AVANT-INTEGRITY HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVES (AIHI) has bagged Non-Governmental Organisation NGO Award supporting Town Planning Practice in Ondo State.
AIHI Director, felicitates Tpl. Gbolabo Osunsanmi, fnitp on his swearing in as the Chairman Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Ondo State Chapter:
It’s a worthwhile occasion on Thursday, September 25, 2025 for Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ondo State Chapter, as the investiture ceremony was held at ICAN House, Alagbaka, Akure, where Tpl. Dr. Osunsanmi Gbolabo, FNITP, was formally inaugurated as Chairman of the Chapter.
The event, was notched with the Presence of dignitaries from government, academia, and professional bodies.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Dr. Osunsanmi expressed gratitude to members for entrusting him with the leadership, noting that the responsibility was not a gift but a call to deliver transformative service.
He pledged to prioritize unity, progress, and growth within the Chapter, assuring that his administration would be ambitious in its plans, purposeful in vision, and radical in execution.
On partnership drive, the new chairman said his team would strengthen relationships with government institutions and create synergy between political heads and professional planners.
He promised to improve members’ welfare, enhance transparency in the running of the secretariat, and step up media engagements through radio, television, and social media handles to increase public awareness of the relevance of town planning for inclusive and sustainable development.
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr. Fasua Gbenga, emphasized that proper planning prevents poor performance, calling for collective efforts to make the profession more impactful in society.
He noted that town planners have a crucial role in organizing land use and creating sustainable environments that are safe, attractive, and green-friendly.
One of the major highlights of the event was a lecture delivered by Architect Dr. Igbekele Dawodu, titled “Navigating the Intersections of Planning: Balancing Growth and Social Equity.” where he explained that navigating planning challenges required balance, equity, and stakeholder collaboration.
He identified inadequate funding, policy conflicts, weak enforcement of planning laws, and limited professional engagement at the local government level as some of the major challenges confronting the sector.
He called for domestication and implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992, urging stronger stakeholder training and localized planning strategies to enhance sustainable development.
Separate goodwill messages were later delivered by representatives of government and professional associations inclusive of Ondo State Head of Service who lamented the dwindling number of professional town planners in local government councils and called for their increased involvement in grassroots development.
Also, the Dean of the School of Environmental Technology, FUTA, while congratulating the new executives, encouraged closer collaboration with allied environmental professional bodies.
The Young Surveyors’ Network also expressed solidarity with the new administration.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the AGM Planning Committee, Tpl. Dr. Eniola Jongbo, appreciated dignitaries including Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Hon. Dr. Sunday Oladiji, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development; Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the State Government; and other stakeholders for taking out time to be a part of the celebration.
One major highlight of the event is the presentation of awards where distinguished members and deserving leaders were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the growth of the Institute and the advancement of town planning practice in Ondo State.
It’s indeed worthwhile moment, when Avant-Integrity Humanitarian Initiatives (AIHI) was honored to receive the best Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) supporting Town Planning in Ondo State.
On behalf of Avant Integrity Humanitarian Initiatives’ Ambassadors, we express our profound gratitudes to the prestigious professional body, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Ondo State Chapter.
We are more than THANKFUL for the Award of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) supporting Town Planning Practice in Ondo State.
Thanks for the Nomination, and finding us worthy of your Votes. Much thanks to the Organising Planning Committee for their commitments towards ensuring a fruitful event.
It’s indeed a passion reward for values and commitments beyond instant gains.
Receive our further assurance of commitments to rural & urban developments for progressive governance, via our Radical Environmental Advocacy & Humanitarian Initiatives.
Regards.
E-signed,
Amb. Mathew Olayinka, Mnipr
National P.RO, AIHI
for: Avant-Integrity Humanitarian Initiatives (AIHI)
