Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Abia State chapter, has sought to be involved in the ongoing airport development and proposed stadium city projects by the state government.
The chapter made the appeal in an address read by its chairman, Ignatius Anyanwu during a courtesy visit to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Ukeje Ukpabi, in Umuahia, the state capital.
They appealed for “the absorption/appointment letters/confirmation letters for town planning staff in authorities,” and collaboration between the ministry, authorities and the chapter.
“We look forward to engaging in productive discussions, exploring ways to collaborate, and contributing to the state’s growth.
“As we discuss potential collaborations, we believe our chapter can work together to enhance the city’s infrastructure, promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life of Abians,” they said.
Listing the development of the institute’s secretariat as one of their pressing issues, they commended him for accepting to serve as committee co-chairman for the project.
“We also look forward to exploring other areas of mutual interest and identify opportunities for partnership as the apex body responsible for physical planning matters of the state,” they added.
In a response, Ukpabi, expressed gratitude for the visit, explaining that the importance of cooperation in the ongoing reforms by the Alex Otti administration in the state cannot be over-emphasised.
The permanent secretary, who is a member of the institute noted the rehabilitation of the state secretariat as one of the reforms as “it now enjoys regular power supply and running water as against when it was unfit for work.”
In a comment, one of the oldest members of the institute in the country, Ukwen Okorie, charged the members to think first about the profession, adding that the reward would surely come later.
