Chinwe Onuigbo
The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, Dr. Chime Ogbonna has been honoured with the Pan-African Leadership Award as Africa’s Patriotic Icon of Integrity and Leadership by the African Students’ Union Parliament, ASUP.
In a statement issued by the NITP, the institute said the award was conferred on Dr. Ogbonna in recognition of his contributions to patriotism, economic and human capital development, youth empowerment, peace advocacy, philanthropy, and service to humanity, Nigeria, and Africa.
The award was presented during a ceremony in Abuja, where the Acting Executive Secretary of NITP, Jide Babalola, received the honour on behalf of the institute’s president.
The institute said the recognition formed part of ASUP’s efforts to honour individuals whose leadership, professional achievements, and commitment to service have contributed to sustainable development, good governance,and socio-economic advancement across Africa.
Reacting to the honour, Dr. Ogbonna said the recognition would further strengthen his commitment to promoting professional excellence and sustainable physical planning in Nigeria and across the continent.
He noted that effective town planning remains a critical driver of economic growth, investment attraction and improved living standards, adding that well-planned cities help reduce infrastructure costs, enhance productivity and create an enabling environment for businesses and communities to thrive.
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The NITP president stressed that Africa’s rapid urbanisation requires deliberate planning strategies supported by innovation, technology, and professional expertise to address challenges, including housing deficits, transportation problems, environmental degradation, and climate change.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to collaborating with governments, development partners, and the private sector to promote orderly urban development, strengthen physical planning institutions, and support economic transformation through sustainable human settlements.
Receiving the award on behalf of Dr. Ogbonna, Babalola described the recognition as a testament to the NITP president’s leadership and the institute’s commitment to maintaining professional standards and contributing to national development.
He said the NITP, under Dr. Ogbonna’s leadership would continue to champion initiatives that promote inclusive urban growth, empower young professionals, and advance policies capable of supporting Africa’s socio-economic development.
