The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has pledged to collaborate closely with the current administration to fully restore the Abuja Master Plan and ensure that new structures are developed per established guidelines.
This commitment was made by the newly inaugurated institute chairperson, Tpl. Queen Imalue Phillips, during her swearing-in ceremony as the 15th chair of the FCT chapter.
In her inaugural address, Phillips emphasised the need for orderliness in urban development, asserting that “sustainable cities and environments” can only be achieved through meticulous planning and adherence to the Master Plan.
She outlined her administration’s key objectives, which include strengthening professionalism and capacity building and providing ongoing professional development through workshops and training to equip members with contemporary planning skills.
“Advocacy for sustainable urban development, engaging policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that development principles are followed in Abuja and surrounding areas. Enhanced collaboration with government and private sector: Fostering partnerships with relevant authorities to promote better urban governance.
“Empowering young and emerging town planners: Creating more opportunities for young professionals through internships and entrepreneurship support.
“Promoting innovation and digital transformation in planning: – Embracing technology such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve decision-making in town planning,” she said.
The chairperson also called for a collaborative effort to address the issue of illegal structures that have proliferated in the FCT. She expressed that proper implementation of physical plans is crucial for economic growth, remarking,
“If we prepare these plans and they are inadequately implemented, we do not expect to see economic growth.”
She urged government officials to recognise the significance of physical planning and its correlation to economic prosperity.
While addressing the contentious blame between town planners, builders, and the government, Phillips refrained from assigning fault but highlighted the complexities involved in urban planning.
“The town planner produces the plans; the government implements them,” she stated, reinforcing the need for a functional partnership between these stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, the national president of the NITP, Tpl. Dr Ogbonna Chime echoed Phillips’ sentiments, underlining the leadership role of town planners within the built environment.
Chime, while citing recent violent attacks on town planners during routine duties, emphasised the urgent need for the protection of professionals in the field.
He thanked the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his timely intervention in handling the situation.
Chime also spoke on the significant achievement of the FCT chapter, which recently received the NITP Presidential award for „Best Performing Chapter“ among 37 others during the 55th International Conference held in Enugu state.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past chairman, Tpl. Lami Ayuba reflected on his tenure, highlighting the chapter‘s collective accomplishments.
Ayuba expressed gratitude for the support he received, emphasising the importance of continued dedication to sustainable urban planning as the baton is passed to Phillips.
He said Phillips’ inauguration holds additional significance as it marks a milestone in gender representation within the NITP. The outgoing and incoming chairpersons are women, a rare accomplishment in the organisation‘s history.
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