Plans are in full swing to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije, a renowned urban planner and former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).
The milestone event scheduled for Friday, 11th April, 2025 at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre Abuja, is set to bring together top professionals, government officials, and stakeholders in the urban planning and real estate sectors, is drawing widespread support as preparations intensify.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Festus Adebayo, in a statement released in Abuja, confirmed that arrangements are at an advanced stage to ensure a memorable and impactful celebration.
According to Adebayo, the birthday will not only be a time of reflection and celebration of Atebije’s achievements but will also mark the launch of a major initiative aimed at strengthening urban planning advocacy in Nigeria.
As the event date draws closer, key figures in urban planning, housing development, and government institutions have pledged their support to honor the remarkable contributions of Tpl. Atebije. His career, spanning over four decades, has been marked by exceptional leadership, advocacy for sustainable cities, and a commitment to professional excellence.
A Fellow of the NITP, Atebije’s impact on the field of town planning in Nigeria is profound. His tenure as NITP President, along with previous roles as National Secretary and 2nd National Vice President, demonstrated his dedication to advancing urban development policies.
Beyond his leadership roles, he has been instrumental in mentoring young professionals and shaping urban planning discourse in Nigeria.
A key highlight of the celebration will be the official launch of the Nathaniel Atebije Urban Planning Foundation, an initiative designed to promote excellence in urban planning, support research and education, and advocate for sustainable urban development practices in Nigeria. The foundation will serve as a lasting legacy of Atebije’s unwavering dedication to ensuring well-planned, livable communities.
The foundation’s objectives include: Providing scholarships and training opportunities for young urban planners; Supporting research and innovation in sustainable urban development; Partnering with government and private sector organizations to drive planning advocacy; Promoting policies that enhance affordable housing and organized urban growth.
Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije’s journey in urban planning began with a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from Kaduna Polytechnic. His quest for deeper knowledge led him to earn a Master’s in Environmental Planning and Protection from the University of Abuja. His extensive experience spans academia, consultancy, and public service, making him a well-respected figure in the industry.
As a consultant, he has contributed to several major urban planning projects, offering expertise that has helped shape city development strategies across the country. Even after retirement from public service, Atebije continues to lend his expertise to planning consultancy, reinforcing his belief in sustainable urban growth.
With support pouring in from colleagues, institutions, and government agencies, the 70th birthday celebration is set to be more than just a personal milestone, it will be a gathering of thought leaders committed to advancing Nigeria’s urban development.
The event promises to be a grand occasion, featuring goodwill messages, keynote addresses, and discussions on the future of urban planning in Nigeria.
It will also serve as an inspiration to young professionals in the industry, reminding them of the power of dedication and service to national development.
As preparations reach the final stage, there is great anticipation for a celebration that will honor not just the life of Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije but also his immense contributions to shaping Nigeria’s urban landscape.
