The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State Chapter, says Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot replace human judgment and local expertise in urban planning.
Mr Olusola Odukoya, the state Chairman, stated this on Tuesday in Abeokuta at a news conference to announce activities marking the institute’s 40th anniversary.
Odukoya said AI could strengthen planning processes through data analysis, but lacked the comprehensive local, cultural and environmental information needed for effective urban development.
“AI is a very versatile tool that can be embedded into our profession and we are fully ready for it. However, AI does not have all the localised data.
“We will feed AI our own data to make planning more robust, but AI will not plan for us. It is our young town planners who will design the future of our environment,” he said.
On environmental sustainability, Odukoya attributed persistent flooding in the state to greed, illegal construction on floodplains, and improper waste disposal.
He urged residents to observe mandatory setbacks along waterways, warning that construction on floodplains could worsen flooding and threaten lives and property.
Reflecting on the association’s journey, he said it had collaborated with the state government, particularly the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, in strengthening planning regulations.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Odukoya said the institute would honour former chairmen, veteran planners and distinguished public servants, who contributed to the development of physical planning in the state.
“The awardees will include former Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries whose contributions helped strengthen the state’s urban planning framework,” he said.
He disclosed that a book documenting the institute’s 40-year history would be launched on Thursday in Abeokuta.
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