By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has inaugurated its 13th State Executive Committee.
Converseer reports that the inauguration followed the formal dissolution of the 12th State Executive Committee led by Tpl Dr Samuel Inaku Emri during the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held within the week.
The 13th Cross River State Executive Committee of the NITP emerged following a transparent electoral process. The new EXCO is led by Tpl Ayi Ekpenyong Akiba, FNITP, as Chairman.
Other elected officers are Tpl Dr Ernest Joes Obasse (1st Vice Chairman) who also double as the National Chairman of Young Planners Forum, who was elected at the 56 International Conference and AGM that held in October 2025; Tpl Patrick Utimagiang (2nd Vice Chairman), Tpl Chief Bassey Bassey Eni (Secretary), Tpl Dr Salvation Eteng (Assistant Secretary), Ernest Bassey Irem (Financial Secretary), Tpl Sampson Okichi (Treasurer), Tpl Mrs Patience Ojo (Public Relations Secretary), Charles Inok (PRS II); Tpl Tawo Obitawo (Internal Auditor) and Tpl Dr Samuel Inaku Emri (Ex Officio 1) and the outgoing Chairman.
In his acceptance remarks, Tpl Akiba pledged inclusive leadership and strategic engagement with government and stakeholders to advance sustainable urban and regional planning across the state.
The AGM, which attracted members, stakeholders and national representatives, also featured the conferment of awards on distinguished members and the election of a new leadership team to pilot the affairs of the Chapter.
A major highlight of the meeting was the conferment of Awards of Excellence, including Posthumous Awards in honour of pioneering town planners whose contributions laid the foundation for professional practice in the state. The posthumous honourees were Tpl Onun Oyube Attoe, Tpl Mrs Ekanem Esuabana and Tpl Barr. Joe Adie, whose legacies were described as enduring pillars of the Institute’s growth and credibility in Cross River State.
Other award recipients recognised for their outstanding service and commitment to the profession included Tpl High Chief Achibong Achibong-Omon, FNITP; Tpl Hon. Dr Michael Ogar, FNITP; Tpl DR Simon Ajom, FNITP; Tpl Daniel Ukene; Tpl Prof Emmanuel Agbor; Tpl Dr Benedict Ejue Ojikpong; Tpl Dr Ambekeh Udida; Tpl Joe Agida; Tpl Abobana Edim Abobana; and Pst Udowong Eke Udowong.
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The AGM also recorded the presence of eminent personalities, including representatives of the National President of NITP – Tpl DR Ogbonna Chime FNITP, Hon. Justice Adie Attoe Onyebueke, Barr. Onyebueke (SAN), Prof. Attoe, representatives of the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) and national officers of the Institute.
The successful conclusion of the 2025 AGM signals a renewed mandate for the CRS NITP Chapter to deepen professionalism, strengthen institutional relevance and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and urban governance in Cross River State.
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