By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Anambra State Chapter, on Wednesday elected a new executive council to pilot its affairs for the next two years.
The election, held at the chapter ‘s Secretariat in Awka, produced Tpl. Ifeanyi Igwilo as Chairman, with Tpl. Prof. Chinedu Okoye emerging as Vice Chairman.
Other elected officers include Tpl. Sidney-Nnebue Queencallista as Secretary, Tpl. Paschal Okoye as Assistant Secretary, Tpl. Dr. Adaeze Iloerika as Financial Secretary, Tpl. Chika Nwachukwu as Treasurer, Tpl. Bro. Chris Okolo as Public Relations Secretary, and Tpl. Sir Charles Abaekih as Assistant Public Relations Secretary.
Also elected were Tpl. Chikwado Okpala as Internal Auditor, Tpl. Ben Nwaofor as Ex-Officio I, and Tpl. Vivian Agufugo as Ex-Officio II.
In his pre-election remarks, the new chairman, Tpl. Igwilo, described his extensive organisational experience as a major strength and promised to elevate the chapter to “an enviable height” under his leadership.
The immediate past chairman, Tpl. Benjamin Nwofor, in his valedictory speech, reflected on the two-year stewardship of his administration.
He recalled making a commitment during his inauguration on 27 September 2023 to build on the gains of his predecessors, a promise he said guided their activities throughout the tenure.
He noted that the chapter held 12 executive meetings and 10 general meetings, while maintaining active participation in all national council meetings, workshops, conferences, and virtual engagements organised by the national body.
According to him, the cordial relationship between the chapter and the national leadership remained strong throughout the period.
Tpl. Nwofor reported that the chapter currently has 104 active members, including 10 newly inducted young planners.
He added that 20 members were successfully elected into corporate membership of the institute during the same period.
Despite these milestones, he observed that attendance at meetings ranged between 45 and 50 percent, with many members failing to comply with dues and levies, a situation that prompted the chapter to insist on clearing outstanding payments before the election — a measure he said helped recover significant funds.
He announced that the chapter recorded the loss of three members — Tpl. Nwabufo Anene, Tpl. Akujieze Chinwe and Tpl. Oranye Tony — and fulfilled all constitutional obligations to the affected families.
On professional practice, the former chairman acknowledged that town planning practice in the state is facing several challenges but expressed optimism that the new leadership would work with the steering committee to address them.
Tpl. Nwofor also highlighted infrastructural improvements at the NITP State Secretariat, including the provision of 100 high-quality chairs, installation of doors, tiling of the hall and toilets, plumbing works and construction of a soak-away.
He expressed confidence that the project would be completed soon. He further recalled that the chapter successfully hosted the recently concluded MCPDP programme, earning a national award for excellent performance for the first time.
He thanked members for their cooperation, noting that while there were many more achievements to recount, time had already been exhausted.
He wished the new executive success as they take over the administration of the chapter.
