The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja sparkled with joy and admiration as dignitaries, professionals, and well-wishers from across the nation gathered to celebrate a titan in Nigeria’s urban planning space, Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije, who turned 70.
The grand event was not only a celebration of life but a tribute to a legacy defined by visionary leadership, professional excellence, and a lifetime of service to Nigeria’s urban planning sector.
As the immediate past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Atebije’s influence continues to shape conversations and policy directions in sustainable development.
The Chairman of the occasion, John Abuh, set the tone with a passionate address reflecting on Nigeria’s infrastructural gaps and the leadership missteps that have plagued urban development. His remarks were not only a call to reflection but also a reverent nod to Atebije’s consistent commitment to order, vision, and ethics in the planning profession.
On his part, Festus Adebayo, Chairman of the Planning Committee and Convener of the Africa International Housing Show, welcomed guests with a heartfelt tribute to the celebrant. “Tpl. Atebije is a rare gem who has used his voice and expertise to reshape the direction of urban planning in Nigeria,” Adebayo noted, emphasizing that the celebration was also a defining moment for planning advocacy.
Delivering a powerful address during the event, the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, challenged urban planners to embrace their spiritual duty as custodians of the environment. “We are caretakers, not owners. Planning must be rooted in fairness, human dignity, and justice, not just efficiency,” he urged.
Dr. Ogbonna Chime, current NITP President, lauded Atebije’s enduring contributions and advocated strongly for the implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law, describing it as “non-negotiable for Nigeria’s future.”
Prince Akintoye Adeoye, President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), joined in the praises, reminding the audience that “housing is a fundamental human right,” and credited Atebije’s leadership for advancing the synergy between town planning and real estate development.
The celebrant himself, overwhelmed by the honor, called for renewed dedication to planning values that prioritize long-term sustainability over political expediency. “Planning must be guided by integrity and responsibility. We must think of future generations,” Atebije stated.
Other tributes came in from high-level figures including past presidents of the NITP, the Chairman of the NITP FCT chapter among others.
The highlight of the event was the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake by Atebije and his wife, followed by the official launch of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy, a new initiative set to redefine the future of urban planning and development in Nigeria.
Tpl. Atebije’s 70th birthday was not just a celebration, it was a festival of excellence, gratitude, and purpose. It left the audience inspired to uphold the principles that have defined his extraordinary journey in urban planning.
