The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Ogun State Chapter, is commemorating its 40th anniversary with a week-long programme that focuses on the importance of planning to socio-economic development.

The week-long programme, which starts today, will be headlined by the anniversary lecture scheduled for Thursday at Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele will chair the lecture while Professor Timothy Nubi of the Department of Estate Management, University of Lagos, is the guest speaker. The theme of the lecture is: NITP Ogun at 40: Honouring the Past, Designing the Future.

Other dignitaries expected at the lecture included Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Olatunji Odunlami, Special Guest of Honour; Ogun State Commissioner for Housing, Chief Jagunmolu Omoniyi, Chief Launcher; Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro, Royal Father of the Day and National President, NITP, TPL Ogbonna Chime, the Chief Host at the occasion.

Chairman, NITP Ogun State Chapter, TPL Olusola Odukoya said the line-up of activities highlighted the multifaceted impact of town planning on the society.

He noted that over the past four decades, NITP Ogun State has evolved to becoming a major professional group with profound impact on the society.

Chairman, Ogun State NITP 40th Anniversary Planning Committee, TPL Wakeel Solabi outlined that the programme of activities would begin tomorrow with a press conference and indoor games at the NITP Secretariat, Waheed Kadiri House, Leme, Abeokuta.

He said group will stage an exhibition of students’ studio designs and modelling and later undertake a healthcare outreach.

According to him, in addition to the anniversary lecture, programme of activities on Thursday includes annual general meeting, health talk on kidney care, dinner and award ceremony.

He added that the programme would be rounded off  with a Jumaah service at Sa’adatul Abadiyah Central Mosque, Leme and a thanksgiving service at St. Peter Cathedral Church, Ake, Abeokuta.