Feyisayo Ogunbiyi
The Olota of Ota, in Ado-Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege; Chairman, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Hon. Lawal Adewale; and the management of Bells University of Technology, Ota, have declared full support for the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners’ (NITP) urban renewal initiative .
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the initiative is aimed at addressing the town’s fast-paced growth and infrastructural challenges.
The trio pledged their commitment during a series of courtesy visits by the NITP delegation, led by its Ogun State Chairman, Town Planner Adefela Sogbesan, to the monarch’s palace, the local government secretariat, and the university.
Ota, widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing economic hubs in Ogun State and Nigeria at large due to its proximity to Lagos, is grappling with the consequences of rapid urbanisation.
The NITP has described the city’s development needs as urgent, demanding structured planning to avoid infrastructural breakdown.
Speaking at the Olota’s palace, where he was represented by the Onikotun of Otun-Ota, Oba Abdulakeem Odunaro, the monarch applauded the NITP for its sustained role in shaping Nigeria’s urban and rural spaces.
He called for synergy between traditional institutions and professional bodies to ensure sustainable community development.
“From time immemorial, we have felt your impact,” Oba Odunaro said on behalf of Oba Obalanlege. “The Kabiyesi recognises the critical work you do and is committed to supporting your initiatives.
“Whatever assistance you need to enhance development in our local government, you can be assured of our full cooperation.”
The monarch emphasised the need for proper planning to address issues around land use, housing, transportation, and environmental management, while urging that all planning efforts must also reflect cultural heritage.
Responding, TPL Sogbesan said traditional rulers play a pivotal role in resolving land-related conflicts, enabling community engagement, and advancing development goals.
“Your support is indispensable,” Sogbesan noted. “We recognise your institution as a stakeholder in shaping the physical and structural layout of our towns.”
During the visit to Bells University, Sogbesan proposed deeper collaboration between academia and professional bodies to foster innovations in town planning, stressing the relevance of planning in tackling climate change, data-driven infrastructure design, and sustainable urban development.
“This is more than a ceremonial visit. This is the convergence of academia and professional practice” he said.
“Planning is no longer about just maps and layouts. It intersects with climate change, data analysis, and social policy.”
He called for joint research projects, student internships, curriculum enhancement, policy dialogues, and conferences.
Sogbesan also commended the university’s decision to grant free tuition to students studying Urban and Regional Planning, urging that more awareness be created in secondary schools.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, who received the delegation, appreciated the visit, especially as it coincided with the university’s 20th anniversary, and pledged to give due consideration to the institute’s proposals.
At the Ado-Odo/Ota council secretariat, Sogbesan described the local government as economically vibrant and underscored the necessity of structural planning to match its growth.
He urged the council to collaborate with professional planners to build functional and livable communities.
“Ota has evolved into one of the most economically vibrant LGs, especially due to its proximity to Lagos. It is therefore crucial to plan its structural development,” he said.
Reacting, the council chairman, Hon. Lawal Adewale, acknowledged widespread complaints about poor land use in the area and expressed readiness to reform the Works and Housing Department, including onboarding a professional town planner.
“I’ve received many complaints about poor land use. The best way to maximise our land resources is through proper planning,” he said.
Also speaking during the visit, former President of the NITP, TPL Waheed Kadiri, lauded the chairman’s professionalism and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting the council.
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