The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije, FNITP, has charged newly inducted members of the Institute to create their personal niche in urban planning as they embark on a professional journey.
He made this appeal during the colourful 16th Induction Ceremony, which took place at the Amadeo Event Center, Enugu. The event, themed “Carve Your Personal Niche, Secure a Brighter Future,” marked a significant milestone for the newly admitted town planners.
Addressing the inductees, Atebije recounted his own experience of venturing into the field of town planning in the early days when it was a relatively unknown career path. He shared how, in March 1973, his school’s career counselor introduced him to the field due to his love for geography and mathematics, despite it being a “journey into the unknown” at the time.
“My counselor could not even tell me what the job schedule of a town planner entailed, and no one from my locality had ventured into that field,” Atebije recalled. He added that his decision to pursue town planning, despite the uncertainties, ultimately became a life-changing moment. Drawing parallels, he encouraged the inductees to embrace the field with passion and purpose, reminding them of the crucial role town planners play in creating sustainable and livable communities.
The NITP President emphasized the need for each inductee to establish a personal niche, defining it as the intersection of their interests, skills, values, and market needs. “A personal niche is essential in this profession to set yourself apart and build a successful career. It’s not just about finding your place, but about making a meaningful impact through your specialized knowledge,” he said.
Tpl. Atebije’s heartfelt speech concluded with a prayer for the new members, hoping that their certificates would serve as a key to their future success and a source of pride for their families and communities. “May the certificate we are giving you today be an instrument to wipe away your tears and put a smile on your face. As you create your niche, may your name be heard in many places,” he added.
The ceremony featured an Induction Lecture by Tpl. Mahfuza Adamu Abubakar, MNITP, One of the Winners of the Africa International Housing Show Youth Competition on Affrodable Housing Design and Acting Coordinator of the Young Planners’ Forum, FCT. Her lecture, titled “From Aspiration to Action,” was an insightful exploration of how ambition, coupled with dedication and innovation, can translate into meaningful contributions to urban development. Using a blend of humor and practical wisdom, Abubakar encouraged the new members to move beyond mere aspirations and take concrete steps towards actualizing their dreams.
“Dreams without actions are just dreams. You can aspire to cook a gourmet meal, but unless you roll up your sleeves and figure out the difference between ‘sauté’ and ‘burnt,’ you’re just standing in your kitchen holding a spatula,” she said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. Abubakar highlighted the importance of passion, dedication, and innovation in transforming aspirations into impactful achievements.
The Chairman of the NITP Membership Committee, Tpl. Sani Daniel, FNITP, warmly welcomed the inductees, emphasizing that the Institute’s membership comes with privileges, responsibilities, and sanctions. He described town planning as a calling that goes beyond professional duties to encompass a mission of creating livable and resilient communities.
“As new members, you are expected to bring fresh perspectives and skills that will enrich our Institute and the practice of the profession,” Daniel remarked. He also urged the inductees to actively participate in NITP’s activities and contribute to the Institute’s mission of sustaining the Brighter Future Vision.
In a goodwill message, the President of the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), Tpl. Isyaku Muhtar Kura, FNITP, congratulated the new members and the Institute for its commitment to nurturing the next generation of urban planners. He commended the NITP for its dedication to professional training and development, which, according to him, is crucial for addressing the complex challenges of Nigeria’s urban landscape.
“This induction is a vital step in strengthening the planning profession and ensuring the sustainable development of our cities and communities. I wish the new inductees every success in their careers and look forward to witnessing their contributions to shaping the future of Nigeria’s urban environment,” Kura stated.
Tpl. Adegboyega Tunde Temitayo, National Chairman of the Young Planners’ Forum, also delivered an inspiring speech, charging the inductees to uphold the ethics and standards of the profession. He described town planning as a calling that demands creativity and a commitment to creating sustainable environments. Temitayo urged the inductees to seek mentorship and collaboration in their professional journey.
“As young planners, we are the future of our industry. You have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice and provide innovative solutions to Nigeria’s urban challenges,” he remarked.
The 16th Induction Ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the NITP Vice Presidents, past presidents of the Institute, the President of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), and distinguished fellows of the Institute.
The vibrant ceremony was filled with a beautiful procession and camaraderie, reflecting the unity and shared vision of the NITP community. With the theme “Carve Your Personal Niche, Secure a Brighter Future,” the event left the newly inducted members inspired and motivated to leave their mark on the urban planning profession in Nigeria.
