Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged town planners to embrace modern technology, uphold professional standards and promote sustainable urban development as the state experiences rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion.
Salako-Oyedele made the call on Thursday while chairing the 40th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State Chapter, in Abeokuta.
The event, which had the theme, “NITP Ogun @40: Honouring the Past, Designing the Future,” marked four decades of the institute’s contributions to physical planning and development in the state.
The deputy governor congratulated the institute’s leadership and members on the milestone, acknowledging their contributions to the development of Ogun State over the past 40 years.
She noted that the growing population, rapid urbanisation and expanding infrastructure across the state had made the role of professional town planners increasingly important.
According to her, physical planning should be proactive, anticipating and guiding development rather than merely responding to changes after they have occurred.
She urged planning authorities to strike a balance between effective regulation and collaboration with stakeholders to facilitate responsible development.
Ojedele-Salako also called on professionals in the sector to prioritise the development of safe, inclusive and sustainable communities that would meet the needs of present and future generations.
She stressed the importance of maintaining high professional standards and adopting modern technological solutions to improve planning processes and ensure that urban development aligned with the state’s long-term growth objectives.
The deputy governor expressed appreciation to the organisers, guest lecturer and participants for their contributions to the anniversary celebration and the discussions on the future of town planning in Ogun State.
She congratulated the NITP Ogun State Chapter on its 40th anniversary, urging its members to sustain their contributions to physical planning and the state’s development.