Institute inducts 135 new certified planners

IN a bid to bridge yawning skill gaps and inadequate professional planning and competence exhibited by graduates, the Institute of Planning Nigeria (IPN) has inducted 135 new certified members into its fold.

The institute serves as advisory body to the government, corporate establishments, communities, individuals and the organised private sectors in issues relating to economic and social development as well as promotes and advances planning culture in the country.
IPN President, Dr McCarthy Ijiebor who spoke at the induction ceremony held in Lagos, recently, said: “ Planning as a far-sighted and intelligent behaviour involving the process of creating and making plans”
He stated that planners provide leadership in addressing issues and problems in perspective to achieving goals proactively, and avoid problems in preventive manner.

According to him, the era where persons are transferred to planning departments as punishment, are over as planning will become a mainstream activity and the very bulwark of march towards achieving enduring growth and development.

The Registrar of the Institute, Mr. Babor Egeregor noted that most organisations/Governments and agencies recognise the vital role of planning in the pursuit of their avowed objectives and sustainable development goals; however the fallacy of no time, no money to train has stunted the ability of planners to be better prepared for the urgent task of nation building.

His words: “Planning is a typical professional service which requires professional skills, competence and quality experience. Professional skill is acquired through specialized education and training, which the Institute offers to persons who are graduates of any discipline.”