Urban Development Crisis: NITP Advocates For Building Consensus in Imo

ThankGod Emeh…

The Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, NITP Imo State Chapter has called for complete adherence to standard town planning codes across the state, noting that town planning is essential to manage the effects of urbanization such as overcrowding, crime, traffic congestion, unemployment, slum development, water and sanitation problems among others.

The Town Planners made the call at their new leadership pre-investiture press briefing held at Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Owerri on Monday, June 2, 2025.

According to the NITP, the “mission of Town Planning is to see man as the beneficiary of all developmental activities and to ensure for him, an environment which is livable, healthy, friendly, efficient and economically viable, through ethical, professional training and practices that is responsive to his needs and social dynamics”, hence the call on government and private individuals to enforce every masterplan and as well follow the professional guidelines of developing any given area so as to benefit from its optimal functionality.

“The quest for sustainable human settlements in our State cannot be achieved without the endorsement, involvement and buy-in of government at various levels of governance and other critical stakeholders.

“Town Planning epitomizes man as the great beneficiary of an organized and functional city. Our cities are the biggest repository of human population and capital, which is cosmopolitan in nature, each person, with the intent to share the booty which in his imagination, the city breeds. Town Planning as a predictive and scientific profession articulates all the resources and facilities that would support the optimal functionality of every city in an orderly manner”

NITP said the forthcoming investiture of TPL Austin Ukanwa as Chairman of Imo Town Planners Inauguration of Chapter’s 2024/2025 State Executive members on Friday June 6, 2025 would offer Imo public the opportunity to provoke conversations around creating for themselves a sustainable human settlement in all the communities, towns and cities in the State.

The Investiture lecture with the theme “Role of Imo State Government in the Administration of Physical Planning in the State”, shall be delivered by erudite scholar of international repute and Dean College of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. John D. Njoku.

The Imo Town Planners however noted that “the investiture is significant in the history of Urban and Regional Planning in Imo State and in the Old Eastern Region because, this is the first of its kind in Imo State, and about the second time such event is taking place in the whole 9 States of the region”

Addressing newsmen, the Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, NITP Imo state Chapter, TPL Austin Ukanwa said the event with the theme “Role of Imo State Government in the Administration of Physical Planning in the State”, shall herald a new era in Town Planning administration in Imo State because of the level of individuals that have indicated their availability for and participation in the event as he lauded Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma on his developmental strides and emergence as the Infrastructure Governor of the Year.

“I want to appreciate the Executive Governor of Imo State His Excellency, (Dr) Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, who is the Special Guest of Honour of the event, and wish to use this medium to congratulate him again on his recent emergence as the Infrastructure Governor of the Year. This award, to the glory of God, is in tandem with the ideals of Town Planning which is hinged on provision of institutional and community facilities”

TPL Ukanwa also expressed appreciation to the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu among dignitaries.

“I also want to appreciate our lawmakers from the Imo State House of Assembly who are collaborating with the Chapter on this occasion. My sincere thanks to Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly for the support he has accorded this project from planning stage up till this moment.

“Additionally, I bring you good tidings from the Chairman of the occasion, TPl. Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, MNITP, Fcai whose encouragement and commitment has made the date of this event double sure.

“The contributions of my leader and support system, Rt. Hon. Canice Moore Chukwugozie Nwachukwu (Omeogo, Ogbaturuenyi Na Orlu), the house member, representing Orlu/Orsu/ Oru East Federal Constituency in the Fedral House of Representatives who has tirelessly encouraged and assisted in organizing the event.

“My Members of the Investiture Planning Committee, ably led by the indefatigable, Prince Ezeala Ferdinand Akano have my special accolades. We also shall be giving awards of honor to some distinguished members of our state who have contributed immensely to the sustenance of Town Planning ideals in the society.

“Finally, I do not forget all the support the Forum of Elders, Past Presidents, EXCO, and distinguished members of NITP, Imo State Chapter, and members across the country have extended to me since after the election that ushered us in, and in planning this investiture. I do not take them for granted”, the NIP Imo State Chapter.