The Oyo state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has sought the corroborative support of the government and members of the public in the task to regenerate Oyo state through the Urban Renewal Strategy.
The association made this call in a meeting between members of the executive and an Oyo-born International Strategic Planner and Developmental Controller, Tpl Kehinde Oluwatosin, at the on-going 50th Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Tuesday.
The Chairman, Oyo state chapter of the institute, Tpl Adeyemo Olajide, while speaking on behalf of other members of the executive members reiterated the needs for the government and the people to cooperate with the activities of town planner so as to realize the benefit attached to Urbanization of Ibadan and other decaying cities of the state.
“We advise the people and government to support us in terms of rehabilitation, redevelopment and infrastructural development, so that areas that have been decayed can be rehabilitated with the urban renewal strategy.
“The people of Oyo state should cooperate with the planner, we plan the city and by planning the city, we put the benefit of our people into consideration. We do this so Oyo state can be a better and beautiful environment and it is only when our people cooperate with us, we can make this a reality”. He said.
Olajide also advised the people to desist from dumping refuse on waterways so as to avoid the infection of physical environment, building structures and the road network.
Also speaking at the meeting, Tpl Kehinde Oluwatosin urged the association to improve their way of advocating with the government and the people so as to win their mindset through proper sensitization on the goodies of urban regeneration.
Oluwatosin who is a practicing town planner in Dublin, Republic of Ireland advised the town planners to rethink the ways of communicating differently with the people through explanatory and comprehensive analysis of plans, and awareness education.
He described Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde as a man of honour who would be ready to partner with them if given proper orientation since he has the plan to improve the masses standard of living through the provision of affordable housing, sound health, security and other social amenities.
He added that job creation, employment opportunities, economic development, buoyancy of business, and environmental beautification are key benefits of urban development in the state.
Also present at the executive meeting were the 1st Vice President, Tpl Adesokan Samuel, Financial Secretary, Tpl Olaniran Rotimi, Public Relation Secretary, Tpl Lasisi Mubaraq and three other members.
