About AWTPN — Our Story, Mission & Values
From a coordinating committee in 2019 to a nationally recognized professional association with 18 state chapters — this is the story of women who shaped Nigeria's planning profession.
Pre-Establishment of the Association
The committee was charged with encouraging female members to effectively participate in NITP activities, mobilizing women for continuous education, and commencing the establishment of a formal association by the end of 2019.
The Coordinating Team was led by TPL (Mrs) Morenike Babalola FNITP as National Coordinator, supported by distinguished planners including Mrs Amina Salawu, Mrs Faith Ekong, Mrs Victoria Bisi Adeniyi, Mrs Gertrude Adenekan, Mrs Anne Okuyemi, Mrs Rekiya Fache, Mrs Vivian Uwaga, Mrs Faith Nkwere, and Mrs Nnenna Samson.
In 2020, the existence of the Association was formally recognized in the NITP Constitution under Section 20.1(c), granting it official status as a body within the institute.
What the Coordinating Committee Achieved
Between 2019 and 2021, the committee laid a comprehensive foundation before handing over to elected executives.
Coordinating Team Members
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MBTPL (Mrs) Morenike Babalola FNITPNational Coordinator
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ASTPL (Mrs) Amina Salawu FNITPCommittee Member
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FETPL (Mrs) Faith Ekong FNITPCommittee Member
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VATPL (Mrs) Victoria Bisi Adeniyi FNITPCommittee Member
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GATPL (Mrs) Gertrude Adenekan FNITPCommittee Member
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AOTPL (Mrs) Anne Okuyemi FNITPCommittee Member
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RFTPL (Mrs) Rekiya Fache MNITPCommittee Member
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VUTPL (Mrs) Vivian Uwaga MNITPCommittee Member
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FNTPL (Mrs) Faith Nkwere MNITPCommittee Member
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NSTPL (Mrs) Nnenna Samson MNITPCommittee Member
Key Achievements (2019–2021)
AWTPN Through the Years
A concise timeline of how AWTPN grew from an idea into Nigeria's foremost association for women in urban planning.
Coordinating Committee Constituted
TPL Lekwa Ezutah FNITP, NITP Past President, convenes the first Coordinating Committee on Women in Planning with 10 distinguished women town planners across Nigeria.
18 State Chapters Established
The committee successfully establishes AWTPN State Chapters across 18 states, each with their own executive members — creating the nationwide grassroots network.
Constitutional Recognition by NITP
AWTPN is formally recognized and embedded in the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners Constitution under Section 20.1(c), granting it official institutional standing.
AWTPN Formally Established at National Level
At the Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, the first election in AWTPN history is conducted. Eight women are elected into executive positions, establishing the national body. Late PP TPL Olubunmi Ajayi FNITP chairs the electoral observation team.
Growth & Consolidation
The first elected executives build institutional structures, host national events, publish the inaugural newsletter, and strengthen all 18 state chapters. AWTPN begins international engagement.
Second Executive Council & Expansion
Dr. Veronica Okoye FNITP leads the second executive council. AWTPN continues its advocacy, career mentorship programs, and participation in international conferences under NITP.
Founding National Executive Officers
These eight women were elected at the inaugural AGM in Port Harcourt, making history as the first elected executives of AWTPN.
Vision, Mission & Aim
Our Vision
Empowering Women Town Planners for sufficient knowledge-sharing and effective professional practice in the field of urban and regional planning — comparable to similar Associations globally.
Our Aim
To empower Women Town Planners for effective professional service delivery in the field of Urban and Regional Planning in Nigeria — ensuring women are equally represented, heard, and leading.
Our Mission
- Support Women Town Planners through capacity building and skill acquisition
- Provide guidance and mentorship for female URP students in tertiary institutions
- Provide opportunities for training, educational advancement and skill improvement for female planners
Our Partnerships
- Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) — parent body
- Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP)
- United Nations (UN) Women Member Organization
- Women in Cities International
- Women Transforming Cities
Our Core Values
Six principles that define how AWTPN operates, leads, and serves its members and the wider planning community.
Professionalism
Upholding the highest standards of conduct and excellence in the practice of urban and regional planning.
Integrity
Acting with honesty, transparency and consistency in all matters relating to our members and the public.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for our actions and decisions as an association and as individual professional women.
Inclusiveness
Welcoming and celebrating the diversity of women in planning — across states, backgrounds and career stages.
Partnership
Building collaborative relationships with NITP, global bodies, and institutions that share our commitment to gender equity in the built environment.
Team Work
Achieving more together — leveraging the collective strength of our 18 state chapters and national executive.
Our Seven Objectives
Without prejudice to the aim and objectives of NITP, AWTPN is guided by these seven formal objectives.
Join AWTPN — Build the Future of Planning
Whether you're a licensed Town Planner or a female student in Urban & Regional Planning, AWTPN is your professional home — in Nigeria and beyond.