By Abdullahi Lukman
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has conferred its prestigious “Town Planning Advocate of the Year 2026” Award on Tpl Umar Shuaib, in recognition of his outstanding advocacy for sustainable urban development and protection of the Abuja Masterplan.
Tpl Shuaib, a cerebral academic, public intellectual and prolific columnist with NatureNews, was honoured at the Institute’s 2026 Annual Conference for his consistent and courageous defence of town planning principles.
In the last two decades, no individual has written more opinion articles in defence of the sanctity of the Abuja Masterplan and the protection of its green areas, biodiversity and environmental sanitation than Tpl Shuaib.
Through his incisive columns, he has remained the conscience of the capital city, holding the line against distortions, land-use abuses and environmental degradation.
A former Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Tpl Shuaib brought intellectual rigour and administrative discipline to the management of the Federal Capital City.
Presenting the award, the President of NITP, Tpl Dr. Ogbonna Chime, commended the recipient for his impeccable record of public service and indefatigable commitment to sustainable environment and habitable dwelling.
Dr. Chime described Tpl Shuaib as a model town planner whose writings have educated policymakers and citizens alike on the imperative of planning with posterity in mind.
In his response, Tpl Shuaib dedicated the award to all professionals committed to making Nigerian cities and towns truly sustainable and liveable, pledging to continue to use his pen to defend the Masterplan.
Reacting to the coveted award, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, described the honour as well-deserved and fitting.
“This honour is a fitting recognition of decades of fearless, consistent and intellectually robust advocacy for the sanctity of the Abuja Masterplan and the protection of our green areas and biodiversity,” Akoshile said.
“Tpl Shuaib has not just written about Abuja; he has defended its soul with his pen. We at NatureNews are immensely proud to provide the platform for his cerebral interventions. This award reaffirms our commitment to promoting sustainable environment and habitable cities,” he added.
The award ceremony attracted top town planners, policymakers and environmental stakeholders from across the country.
