The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Enugu State Chapter, has presented the Green City Award to the Enugu State Government in recognition of the State’s outstanding achievements in environmental sustainability, urban greening, and sustainable smart city development under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah

The award was conferred on the Enugu State Government by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) at its 2025 International Conference held in Abuja, in acknowledgement of the State’s remarkable commitment to environmental stewardship, green infrastructure, and innovative urban development initiatives.

 

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Chapter Chairman, Tpl. Dr. Ngene Charles C., ably represented by the Chapter Secretary, Tpl. Elias Agummadu M, noted that Enugu City has consistently distinguished itself as a model city in environmental management and urban planning today. He recalled that in 2015, Enugu City was adjudged one of the four most resilient cities in Africa, emerging ahead of Kigali (Rwanda), Accra (Ghana), and Arusha (Tanzania) in an award sponsored by the Kennedy Foundation.

 

According to him, the Enugu State Chapter of the Institute is delighted that the Coal City has continued to maintain its enviable status among Nigeria’s leading green cities, as recognized by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners. He stated that the presentation of the award, coming on the eve of the World Environment Day celebration, was intended to encourage the Governor of Enugu State in his commitment to transforming the Coal City into a major international tourism destination and a model sustainable city.

 

The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl. Dr. Ogb onna Chime congratulated the Governor through the Honourable Commissioner on the well-deserved recognition. He commended the State Government for its commitment to environmental sustainability and urban development. The President also used the occasion to invite the Government and people of Enugu State to participate in the 2026 International Conference of the Institute scheduled to hold in Lagos in October 26th – 30th, 2026.

 

Furthermore, he appealed to the State Government to employ new Town Planners into the State Civil Service and equally sponsor town planners in its employment to attend the conference as well as the next World Urban Forum scheduled to take place in Mexico in 2028.

 

Responding on behalf of the State Government, the Honourable Commissioner for lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners for the recognition and assured the Institute of the Government’s continued commitment to sustainable urban development. He reiterated the readiness of the State Government to domesticate the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law in Enugu State in the near future. The Commissioner also praised the National President of the Institute, Tpl. Dr. Chime Ogbonna A., for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the advancement of the town planning profession across Nigeria.

 

Those present at the ceremony included the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl. Dr. Chime Ogbonna A, FNITP; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Enugu State, Tpl. Philip Arum; the Deputy Directors, Town Planning Department Tpl. Mrs. Ngene Uche Juliana, Tpl. Okoh Chukwuemeka Joseph; retired Deputy Director / ATOPCO, Chairman, Tpl. Ugwu Francis A.; the Chapter Secretary, Tpl. Agummadu Elias M.; the Chairperson of women in Planning Enugu State Chapter, Tpl. Dr. Mrs. Onyejekwe Ijeoma; the Chapter Treasurer, Tpl.Dr. Ibekwe Juliet C. and the public Relation Secretary (PRS). Tpl. Nnamani Ikechukwu A. of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Enugu State Chapter, as well as officials of the Ministry.

 

The ceremony reaffirmed the shared commitment of both the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners to sustainable urban development, environmental protection, and the promotion of best planning practices for the benefit of present and future generations.

 

See attached photos

 

Signed

 

Tpl. Nnamani Ikechukwu A.

 

Public Relation Secretary (PRS), (NITP.), Enugu State Chapter.