The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has raised concern over the state’s rising population without a matching upgrade in infrastructure.
Speaking at the institute’s August monthly general meeting held at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, the chapter chairman, TPL Adefela Sogbesan, highlighted Ilaro and Ibese communities in Yewa South Local Government Area as areas experiencing rapid population growth without corresponding improvements in facilities.
According to him, the influx of people into the axis was largely driven by the presence of heavy industries such as Dangote Cement, which has turned the corridor into an industrial hub.
“It is evident that our communities are experiencing a population boom without commensurate infrastructure to support it.
“The implications for housing, transportation, drainage, education, and healthcare are alarming,” he cautioned.
The NITP boss stressed that unplanned growth without adequate infrastructure posed serious risks to sustainable development, urging government and stakeholders to take proactive measures.
As part of the meeting, members of the institute paid a courtesy visit to the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where they were received by the Deputy Rector (Administration), TPL Lukman Lasisi, on behalf of the Rector.
Lasisi underscored the importance of town planning in balancing residential, commercial, and educational needs, while also seeking the institute’s intervention in resolving flooding caused by a blocked culvert near the campus.
He pledged the institution’s readiness to collaborate with NITP on research and projects but noted that government directives required paper presentations before academic conferences could secure sponsorship.
Sogbesan, in response, highlighted that modern town planning now integrates climate science, data analytics, infrastructure finance, and urban governance.
He urged stronger collaboration between academics, government, and professionals to achieve sustainable urban growth.
The NITP team also visited the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Abraham Ogunsola, who promised to align the council’s development plans with physical planning initiatives.
Ogunsola described sustainable infrastructure as a necessity in addressing the needs of the fast-growing population.
