IWD: NITP chair celebrates women’s political, economic achievements

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Federal Capital Territory Chapter, Mrs. Lami Ayuba, marked International Women’s Day by celebrating Nigerian women’s political, economic, social and cultural achievements. In a statement obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday night, she explained that the NITP’s recognition of these achievements is evident in the establishment of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN), an arm of the parent body with chapters across the country.

Mrs. Ayuba emphasized that celebrating Women’s Day is also a matter of gender equality. “This March 8 is another call to power our efforts to make the digital world safer, more inclusive, more equitable, and to create a better future—not just for women and girls, but for all humanity and all life on earth,” she said. She called the day a time to reflect on progress, demand change, and honor the courage and determination of ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles in the nation’s history and in the town‑planning profession.

The AWTPN’s theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” reflects a commitment to inclusiveness that should leave no one behind. Mrs. Ayuba stressed that digital tools must be accessible to all, regardless of gender, and urged the improvement of digital skills among women and girls. She announced that women planners will develop a digital‑education module for tertiary‑level girls, exposing them to digital tools and encouraging careers in technology, and she expressed hope for partnerships with the parent body and non‑governmental organisations.

She noted that female town planners have embraced the digital age, leaving a lasting impact on the profession. The adoption of digital education, transformative technology, and digital tools has accelerated planning processes, built human capital, and contributed to sustainable communities and cities. When women planners leverage real‑time data and digital technology, they gain a deeper understanding of the environment and can make more informed urban‑planning decisions. Efficient digital systems improve accessibility, reduce congestion, promote sustainability, and enhance quality of life, ultimately creating livable, inclusive and resilient cities that serve the nation’s needs.

However, Mrs. Ayuba cautioned that it is essential to identify those left behind before moving forward. She questioned the percentage of women who are truly digitally literate and integrated into professional workflows—not merely users of phones or social media, but participants in the adoption of digital technology within their work processes and professional conduct.