The investiture ceremony took place at the 2024 NITP Annual Conference and General Meeting, held at the Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu. The event brought together distinguished professionals from across Nigeria to celebrate these leaders who have played pivotal roles in enhancing sustainable urban planning.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s visionary leadership in urban and regional planning during his first year in office earned him the NITP fellowship. His administration has revitalized Katsina’s urban planning sector, with projects including a N74 billion budget for urban road expansion and the appointment of physical planners to key state roles.

In his remarks after receiving the award, Governor Radda expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing his administration’s success in planning to the collaborative efforts in Katsina State. “This award, given by such a professional and esteemed body, holds great value for us and inspires us to continue developing and planning our state,” he stated

General Theophilus Danjuma represented at the event was honored for his environmental conservation efforts, particularly through his greening initiatives in Abuja, which aim to combat deforestation, reduce urban heat, and improve air quality. His projects have significantly enhanced the capital’s green spaces, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Festus Adebayo’s impact as CEO of Housing TV Africa and his two decades of dedication to promoting urban and regional planning were also recognized. Also through his global platform, the Africa International Housing Show, Adebayo has spotlighted critical urban planning issues, bringing media attention to topics that affect Nigeria’s housing and development landscape. His efforts in the success of the 2023 NITP National Conference in Asaba further exemplify his commitment to the profession.

Adebayo expressed surprise and appreciation for the recognition, viewing it as a challenge to further elevate Nigeria’s town planning and urban development sectors. “This honorary fellowship came as a surprise. I see it as a call to do more in promoting town planning, which is key to Nigeria’s housing and construction leadership,” Adebayo said.

Arc. Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, a notable Nigerian architect and Group CEO of ThinkLab Group, was recognized for his historic partnership with NITP to finance and construct a state-of-the-art headquarters for the Institute in Abuja. This ambitious project, which represents a significant milestone for the NITP, underscores the organization’s growth after nearly six decades of operation. The new headquarters is hailed as a game-changer for urban planning in Nigeria.

Speaking on the honor received and collaboration with the institute, Dr. Kori thanked the leadership for the award and emphasized that the headquarters would not only serve as a home for NITP but also symbolize the strength of the partnership between ThinkLab and the Institute. NITP National President, Nathaniel Atebije, praised Dr. Kori for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence, celebrating his exceptional contributions to the field.

In addition to Adebayo, Kori, Danjuma, and Radda, the NITP also celebrated other professionals who have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s urban planning and development. These honorees include Flora Anne, Executive Director of Housing TV Africa, Prince Sam Ogrih, MD/CEO of Delta Mega Trend Nigeria Limited, Professor Onipe Adabenege Yahaya, an accountant and financial analyst, and Bassey Bassey, Executive Director of HipCity Innovation Centre. Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on the built environment and urban planning sectors in Nigeria.

Tpl. Lami Ayuba, the Abuja Chapter Chairman of NITP, and other professionals were also inducted into the Institute’s College of Fellows, further strengthening the network of experts committed to advancing town planning in Nigeria.

The NITP’s President, Tpl. Nathaniel M. Atebije, in his address, emphasized the importance of integrity and leadership for the new Fellows and Members. He urged them to uphold the ethical standards of the Institute and contribute actively to Nigeria’s physical planning initiatives.

With visionary leaders like Adebayo, Kori, Danjuma, and Radda now recognized as Honorary Fellows, the future of Nigeria’s urban and regional planning profession looks brighter than ever. Their collective efforts in environmental conservation, urban renewal, and advocacy for sustainable development have set a high standard for future leaders in the field.

Top dignitaries in attendance included Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, among others, signaling strong support for the continued advancement of Nigeria’s urban planning agenda.

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During the signing ceremony held at the NITP Secretariat, National President Town Planner Nathaniel Atebije described the event as a significant milestone, praising the collaboration between the NITP and ThinkLab.

He acknowledged the role of Barrister Festus Adebayo, CEO of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), for his instrumental role in bringing the partnership to fruition.He lauded the support of the board of trustees, the immediate past president and the incoming president for making the signing a reality.

Chairman of ThinkLab Group, Dr. Sa’id Kori, reassured attendees of the company’s dedication to delivering a world-class facility by March 2025. He emphasized that the new headquarters would not only serve as a home for NITP but also symbolize the strength of the relationship between both organizations.

NITP’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Tpl. Chief Obialo Donatus, hailed the development as a clear indication of the Institute’s maturity since its establishment in 1966. He called for continued collaboration to strengthen the Institute’s impact on urban planning in Nigeria.

Festus Adebayo, the CEO of AIHS, reiterated the significance of teamwork in advancing the built environment and urged both current and former NITP leaders to maintain their efforts in propelling the Institute forward. He emphasized that the project would become a source of pride for Nigerian town planners, especially for the younger generation as from next year. He commended Thinkab for starting the job even before the official signing of the agreement.

The new facility, which will consist of four suspended floors on a six-thousand-square-meter plot with two blocks currently under construction, is expected to further enhance NITP’s productivity and ensure its self-sufficiency.

The project is set to be completed next year, with high hopes for it to become a symbol of excellence in Nigeria’s urban development landscape.

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The MOU,signed Wednesday 5th June 2024 at the Thinklab Group head Office in Abuja, marks a milestone for the Institute’s Action plan. This is in view of its target to build a befitting complex to house the Institute.

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The project is to be realized within stipulated timelines and would involve the financing and construction of two blocks of Four-Storey Office structures by the Thinklab group. In his remarks, the Chairman, Thinklab Group, Dr. Sa’d Alkali Koli, noted that the partnership was strategic and very significant. He added that in line with the Group’s vision to maintain high standards and timely delivery, it will work within laid down timelines to realize the project.

Speaking on the modalities of the MOU, he stated “ the proposal we submitted, outlines a joint venture between the Thinklab group and the Nigerian Institute of Town planners. The project involves the financing and construction of two blocks of four-Storey Office Structure and facilities”.

The Chairman also stated that the Group remains committed to ensuring timely service delivery and Maintaining Standards. He also reinstated resolve of the group to deliver within the laid down guidelines.

Reacting to the remarks, the President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, tpl. Nathaniel Atebije, highlighted the importance of the project. He explained that in view of the strides to reposition the Institute, it had become imperative to build a befitting Secretariat.

He said “ this is a project that is very dear to us. There is no Institution that does not crave a befitting place to sit down and think, create ideas. We are glad that you (Thinklab group) are part of the process to create livable cities by being part of the development process of our complex. We have looked at the proposal being made and we are happy with it.Atebije also explained the need to work within the parameters of development Control to ensure that the project does not violate laid down urban planning rules.

READ ALSO: NITP President wins Best President of Professional Bodies Award

Speaking to Housing TV Africa, Executive Director, Housing Development Advocacy Network, (HDAN), Festus Adebayo- also an Honorary member of NITP,harped on the need for professionalism in the delivery of the project and he also called for adherence to core values.According to him expectations are high to see the full realization of the project which he is proud to be the facilitator.

He said “ I am pleased with Thinklab Group and Over the years the Group has raised the standards. The phase one has been completed, highlighted by the signing of the MOU.The phase two is to commence the construction within the next two weeks and deliver at the end of 18months.He further stated that, the Nigerian Institute of Town planners is made up of seasoned and highly respected professionals and as a result, expectations are high over this project”.Highlight of the event was the signing of the MOU by the Chairman, Thinklab Group and the President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners. Notable dignitaries present at the event include Director, Development Control, FCT, Mukhtar Galadima, President NITP, FCT Chapter, Tpl. Lami Ayuba.

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