Yusroh Lawal
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State chapter, has raised concerns over the mounting infrastructure deficit in parts of the state, warning that rapid industrialisation is fuelling population growth beyond available social amenities.
The chapter chairman, TPL Adefela Sogbesan, issued the warning on Thursday during the institute’s August monthly general meeting held at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.
Sogbesan, who specifically mentioned Ilaro and Ibese communities in Yewa South Local Government Area, said the influx of people into the axis was largely driven by the presence of heavy industries such as Dangote Cement, which has turned the corridor into an industrial hub.
“It is evident that our communities are experiencing a population boom without commensurate infrastructure to support it.
“The implications for housing, transportation, drainage, education, and healthcare are alarming,” he cautioned.
The NITP boss stressed that unplanned growth without adequate infrastructure posed serious risks to sustainable development, urging government and stakeholders to take proactive measures.
As part of the meeting, members of the institute paid a courtesy visit to the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where they were received by the Deputy Rector (Administration), TPL Lukman Lasisi, on behalf of the Rector.
Lasisi underscored the importance of town planning in balancing residential, commercial, and educational needs, while also seeking the institute’s intervention in resolving flooding caused by a blocked culvert near the campus.
He pledged the institution’s readiness to collaborate with NITP on research and projects but noted that government directives required paper presentations before academic conferences could secure sponsorship.
Sogbesan, in response, highlighted that modern town planning now integrates climate science, data analytics, infrastructure finance, and urban governance.
He urged stronger collaboration between academics, government, and professionals to achieve sustainable urban growth.
The NITP team also visited the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Abraham Ogunsola, who promised to align the council’s development plans with physical planning initiatives.
Ogunsola described sustainable infrastructure as a necessity in addressing the needs of the fast-growing population.
Meanwhile, at the general meeting held at the ASUP Hall of the polytechnic, members deliberated on internal matters, including the postponement of the state chapter’s elections to September and preparations for the Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja in October.
To support the completion of the NITP Ogun building project, members raised funds during the session.
A former Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, made an instant donation of ₦250,000, with several members pledging additional contributions.
Kadiri also advised the town planners to uphold professional ethics and shun the temptation of prioritising immediate personal gains over long-term professionalism.
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