure to environmental monitoring.
He urged practitioners to embrace geospatial innovations and strengthen their presence in policymaking spaces.
“Surveyors must not only invest in technology and capacity building but also position themselves as active contributors to national development,” Ibitoye said.
Highlighting recent security challenges, including the abduction of surveyors in Akure North LGA, Ibitoye criticized government inaction in protecting professionals on field assignments.
Also, at her induction and investiture, the Chairman Board of Fellows of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Surveyor Olusola Atilola in an address said the 39 members newly inducted fellows have been found worthy of admission into the prestigious fellowship cadre of the institution having gone through rigorous selection procedure and found worthy in character, knowledge and contributions to the development of the surveying profession.
Surveyor Atilola told the newly inducted fellows that they are the conscience of the profession and the custodian of her values and traditions, hence being admitted conferred enormous responsibilities and obligations on them as it is a call to duty to serve the institution and the society at large, informing that they are beacon of light and moral compasses to guide, inspire and encourage up and coming Surveyors to become the best. 
The Guest Speaker, who is the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal ,Hon. Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo while speaking on the topic:” The role of Surveying and Geo-informatics professionals in the activities of the Nigeria’s code of conduct Bureau- cum- Tribunal in promoting accountability, transparency and ethical conduct in public service submitted that surveying play a crucial role in the activities of the Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal in the area of asset declarations and verification, investigation and monitoring,evidence gathering and analysis, asset tracking and management among others.
He further stated that the significance of surveying and Geo-informatics in that context lies in the ability to provide accurate and reliable spatial data, enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations and monitoring, support informed decisions making and policy development as well as strengthen the overall accountability and transparency framework in Nigeria.
Responding, the celebrant Surveyor Haleemat Oluwatoyin Yusuf in her remarks observed: “I am truly humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude to have been conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Surveying and inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS). This achievement is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from my family, colleagues, and mentors”
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the esteemed members of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors for this prestigious honor. Being inducted as a Fellow is a recognition of my dedication and commitment to the field of surveying. I am proud to be part of a community that is shaping the future of our profession.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I am reminded of the immense responsibility that comes with this recognition. I am committed to using my expertise and knowledge to contribute to the growth and development of our profession, and to inspire future generations of surveyors. I look forward to working with fellow professionals to advance the interests of our field and make a positive impact on our communities”.
She expressed gratitude to loved ones, colleagues, and her mentors for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the journey, saying this achievements would not have been possible without their encouragement and belief in her
” I am grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to make meaningful contributions to our profession,” she concluded.
Down memory lane, Surveyor Haleemat Oluwatoyin Yusuf was born on April 1, 1974, into the family of Late Alhaji and Alhaja Fatai Yusuf Animo Owo a.k.a “Haji Alaanu”
Her father hails from Imo, while her mother is from Gbagura, Egbaland, Abeokuta, Ogun State. She attended Ota District Council Primary School II, Sango-Ogun State between 1979-1985 and African Church Central Primary School, Abalabi, Ota.
Her secondary Education was at Anglican Church Grammar School, Oke-Nla, Ifo between 1986-1988 and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive College, Ota between 1988-1991 and she thereafter completed her secondary education at Macjob Grammar School, Abeokuta between 1991-1993
She later bagged a National Diploma in Land Surveying obtained from The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 1996. She capped this up with a Higher National Diploma in Surveying and Geo-informatics, at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo in 1998 after which she obtained a Professional Diploma in Surveying at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo State between the year 2001-2003.
Surveyor Haleemat also bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Management, from the Joseph Ayo Babalola University in the year 2013, a Masters of Science Degree in the year 2017 before later obtaining a PhD Research in Built Environment at the Lead City University,Ibadan.
She started her Career sojourn as Surveyor Grade II, Ogun State Civil Service in the year 2004. She became, Head, Survey Section/SURCON Unit in the year 2016, Cadastral Survey Officer Ogun State, also in 2016 until she rose to become the Deputy Surveyor General Ogun State, a position she currently holds.
She had served and still serving in different external capacities including as Technical Assistant, EODB World Bank Project 2019 till date, Ambassador, Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency.
Her Professional Affiliations include as
Member,Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management (CIHRM) Member, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Ogun State branch. She is also in the leadership of Women in Surveying where she is currently serving as Western Region, Coordinator, Women in Surveyor and the Assistant National Secretary, Women in Surveyor.
A community woman to the core is the General Secretary, Egba Royal Sisters and Brothers Worldwide, Matron to Various organizations in Abeokuta, Ogun State and the Club Adviser, Intellects Club, Ogun State Chapter.
