Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, alongside Festus Adebayo, Founder/CEO of Housing TV Africa and convener of the Africa International Housing Show, and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd.), have been honored with the prestigious title of Honorary Fellows while another prominent Nigerian, Arc. Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, Chairman of ThinkLab Group received an Honorary Member award from the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP). The recognition acknowledges their monumental contributions to Nigeria’s urban and regional development.
The investiture ceremony took place at the 2024 NITP Annual Conference and General Meeting, held at the Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu. The event brought together distinguished professionals from across Nigeria to celebrate these leaders who have played pivotal roles in enhancing sustainable urban planning.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s visionary leadership in urban and regional planning during his first year in office earned him the NITP fellowship. His administration has revitalized Katsina’s urban planning sector, with projects including a N74 billion budget for urban road expansion and the appointment of physical planners to key state roles.
In his remarks after receiving the award, Governor Radda expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing his administration’s success in planning to the collaborative efforts in Katsina State. “This award, given by such a professional and esteemed body, holds great value for us and inspires us to continue developing and planning our state,” he stated
General Theophilus Danjuma represented at the event was honored for his environmental conservation efforts, particularly through his greening initiatives in Abuja, which aim to combat deforestation, reduce urban heat, and improve air quality. His projects have significantly enhanced the capital’s green spaces, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
Festus Adebayo’s impact as CEO of Housing TV Africa and his two decades of dedication to promoting urban and regional planning were also recognized. Also through his global platform, the Africa International Housing Show, Adebayo has spotlighted critical urban planning issues, bringing media attention to topics that affect Nigeria’s housing and development landscape. His efforts in the success of the 2023 NITP National Conference in Asaba further exemplify his commitment to the profession.
Adebayo expressed surprise and appreciation for the recognition, viewing it as a challenge to further elevate Nigeria’s town planning and urban development sectors. “This honorary fellowship came as a surprise. I see it as a call to do more in promoting town planning, which is key to Nigeria’s housing and construction leadership,” Adebayo said.
Arc. Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, a notable Nigerian architect and Group CEO of ThinkLab Group, was recognized for his historic partnership with NITP to finance and construct a state-of-the-art headquarters for the Institute in Abuja. This ambitious project, which represents a significant milestone for the NITP, underscores the organization’s growth after nearly six decades of operation. The new headquarters is hailed as a game-changer for urban planning in Nigeria.
Speaking on the honor received and collaboration with the institute, Dr. Kori thanked the leadership for the award and emphasized that the headquarters would not only serve as a home for NITP but also symbolize the strength of the partnership between ThinkLab and the Institute. NITP National President, Nathaniel Atebije, praised Dr. Kori for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence, celebrating his exceptional contributions to the field.
In addition to Adebayo, Kori, Danjuma, and Radda, the NITP also celebrated other professionals who have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s urban planning and development. These honorees include Flora Anne, Executive Director of Housing TV Africa, Prince Sam Ogrih, MD/CEO of Delta Mega Trend Nigeria Limited, Professor Onipe Adabenege Yahaya, an accountant and financial analyst, and Bassey Bassey, Executive Director of HipCity Innovation Centre. Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on the built environment and urban planning sectors in Nigeria.
Tpl. Lami Ayuba, the Abuja Chapter Chairman of NITP, and other professionals were also inducted into the Institute’s College of Fellows, further strengthening the network of experts committed to advancing town planning in Nigeria.
The NITP’s President, Tpl. Nathaniel M. Atebije, in his address, emphasized the importance of integrity and leadership for the new Fellows and Members. He urged them to uphold the ethical standards of the Institute and contribute actively to Nigeria’s physical planning initiatives.
With visionary leaders like Adebayo, Kori, Danjuma, and Radda now recognized as Honorary Fellows, the future of Nigeria’s urban and regional planning profession looks brighter than ever. Their collective efforts in environmental conservation, urban renewal, and advocacy for sustainable development have set a high standard for future leaders in the field.
Top dignitaries in attendance included Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, among others, signaling strong support for the continued advancement of Nigeria’s urban planning agenda.
