The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) Executive Committee Pays Courtesy Call on The Minister of Works and Housing
The National President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Tpl OLUTOYIN AYINDE FNITP and the new executive council paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA SAN on Monday, 26th October, 2020 at the Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.
The visit which is the first official assignment of the new administration was to acquaint the Minister that the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, one of the professional bodies in the construction industry has elected new National Executive Officers.
The National President on behalf of the institute expressed deep concern about some of the social challenges that have bedeviled the country especially this year, noting the physical implications of such development.
He lamented on how the year began with Covid -19 pandemic and just as the nation is about to wriggle her way out, we were faced with the #ENDSARS protests which have become hijacked by some misguided youths.
He used the opportunity to inform the government on the readiness of the NITP for collaboration in such areas that will bring about a more resilient urbanization in Nigeria.
Tpl. Ayinde reminded the Honourable Minister of his love for planning and his irrevocable conviction that “the Urban and Regional Planner, on one hand and the Economic Planner on the other are most pivotal to the development of any civilization”.
According to the National President this visit is significant in three folds.
1. The Ministry of Works and Housing is charged with policy issues on physical planning and human development in Nigeria and should take leadership in matters of urban and regional planning in Nigeria.
2. The Honourable Minister is an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and therefore a stakeholder in the progress of the institute and its vision.
3. The NITP looks forward to collaborating with the Ministry in areas that enhance physical planning in Nigeria and the attainment of Goal 11 of the Agenda 2030, Sustainable Cities and Settlements.
The Honorable Minister in his response thanked the National President and his team for finding time to visit him. He described Physical Planning as the bedrock of economic development and growth. Adding that no society can truly develop without first sorting out how land is to be used.
He then called on NITP to intervene and take the lead in the reconstruction and redevelopment of the numerous police stations and court premises recently destroyed in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria during the post #ENDSARS demonstration.
The National President was accompanied on the visit by some national officers including, the 1st National Vice President, Tpl Nathaniel Atebije FNITP, the 2nd National Vice President, Tpl Ogbonna Chime FNITP; the National Secretary, Tpl Austin Ukanwa, the Chairman Practice Committee, Tpl Barnabas Atiyaye FNITP, the Chairman Publications Committee Tpl. Prof. Davidson Alaci FNITP and the Executive Secretary of the Institute Tpl Eric Mbaaukan MNITP. Also present was Tpl. Dunmoye Olasunkanmi FNITP, HOD, Urban and Regional Development, Federal Ministry of Works & Housing.
Signed:
Tpl Edmund C. Nwokaeze, MNITP
National Public Relations Secretary.
