… As Stakeholders Welcome Tpl Philip’s Visionary Leadership

In a ceremony marked by a strong commitment to urban development and professional excellence, Tpl. Queen Philips was officially inaugurated as the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

The event, held in Abuja, heralded a new era for the institute, with Tpl. Philips outlining a strategic vision focused on strengthening professionalism, fostering robust collaboration, and empowering the next generation of town planners.

Tpl. Philips, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in urban planning, succeeds Tpl. Lami Ayuba, whose tenure was lauded for its significant contributions to the institute.

Alongside Tpl. Philips, a dedicated team of executives was also inaugurated, including Gabriel Ameh, Kanu Kingsley, Grace Bitrus, Aisha Aliyu, Opeyemi Alabi, Mansurah Yousuf, Emmanuel Gaji, Halimatu Sadiya, Nzeku Ebube, Shittu Mitiu, Lami Ayuba, and Rasaki Dairo.

In her inaugural address, Tpl. Philips articulated a clear roadmap for the chapter, emphasizing the importance of “strengthening professionalism and capacity building” as a core objective.

She pledged to forge strong partnerships with both the government and the private sector, recognizing the critical role of collaboration in addressing the complex urban challenges facing the FCT. “We will also devise plans on how to empower our young town planners,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to nurturing future leaders in the field.

The event featured a compelling lecture by Guest Speaker Tpl. Okafor Christian, who urged the newly inaugurated executives to leverage the strategic position of the FCT Chapter to foster international collaborations. He emphasized the need to engage with embassies, international organizations, and individuals to unlock opportunities for the institute’s members.

“Collaboration is the way forward,” Tpl. Okafor asserted, highlighting the FCT’s rapid development and the imperative for town planners to “connect with embassies, international and local NGOs to harness opportunities and enhance urban integration.”

Former Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu who graced the occasion emphasized the importance of innovation and nation-building, encouraging the institute to serve as a “shining light” in these areas. This according to her highlights her belief in the crucial role of town planners in driving positive change and contributing to the overall development of the nation.

The Chairman of the event, Olusegun Adeyemi, praised Tpl. Philips as a “highly skilled and supportive professional” known for her meticulous attention to detail. He underscored the vital role of town planners in nation-building, emphasizing their contribution to creating “more beautiful and functional cities.”

Outgoing Chairman Tpl. Lami Ayuba, in her valedictory speech, expressed gratitude to the institute’s members for their unwavering support and celebrated the achievements of her tenure. She called upon members to extend the same level of commitment to the new administration.

The Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, delivered a powerful charge to the new executives, urging them to embrace a spirit of service and to execute their responsibilities with diligence. He highlighted the pressing need for urban planning interventions in the FCT’s satellite towns.

The event was graced by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries including National President of the NITP, Tpl. Chime Andrew Ogbonna, the Immediate Past National President of the Institute, Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije and Festus Adebayo, the Founder/CEO of Housing TV Africa who charged the new leadership of the FCT chapter to continue the great works already started by Tpl Ayuba’s led executive.

Tpl. Queen Philips’ inauguration marks a pivotal moment for the NITP FCT Chapter, as it embarks on a new chapter dedicated to advancing the profession of town planning and shaping the future of urban development in Nigeria’s capital city.

The post Tpl. Queen Philips Inaugurated as NITP FCT Chair, Pledges Enhanced Professionalism and Collaboration appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Executive Director of Africa’s leading Housing Advocacy civil society organisation Barr. Festus Adebayo has charged the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN) to prioritize gender inclusion in urban planning, to actively promote and support women’s participation in the sector.

Adebayo who made this call during a courtesy visit on him by the leadership of the association at his office, underscored the need for aggressive advocacy programs and collaborative efforts.

Demonstrating his dedication, he pledged unwavering support to ensure the association’s vision thrives, affirming that his doors are always open for ongoing dialogue.

READ ALSO: HDAN Champions Gender Inclusivity in Urban Planning as Women Town Planners seek Collaboration

He said “We would like to encourage you to attract more women to this profession…Also, look for a way to celebrate and honor your seniors in the profession, so that they can know they have great women to take over from them.

“The time has come for us to encourage our women to go into town planning. I also want to encourage you to do more for advocacy to create awareness. I must also this opportunity to thank the chairman of FCT chapter TPL ( Mrs) Lami Ayuba and the great women who are here today.

“I must also thank you for your initiative to go into slum upgrading, we will be interested in supporting you any day, as far as it has to do with bringing sanity to development in the cities. We are already receiving the support of the Federal Ministry of Housing and the World Bank in this area. I want to assure you that we will do everything to support you at no cost, instead, we’ll provide financial support for you.

The national chairman of the Association, Tpl (Mrs) Rekiyat Ahuoiza Fache FNITP.The National Chairman Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN), a former special assistant to the former minister of state for FCT expressed profound appreciation for HDAN” ‘s significant contributions to the housing and urban development sector, highlighting the purpose of their visit, which was to intimate the organisations of their agenda as new executives and to seek the organization support support towards them. Also, Mrs. Fache revealed ambitious plans to expand the association’s reach to all 36 states of the federation.

Mrs Fache stated “We appreciate you greatly, our honorary town planner, we believe in your capacity, strength and wisdom and that is why we are here to collaborate with your organization because with that we know we can move our association forward to greater heights.

“We are going to embark on aggressive advocacy, and we hope to extend our tentacles to the 36 states of the federation and not just FCT.”

This collaborative effort between the Association of Women Town Planners and Fesadeb Communications Ltd marks a crucial milestone in bridging gaps and fostering synergy between public and private sectors for the betterment of urban development initiatives nationwide, with a particular focus on gender inclusion.

Source: Africa Housing News

The post HDAN Champions Gender Inclusivity in Urban Planning as Women Town Planners seek Collaboration appeared first on Housing TV Africa.