The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has renewed its commitment to strengthening professional standards, expanding membership and promoting sustainable urban development to address Nigeria’s growing urbanisation challenges. Speaking at the institute’s Founders’ Day Symposium in Kaduna, NITP President, Dr Ogbonna Chime, described the Institute’s 60-year journey as one of resilience, growth and remarkable professional accomplishments. Chime traced the origins of the Institute to April 1966, when nine pioneering town planners led by Pa S.O. Tokun founded the professional body in Ibadan. He recalled that the Institute’s formal establishment was confirmed on September 5, 1966, at the Lagos Executive Development Board, where a Protem Executive Council was inaugurated to oversee its affairs, while its first National President, Chief M.O. Onafowokan, emerged during the maiden National Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Lagos in September 1968. According to him, the institute’s founders overcame enormous challenges, including the uncertainty preceding the Nigerian Civil War, to establish what has become the country’s foremost professional body for town planners. “The chronology of these events reminds us of the sacrifices, dedication and risks undertaken by our founding fathers to bring the Institute to where it is today,” he said. Chime urged members to preserve the founders’ legacy by remaining committed to advancing the planning profession. He said the institute has expanded from operating in 12 states in 1968 to establishing chapters in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while membership has grown to 7,411 across various categories. According to him, collaboration with the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) has strengthened professional regulation, while affiliations with organisations such as the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) have enhanced the Institute’s international profile. He added that professional platforms, including