As parts of commitment to give back to the society, women town planners under the auspices of Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter have made generous donations to children with special needs at Special Basic School, Adie Omu Iseyin.
The donation which is an annual tradition for the association was part of effort to celebrate the 2026 International Women’s Day and to truly demonstrate the theme of this year’s celebration “Give and Gain’
Speaking with newsmen, Oyo state chairperson of the Association of women Town Planners, Dr Olaide Oladiran explained that the celebration was an opportunity for the association to raise awareness about the role of town planners and the opportunities available in the career.
While emphasizing the need for organizations, individuals and the society at large to care for the less privileged and the vulnerable, Dr Oladiran said the gesture to the special school would go a long way to cushion biting economic effects on the students and the school at large.
She appealed to house owners, communities and market leaders to prioritize town planning regulations by adhering to building guidelines and desisting from indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
Earlier in an opening remarks, speaker on the occassion, Town Planner Abimbola Ogunsesan said town planners are environmental architects who are responsible for designing and developing urban areas as well as ensuring a balance between land development demands and community needs.
Town Planner Ogunsesan emphasized the importance of associating with the special children, describing them as an integral part of the community that deserved to be made relevant.
She added that any child who completes secondary school education with five credits can pursue a career in urban and regional planning or town planning at the university or polytechnic level.
Also speaking, a member of the organizing committee, Mrs. Olarinola Oyejide, explained the importance of pursuing town planning as a career, noting that the profession is as prestigious as other professions in all sectors of the economy.
Reacting, the headmistress of the school, Mrs M.O Bambi who was represented by Mrs F.M Azeez expressed her gratitude to the association for their visit and for the enlightenment, and looked forward to seeing more partnership with the association.
Our correspondent reports that the teachers, caregivers, and children could not hide their joy for the donation and expressed gratitude to the women town planners
Highlight of the event is a special song rendition by the special children, expressing their hope for a brighter future.
Items donated included toiletries, food, drinks and clothing materials
