Lauds George’s contributions to professionalism

The President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr Nathaniel Atebije has advised town planners to comply with global best practices, integrity and exhibit professionalism in service as exemplified by the first female town planner in Nigeria, Catherine George.

Atebije, who gave the charge, at a service of tribute in honour of George in Lagos, also charged planners to cultivate acts of diligence, and timely delivery of projects and contracts.

He observed that the first female town planner lived her life as a detailed and diligent town planner whose professional life is worthy of emulation. Late George was also the first female fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute in Africa and the first female chapter chairman of NITP in the country.

The NITP president said planners must showcase professionalism through their works as creators for the people to appreciate their work. According to him, planners must also be determined, and ensure continuous learning, relearning, reading and research.

His words: “She was good at detailing when it comes to town planning thoughts and ideas. When you ask her to do a design, she will do it to the finest line. In terms of practice, integrity is her watchword. She doesn’t work for money but wants you to get value. She works with the tenets and code of ethics of the town planning profession. When you know your onions, you won’t be scavenging for jobs from other professions.”

Past president of the institute, Olutoyin Ayinde, noted that George set the pace for the participation of women in the town planning profession in the country. “George was a trailblazer who laid good examples for others to follow,” he said.

Ayinde added that as a leading light, she has the ‘can do spirit’, which she inherited from her parents. Ayinde said every town planner needs such a ‘can do it spirit’ rather than complaining. He said she was a thorough professional, who was never vindictive but believed in people and encouraged them to become better than her.

The National Chairman, Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN), Mrs Rekiyat Fache, said George’s demise was a colossal loss to the profession, adding that planners must learn from her commitment to the ethics of the profession.

She encouraged town planners to emulate her commitment, leadership style, mentorship spirit and indelible marks left in the sands of time.Chairman, NITP Lagos State Chapter, Omotayo, Oluomosu, said George lived an active, and enriching life with meritorious service to the town planning profession, the nation and humanity in general.

In his tribute, past president, Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Mr Kunle Awobodu, recalled that she made sacrifices, and served meritoriously as the Chairman of BCPG Lagos State Chapter.

“She symbolised the patriotic Nigerian of the early independence period that could expend personal resources for the betterment of mankind. What a selfless and courageous woman,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a representative, Mr Bode George, lauded the NITP for the love shown to the late George in life and afterlife. He described her as a good mother at home and professionally.