HND II Students of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic, Visit Ipokia for Master Plan Preparation

The HND II students of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic, carried out an academic field visit to Ipokia as part of the preparation of a Master Plan for the town. The visit provided practical exposure to planning procedures and community-based planning processes.

A Master Plan is a comprehensive, long-term physical development framework that guides the orderly growth and development of a town or city. It outlines land use proposals, transportation networks, infrastructure provision, housing, commercial areas, public facilities, environmental protection measures, and other spatial components over a specified planning period.

The first phase of the planning process involves the collection of baseline data on the existing situation, including physical, social, economic, and environmental conditions of the town. This is followed by consultations with relevant stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations for future development.

During the visit, the Kabiyesi and other chiefs expressed their appreciation to the department for the initiative. They noted that the Master Plan, though a practical work of students, would be highly beneficial to the settlement, as it can serve as pro tem guide for development, which aligns with one of the key components of the town’s 2022–2026 Strategic Development Plan.