The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has elected Town Planner (Tpl.) Dr. Ogbonna Chime as its new National President, succeeding Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije.
This leadership transition marked the end of the 55th International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the institute held in Enugu, where delegates and members from various states gathered to elect a new national executive council.
The election, which took place following the AGM, saw the dissolution of the outgoing national exco led by Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije.
As the outgoing president’s tenure came to a close, the electoral committee supervised the accreditation and voting process, which culminated in Dr. Chime’s emergence as the new leader of the institute.
Atebije’s tenure was widely praised for its focus on institutional reforms and efforts to promote the implementation of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Dr. Ogbonna Chime expressed gratitude to the members for entrusting him with the leadership of the institute.
He acknowledged the achievements of his predecessor, pledging to build on the successes recorded under Atebije’s leadership. “Tpl. Atebije’s tenure has set a high standard, and my aim is to consolidate on these gains. We must all join hands together to move this institute to greater heights,” Dr. Chime remarked.
The new National President also emphasized the institute’s continued commitment to working with the federal and state governments to address the long-standing challenges in urban planning laws.
He stated, “One of my primary goals is to collaborate with relevant government bodies to ensure the review and implementation of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law enacted in 1992. This is critical to achieving sustainable and organized urban development in the country.”
Tpl. Nathaniel Atebije, in his farewell speech, expressed appreciation for the support he received during his tenure. He thanked the elders, leaders, fellows, and members for their cooperation and dedication. “It has been an honor serving this great institute, and I am confident that Tpl. Dr. Chime will lead us into new frontiers. I urge everyone to give him the same support I enjoyed,” Atebije said.
The election day concluded with the presentation of certificates of return to the newly elected national executive members.
Meanwhile, Members of the institute expressed optimism that the new leadership under Dr. Chime would steer the institute towards continued growth and development, with a renewed focus on addressing pressing urban planning issues nationwide.
