…as Dr. Chime takes over as President

More acorlades have continued to pour in for Tpl. Akpabio Ufot-Akpabio, since his election victory for the position of Assistant National Public Relations Secretary, was announced at the just concluded International Conference/Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners NITP), held in Enugu State.

The latest congratulatory message was contained in a release signed by the Publicity Secretary of the University of Uyo Urban and Regional Planning Alumni Association (UURPAA), Mr. Goodness Titus and made available to the media.

The Association said Tpl. Akpabio’s emergence as the Assistant National Public Relations Secretary in such a keenly contested election was a clear testimonial to his commitment, viability and capacity in the profession.

The association expressed optimism that, I based on the professional pedigree of Akpabio, his engagement in the national executive of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners will no doubt help in furthering the ideals of the profession in the country.

The release enjoined Tpl.Akpabio Ufot-Akpabio to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his newly assigned national portfolio to ensure that the institute and Town Planning profession in the country witness a quantum leap in the years ahead.

In a related development, Mkpat Enin Unity Network, a foremost socio-cultural organization in Akwa state has joined in swelling the ranks of congratulatory messages to the newly elected member of the NITP national executive.

A release signed by the Association’s Director of Media/Public Affairs, Mr. Udoinyang Mbat, described Akpabio’s adept professionalism as unprecedented.

The release applauded the wisdom of the NITP members for electing him noting that, his inclusion in the executives of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners at the centre will rekindle the culture of diligence and dexterity which the profession is known for.

The release charged Tpl. Ufot-Akpabio to be a good ambassador of Akwa Ibom State through diligent discharge of his assigned duties.

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) election was held recently as one of activities to mark this year’s International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place in Enugu State.

The election which was contested by candidates from all the zones in the country was said to be one of the most keenly contested elections in the history of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners.

In his thank you message, Tpl.Akpabio expressed his gratitude to the Fellows and other members of the Institute for standing up in defense of fairness, justice and integrity in the election process.

He said the actions of his esteemed Fellows and colleagues in the institute amount to a demonstration of faith in due process and professionalism thus, setting a promising precedent for the institute in the future.

He promised to collaborate effectively to uphold the ideals of the profession and that of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in the country.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of other national officers of the Institute, the newly elected National President, Dr. Andrew Ogbonna Chime thanked the Fellows and Members for the trust bestowed on him. He promised to break new grounds to enhance speedy growth of the Institute.

Dr. Chime maintained that his administration will focus largely on creating new frontiers and expanding the Institute’s horizon which he said would benefit the Nigerian planners to a large extent.

Despite the numerous challenges facing the new administration, the President has however promised to tackle them headlong.

Dr. Chime said his first line priorities would be focused on domestication of Urban and Regional Planning law in the states and ensuring their effective implementation.

He also promised to create job opportunities for young Planners which he said would enable the institute’s growth in an appreciable dimension.

Meanwhile, some members of the institute who spoke to our reporters during the event said they are earnestly waiting with high hopes to hear the measures which their new president and his executive members intend to adopt in solving the mounting challenges. These they hope to unfold during his investiture which coming up on Thursday, December 5, 2924.

The election also produced other key national officers of the institute chairmen of statutory committees.

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