By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

As part of his ongoing familiarisation meetings with stakeholders engaged with the Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, held an interactive session with all town planning consultants operating in the state.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary stated that the meeting was convened to discuss issues of mutual concern, aiming to enhance the Ministry’s activities and achieve the present administration’s physical planning and urban renewal development objectives.

Akingbasote emphasised that, as critical stakeholders in the town planning profession, consultants should remain committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability in their dealings with the Ministry. He stressed that these values would contribute to the modern physical planning and urban renewal of towns and cities across the state.

Providing insight into the role of the consultants, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Olusola Okunola, described them as the first point of contact for all building construction projects.

He noted that their responsibilities include preparing locational plans for project sites, processing applications for building approvals, and ensuring compliance with construction regulations in all parts of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the consultants, the Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe, and the Chairman of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) in the state, Laurence Owoyemi, urged the state government to expedite the development of a Master Plan for major cities.

They particularly highlighted the need for structured urban development in Akure, the state capital, and the coastal areas, in line with strategies adopted in other states.

Additionally, they advised the government to digitalise the Ministry’s activities to streamline business operations, invest in staff capacity building, and domesticate town planning laws within the state.

The meeting was attended by all directors and heads of units within the Ministry.