By our Reporter
The Ogun State Government through its Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development will begin implementation of the recently passed law on the accreditation of Town Planning consultants in the State as part of its statutory duties to regulate activities of professionals in the built industry.
TPL Olatunji Odunlami,Commissooner in the ministry stated this in Abeokuta, while receiving the national executive members of the Association of Town Planning Consultants (ATOPCON) and its Ogun State Study Group.
Odunlami noted that the accreditation would sanitise the built industry by weeding non-professionals, who were in the habit of using the title ‘Town Planning consultants’ without having the required academic and experiential credentials.
“Accreditation of Town Planning consultants will provide a database of certified practitioners, thereby ensuring that those who practice in the State are people and firms that can be held accountable by the different professional bodies that regulate the industry”, the Commissioner emphasised.
In his remark, the National President, ATOPCON, TPL Ademuyiwa Adelu lauded the Ministry for the cooperation enjoyed by the Association, saying its members were capable and willing to contribute their quota to the development of the State.
Also speaking, the National President, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), TPL Oluwatoyin Ayinde, called for adequate sensitisation on the importance of the profession, noting that professionals in Nigeria needed to speak up to drive the desired growth and change in the country.
Meanwhile, Town Planners across the State have been charged not to rest on their oars in the discharge of their duties.
TPL Odunlami stated this while addressing the Zonal Town Planning Officers in his office, reiterating the importance of town planning activities for development of the State, saying non-adherence to the master plan document could constitute problems for the society in the future.