NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WOMEN TOWN PLANNERS GETS NEW NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WOMEN TOWN PLANNERS GETS NEW NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

By David Maduako — Umuahia

The National Institute of Town Planners (NITP) Women Wing has inaugurated a new National Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Veronica Ugonma Okoye.

Speaking after her investiture, which took place penultimate Thursday at Damgrete Hotel along Factory Road, Umuahia, Dr. Okoye expressed appreciation to members of the body for the support they extended to her during the chairmanship race. She called on government at all levels to involve town planners in the planning and development of cities in Nigeria, noting that planning should be part of the political process. According to her, town planners play crucial roles in the development of any city.

Recounting some of her achievements as the 2nd Vice Chairman of the association, Dr. Okoye, a lecturer at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, said she and her team have been visiting higher institutions to ensure that the women wing of the association is established. She added that they have also been encouraging young girls to study Town Planning, stressing that the importance of town planners in city development cannot be overemphasized.

She noted that as the new leader of women town planners in the country, she would continue to empower women to speak out against marginalization, saying the days of silent complaints should be over. According to her, she has long been an advocate for women participating actively in politics and occupying positions of authority.

TPL Okoye thanked Governor Alex Otti for his developmental strides and his commitment to properly planning the cities of Abia State. She disclosed that Umuahia and Aba are beginning to wear a new look courtesy of proper planning and beautification initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti, represented by the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr. Kingsley Agomo, commended town planners for the vital role they play in societal development and praised the choice of Abia as the venue for the inauguration. He lauded the investiture of Dr. Okoye, describing it as a testament to her doggedness, and reiterated that the governor has created an enabling environment for women to thrive. He added that under the present administration, Abia is experiencing positive transformation with well-planned towns, and stressed the need to embrace digital technology, especially in the use of Artificial Intelligence.

The Bishop of Abangwa North Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Nathan Kanu, also spoke at the event, stating that the church came to honour “their own,” who he described as not only a Christian, mother, and town planner, but an outstanding one. He urged women to apply the same diligence they use in planning communities and cities to the planning of their homes.

The immediate past National Chairman of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria, TPL Rekiyat Ahuoiza Fache, noted that the women wing has its unique ways of doing things and is composed of determined women committed to succeeding in their endeavours. She disclosed that under her leadership, the association achieved significant growth, increasing its membership from 140 to 709. She expressed optimism that TPL Okoye would build on these achievements and elevate the association to greater heights.

The husband of the new chairman, Chief Okoye, congratulated his wife on her new position. He described her as hardworking and resilient, and expressed confidence that she would record laudable achievements during her tenure.

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