Chairman Speech

 Protocols. 

Finding myself in the leadership position of our great Association, is counted as a privilege by me. More so, for someone whose early dream is to be a banker but who by chance found himself in Town Planning Profession, membership of which the Almighty God is the first or doyen. 

The transition from that dream and today’s reality can be attributed to some individuals who have been my destiny helpers. Special recognition is given to my mentor and role model who always gives me those words of assurance and encouragement “David keep pushing, you can do it”. Past President Waheed Kadiri, FNITP, BOT Chairman (ATOPCON), PPNITP. 

To another mentor, back from the Polytechnic days, whose words always give me the assurance of leadership – “David we are proud of you. You are one of the shining stars of this profession”. Tpl. Ayo Adediran, FNITP thanks so much. To my Oga (King of Boys) who also always assure me that “we are with you”. Tpl. Makinde Ogunleye, FNITP – I thank you so much Sir. 

All the above three together with some of our Elders in the profession – Tpl. Dr. Moses Ogunleye, FNITP, PPATOPCON. Tpl. Olutoyin Ayinde, FNITP, PPATOPCON, PPNITP, Tpl. Bisi Adedire, FNITP, a past chairman of this Branch and others who 

always encourage me to be focused, I know I have been guided in this divine direction. 

While appreciating all these mentors / role models, I know the greatest challenge, in this position, is not to disappoint them and others. To surmount this challenge, I will like to highlight some of our intended programmes and plans for the incoming administration which I titled “Journey To The Next Level”. 

OUR THINKING 

Focus: To take Lagos State Branch of our Association to the next level through an inclusive governance that would make it stand out and be the foremost branch of the Association. We will endeavour to make our Branch the leading Branch and the one to beat. 

1. Promoting Professionalism and Standardization of Practice 

As professionals, we shall uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism by working closely with the leadership team, sister organisations, relevant MDAs (TOPREC, NITP, MPP&UD, LABSCA, NTDA and LASPPPA) to promote and enforce all established standards, adhere to regulations and ensure that our members continue to be regarded as experts in our field; 

2. Capacity Building 

We would encourage training and retraining of heads and staff of member firms. These trainings will be geared towards equipping us with tools and knowledge for the current realities in consultancy; 

3. Enhancing Members Engagement 

Members are the lifeblood of any organisation. Our Team will work hard to ensure that all members have a voice in our activities. We will encourage greater 

participation in our events, training programmes, and networking opportunities, and seek to foster a sense of community among our members; 

4. Strengthening Partnerships 

Partnerships are key to achieving goals. This administration will work to strengthen existing partnerships with relevant organisations such as Ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Transportation, Housing, Environment, Waterfront and Infrastructure and Works, Lagos State Environmental Planning Monitoring Agency (LASPEMA), Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Lagos State Parks and Gardens, Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) bilateral organisations and NGOs etc. and seek to establish new ones that can help us achieve our objectives for the betterment of our environment and the people; 

5. Job Creation 

We intend to explore new avenues and opportunities that require our professional competencies which were unexplored before now. These will be direct products of our partnership drive; 

6. Welfare 

Activation of ATOPCON Housing Scheme where members can access land at subsidised rate for their housing development and as investment for the future we shall also celebrate our old and retired heads of member firms while they are alive. We shall endeavour to establish a structure for the Welfare scheme that will ensure prompt and unbiased implementation; 

7. Advocacy for our Profession 

As a professional body, we have a responsibility to advocate for the interests of our members and the wider profession. My Team will work with relevant stakeholders to raise awareness of the relevance and importance of our profession and its impact in the society; 

8. Providing Mentorship and Support 

As leaders, we recognise the importance of supporting and mentoring younger members of our profession. We will work to establish mentorship programmes and other initiatives that can help to develop the skills and careers of not only our members but especially the upcoming ones; and 

9. Development of ATOPCON Secretariat 

It is our desire to have a befitting secretariat building for our association; this is intended to improve our image and provide good accommodation for our activities as well as life investment for the Association and 

10. Inclusivity 

It is important to also state that, this administration will always welcome suggestions and advices on how to move the profession and the association forward. 

Conclusion 

This speech will not be complete without mentioning the effort of my dear wife – Mrs. Esther Temilola Olawale (Alake mi Owon) for her understanding and for standing by me, even when the going was very tough, you were there for me. I say a big thanks to you and our children. 

Also, to my immediate boss in this office, Tpl. Dr. Kola Olayiwola, I thank you for the opportunity to learn under your leadership. 

Before I conclude, let me charge my team members that we all applied to serve this association in various capacities of our choice without being forced to obtain the “application” form. Therefore, we must be ready to pay the price. 

“It is irresponsible to hold a title without performing responsibility of the title”. (Olutoyin Ayinde). 

Finally, I covet the supports and prayers of every member of the association towards the success of this administration. 

I thank you for your attention, I also appreciate your attendance at this Annual General Meeting. Without you, there would not have been a meeting. 

 

Tpl. Dr. David Olawale, FNITP, CMILT 

Chairman - Elect