By Douglas Princemola
Owerri, Imo State – June 6, 2025 | The Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has officially sworn in Tpl. Austin Ukanwa Ugoh, FNITP, as its new Chairman in a colourful ceremony held at the West Brook Hotel, New Owerri.
The event was not only an inauguration but also a grand celebration that brought together top professionals, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country. It also featured the formal installation of the 2024/2025 Executive Committee of the chapter.
In his speech, Tpl. Ugoh described the event as a turning point for the planning profession in Imo State. He emphasized that town planning is not just a technical job but a “social contract” — a responsibility to create better, safer, and more organized communities for everyone.
He outlined three major areas that need urgent government attention. First, he called on the Imo State House of Assembly to pass the state’s urban and regional planning law, which is still pending. Without it, he said, development across the state remains poorly controlled and unregulated.
Secondly, he noted that the number of qualified town planners working within the state government is far too low. He appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to approve the recruitment of more professionals to help manage urban development effectively.
Third, Tpl. Ugoh expressed concern that the Owerri Master Plan—which serves as a development guide for the state capital—has not been updated for many years. He urged the government to begin a full review and to give more powers to the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) to meet the growing needs of the city.
Looking ahead, the new NITP chairman introduced his three-point agenda: increasing public awareness about planning, strengthening partnerships with government and private institutions, and reforming the internal structure of the NITP in Imo to serve better.
He promised to restore public trust in the planning system through transparency, teamwork, and long-term strategies that would lead to more livable cities across the state.
The event also featured an award presentation to honour several respected personalities who have supported the goals of the NITP and contributed to urban development in the state.
Among those honoured were:
Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, who represented Governor Hope Uzodinma at the event.
Hon. Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie, lawmaker representing Mbaitoli and former General Manager of OCDA.
Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, former governorship candidate and political leader, who also chaired the occasion.
Hon. Canice Moore C. Nwachukwu, member of the National Assembly representing Orlu Federal Constituency.
Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly.
Chief Dr. Chika Emenike (NPOM) and Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo, former Speaker and House of Reps member.
Each of the award recipients expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged continued support for urban planning initiatives in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Barr. Onuegbu congratulated the new NITP leadership and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modern urban management. He announced that the state is set to launch a fully digital land registry system to prevent land fraud, simplify record-keeping, and make land access easier for investors and the public.
Former OCDA boss Hon. Ikpamezie praised the work of town planners, urging them to remain focused, professional, and united despite challenges.
Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, while addressing the audience, described planners as key players in the state’s growth. He promised to support the NITP’s activities and encouraged the new executives to serve with integrity and vision.
The success of the event was also attributed to the efforts of Hon. Ferdinand Ezeala Akano, a government appointee who was highly praised by the chapter’s leadership for his strategic planning and coordination behind the scenes.
In all, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for urban planning in Imo State—one that combines professionalism, innovation, and government collaboration to build better communities for future generations.
