The Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) has tasked its 14 newly inducted professional members to improve on the existing town planning regulations and practices in the country.
The Council’s President, Mr Isyaku Kura, gave the charge on Monday, August 17, 2020 in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, at the 33rd induction of the professional members.
Kura, represented by Mr Akpabio Ufot-Akpabio, a member of the council, said that the induction was not only to admit the inductees into the profession.
He said that it was also to emphasise the need for capacity development throughout their professional lives.
He said that the inductees must sustain and broaden their knowledge and technical skills as well as adhere to international best practices and shun material gain over professionalism.
He disclosed that over 2,000 of the 4,963 town planners in Nigeria had been inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).
“Those of you who have been involved with the daily operations of urban and regional planning since you started work must have realised that you are now in a different world.
“And so, to the new inductees therefore, your activities should now reflect the thinking of the new world you have found yourself.
“You must, therefore, apply the TOPREC Act, its code of conduct, practices and regulations in service delivery to citizens; more importantly in the dispensation of any assignment if you are to effectively and efficiently function as a registered town planner,” he said.
Also, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Mr Ime Ekpo, urged the new inductees to always exhibit professional diligence and maintain the objectives of the council wherever they found themselves.
Ekpo said that an efficient environment for people to dwell and live in could only be made possible through an efficient town planning procedure.
He also urged the new members to strive to improve on their knowledge by acquiring new skills and improving on their academic and professional practices.
In a goodwill message, the National President of NITP, Mr Lekwa Ezutah, commended the new inductees for their commitments and diligence which he said had brought them this far.
Ezutah, who was represented by the state chairman of NITP, Mr Ime Emah, tasked them to adhere to NITP’s regulations.
He warned that sanctions would be meted out to erring members for unprofessional conduct that could bring the institute into disrepute.
“I want to draw your attention to the fact that you have also robbed yourself to exercise the franchise within the boundaries of the laws, rules and regulations for practising the profession.
“Also, I want to assert that the desire to be rich within a short time has beclouded many young professionals from enjoying the benefits of mentorship, excellence and dignity in practice.
“Therefore, I admonish you to adhere to the visions, aims and objectives and the core values of the institute, TOPREC law as well as the professional ethics and code of conduct.
“You must practise responsibly and fulfill all professional obligations to the institute and TOPREC,” he said.
The high point of the event was the oath-taking and the presentation of certificates to the 14 newly inducted town planners.
By Isaiah Eka
