The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Enugu State Chapter, has celebrated 60 years of professional excellence with the first Investiture of its new Executive Committee, led by TPL. Dr. Christopher Maduka Anierobi as Chairman, Enugu state Chapter.
The ceremony, held at the Main Hall of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, brought together town planners, government representatives, traditional rulers, surveyors, academics and other stakeholders in the built environment.
The event officially commenced with the arrival of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie.
In his combined welcome address and chairman’s opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Chairman/CEO of Tenece Group, Dr. Kingsley Eze, described town planning as a noble profession and called on practitioners to remain relevant as urban development continues to evolve.
Eze said modern planning was moving beyond conventional approaches, pointing to the emergence of the “15-minute city” concept, where residents can access essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, markets and shopping centres within short walking or driving distances.
He also highlighted the growing importance of mixed-use development, technology and climate change in shaping modern cities, urging town planners to champion these emerging approaches.
According to him, professional planners must be involved from the conceptual and design stages of new cities and communities and should provide governments with the policy direction needed to create smart, functional and sustainable urban centres.
Eze cited his experience in contributing to the design of a proposed mixed-use city incorporating schools, shopping facilities, business districts, recreational areas and residential communities, with smart technology integrated into the development.
He urged town planners to embrace new methods of city development, stressing that their ability to adapt would be critical to maintaining their relevance in the 21st century.
Also speaking, the National President of the NITP, TPL Ogbonna Chime, commended the Enugu State Chapter and acknowledged the presence of the Governor’s Representative, Traditional Rulers and the newly Invested Chapter Chairman.
Chime described Enugu as a leading state in town planning and noted that it has one of the highest numbers of town planners. He also highlighted the achievements of town planners globally and commended the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for what he described as his digital-driven approach to development and planning.
Representing the Executive Governor, Barr. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie said town planning plays a critical role in creating order, attracting investment, protecting the environment and improving citizens’ quality of life.
He said the state government had taken deliberate steps to strengthen its planning and land administration systems, with emphasis on efficiency, technology and an investor-friendly environment.
Okorie said the government would continue to engage professionals and advance initiatives aimed at addressing planning challenges in the state, while also pursuing the development of a smart city as part of its broader development vision.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions and professionals in achieving sustainable urban development.
The newly invested Chairman of NITP Enugu State Chapter, TPL. Dr. Christopher Maduka Anierobi, in his message, said town planners had continued to mobilise human resources and professional expertise toward transforming and nurturing the physical environment.
Anierobi likened town planners to “doctors of the environment,” stressing their responsibility in ensuring that communities are properly planned and developed for the benefit of the public.
He acknowledged ongoing development efforts in Enugu State, including the delineation of new urban areas, construction of roads and transportation infrastructure, development of smart schools and the emerging New Enugu City.
The new NITP chairman, however, called for stronger collaboration between the state government and professional town planners, particularly in the preparation of an Urban Master Plan for Enugu City and other newly delineated urban areas.
He also advocated the domestication of the new Urban and Regional Planning Law for Enugu State, saying this would provide a stronger legal framework for sustainable physical development.
Anierobi assured that the new executive committee would work closely with government to enhance the physical development of the state and promote a more sustainable urban environment.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of certificates to the Grand Patron, Chief Patrons, Chief Patronesses and Royal Patrons of the NITP Enugu State Chapter. The certificates were presented by the NITP National President, TPL. Ogbonna Chime, the TOPREC President and other prominent members of the institute.
The occasion also featured the investiture of the NITP Enugu State Chapter Executive Committee for 2026–2028, headed by Anierobi.
Other members of the executive include TPL. Dr. Ibekwe Juliet Chinenye, Vice Chairman; TPL. Christian Ikemefuna Attamah, Secretary; TPL. Ozoejike Obinna Emmanuel, Public Relations Secretary; TPL. Ezechi Chidiebere Stanleous, Financial Secretary; TPL. Mrs. Amaka Millicent Ameja, Assistant Secretary; TPL. Nwankwo Chidimma Ezeunne, Treasurer; and TPL. Mrs. Anigbo Philomina, Assistant Public Relations Secretary; TPL. Dr. Theophilus Eze, Legal Adviser; TPL. Eneje Solomon Chinonso, Provost; TPL. Kanu Nkechi O., Auditor; TPL. Okeke Anthony Okechukwu, Chairman, Membership and Youth Empowerment Committee; TPL. Ngene Ebenezer Kene, Chairman, Education Committee; TPL. Ugwu Francis A., Chairman, Practice and Revenue Committee; Prof. Edmund Amuezuoke Iyi, Chairman, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee; Prof. Ubani, Justice Obinna, Chairman, Publication Committee; and TPL. Agummadu Elias Maduakolam, Ex-Officio II.
The celebration combined the institute’s 60th anniversary with the historic first investiture of the Enugu State Chapter’s new executive committee, highlighting the profession’s contribution to physical development and its evolving role in creating sustainable, resilient and smart communities.