The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has called on town planning professionals across Nigeria to embrace digital technology as a critical tool for enhancing physical planning services and promoting sustainable urban development.
Governor Oyebanji made the call on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre while declaring open the 27th Edition of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP) organised jointly by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC).
The Governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, said the programme’s theme, Application of Digital Technology for Enhanced Physical Planning Services in Nigeria, was timely and necessary in view of the increasing demands of urbanisation and sustainable development.
According to him, technologies such as Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, Building Information Modeling, drones and e-governance platforms are transforming the way cities are planned and managed.
Governor Oyebanji stressed that effective physical planning remains central to economic prosperity and orderly development, adding that his administration has undertaken strategic infrastructure projects including the Ado-Ekiti Bus Terminal, the Ado-Ekiti Cargo Airport, the Iworoko/Ago-Aduloju Ring Road, the Oke-Iyinmi to Ijigbo Flyover, and the ongoing redevelopment of the Atikankan area.
He also disclosed that the state government is digitising its land administration system to accelerate building approvals, enhance transparency and strengthen disaster preparedness through predictive technologies.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the 2026 MCPDP, Dr. Osunsanmi Gbolabo, said the programme was designed to equip participants with cutting-edge digital tools and practical skills in e-governance, geodesign, spatial analysis and planning report generation.
Dr. Gbolabo described the adoption of digital technology in physical planning as an imperative rather than a luxury, stressing that the future of the profession depends on practitioners who are prepared to embrace innovation and serve the public with integrity and excellence.
He commended the Ekiti State Government for its support and hospitality and encouraged participants to engage actively, share experiences and build lasting professional networks.
Dignitaries at the event included the Asaya of Asaya Kingdom, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, former Commissioner for Information, Culture, Sports, and Social Development in Ekiti State, Hon. Kayode Otitoju, former Ekiti State Commissioner for Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development Hon. Remi Olorunleke, retired Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Adeola Johnson, and other distinguished guests.
The two-day programme attracted town planners, scholars, policymakers, consultants and development partners from across Nigeria to deliberate on innovative approaches to strengthening physical planning practice and improving urban development nationwide.
