By Hassan Hussain
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban development through sound planning policies and strategic interventions aimed at tackling rapid urbanisation and infrastructure deficits.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engineer Muttahqha Rabe Darma, stated this in Abuja at the 39th Induction Ceremony and Awards of the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria, TOPREC.
Represented by the Director and Head of Urban and Regional Development, Town Planner Adejobi Margaret Ojewemimo Omokunmi, the minister said professionally trained town planners were critical to shaping Nigeria’s growing cities.
“The future of Nigeria’s cities depends on the quality of planning decisions made by town planners,” he said.
He noted that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, Social Housing Programme, Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade initiatives were designed to promote integrated physical planning, environmental sustainability and inclusive urban growth.
The minister urged the newly inducted professionals to uphold professionalism, integrity and innovation in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Also speaking, the President of TOPREC, Town Planner Ezenwa Anayochukwu Valentine, congratulated the new inductees and charged them to adapt to modern tools.
“Embrace emerging technologies to remain relevant in the evolving planning profession,” Valentine said.
The Acting Registrar of TOPREC, Mr. Uhiere Samuel Abayomi, also advised the new members to uphold the ethics and regulations guiding the profession.
One of the inductees, Adebayo Azeezat Motunrayo, pledged to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the Council and the town planning profession.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the professional oath by Mr. Abimbola Daini, as 319 new members were inducted into the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria.
Awards were also presented to distinguished professionals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the profession.
