...vowed to embark on all strategies to move the institute forward
The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of
Nigeria (CIOTA), the umbrella body dedicated to promoting
professionalism in the practice of efficient transport administration
and management on an intermodal basis spanning – road, rail, air, and
pipeline transportation has yesterday, March 19, 2024 Inaugurated newly
appointed State Executives and Coordinators across the federation to
manage its affairs for three years.
The historic event was captured on virtual (Zoom) to
enable full participation of all the Institute members of Governing
Council, National Executive Committees on the occasion that will in no
doubt marks a turning point in the growth and impact of the association
across the country and in the diaspora.
Among the newly inaugurated chairmen was Cdr Adekunle
Ajibade. He will be supervising the activities of the professional body
in Ogun State chapter.
Cdr Ajibade, who was currently Area 4 Commander of Ogun
State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), sworn in the
oath of allegiance with other executives that will pioneer the
activities of the CIOTA within the state.
Other executives include Cdr Margaret Emem Ogunbiyi
–Vice Chairman; Odeyemi Agness – Secretary; Adewunmi Babatunde –
Assistant Secretary; Filani Morolake – Financial Secretary; Yakub Azeez
– Treasurer; Jimoh Fatai –Provost and Dr Taiwo Ali – Auditor.
In his remarks, TRACE Commander General/Chief Executive
Officer, Prince (Dr) ‘Seni Ogunyemi, tasked the newly inducted
executives on advocacy, enlightenment and implementation of traffic
rules and regulations to stem the high rate of road crashes involving
trailers and tankers on Nigerian roads.
The Southwest Zone Coordinator, disclosed this while
cutting the tape to commission the temporary office donated by TRACE
management for the smooth operations of Ogun State Chapter of CIOTA in
Abeokuta.
The transport management expert admonished the newly
inducted executives to embark on aggressive membership drive by bringing
in more qualified transport personnel into the institution, stating
that it is the only way to restore sanity into transportation system in
the country.
In his keynote address, CIOTA committee Chairman, Prof
Samuel Odewumi said the inauguration of the state chapters marks a
significant step in deepening the professional reach, impact, and
efficiency of transport administration in Nigeria.
His words: “Transport is the backbone of economic
development, social integration, and national progress. Efficient
transport systems facilitate commerce, ensure seamless mobility, and
drive economic prosperity.
“As Nigeria continues to evolve due to urbanization,
technological advancements, and infrastructural growth, the role of
professional transport administrators becomes more critical than ever.
“Establishing state chapters under CIOTA represents a
bold and strategic move to decentralize our operations, foster
inclusivity, and promote regional development within the transport
sector. Through these chapters, we aim to
enhance professionalism and capacity building. Our
commitment to training and capacity development remains unwavering. The
state chapters will serve as hubs for knowledge sharing, skills
development, and professional networking to equip transport
administrators with cutting-edge expertise and global best practices.
Strengthen Policy Advocacy and Implementation: The
transport sector thrives on sound policies and effective implementation.
With active state chapters, we can engage with state governments,
policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to advocate for progressive
policies that will improve transport systems and infrastructure across
Nigeria.
“Promote Research and Innovation: Our transport sector’s
challenges require innovative solutions. Our state chapters will
facilitate research, data collection, and practical strategies to
address traffic congestion, safety, sustainability, and multimodal
transport systems.
Encourage Stakeholder Engagement: Transport
administration is a collective responsibility. We will work closely with
government agencies, private sector players, academia, and the general
public to foster collaboration and shared responsibility in advancing
Nigeria’s transport sector.
“Increase Membership and Public Awareness: CIOTA’s
growth and sustainability depend on an active and engaged membership
base. The state chapters will spearhead membership drives, awareness
campaigns, and community outreach programs to ensure transport
professionals recognize the benefits of joining and contributing to our
institute.
“Significance Of The Event
Milestone in CIOTA’s Growth and Expansion: The
inauguration of state chapters marks a new era in the
professionalization of transport administration in Nigeria,
strengthening CIOTA’s presence nationwide.
Decentralization and Regional Development: By creating
state chapters, CIOTA ensures localized implementation of its
objectives, fostering direct engagement with state governments and
transport professionals at the grassroots level.
“Enhancement of Professionalism and Capacity Building:
The event signals the beginning of a more structured approach to
training and professional development, allowing CIOTA to provide more
accessible resources for skill enhancement.
“Strengthening of Policy Advocacy and Implementation:
The establishment of state chapters enables targeted advocacy for
improved transport policies and infrastructure, with a focus on
state-specific transport challenges and opportunities.
“Promotion of Research and Innovation in Transport
Administration: State chapters will facilitate data collection and
research efforts, contributing to evidence-based solutions for Nigeria’s
transport issues.
“Encouraging Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:
The event fosters partnerships between government, industry leaders,
academia, and the private sector, ensuring a more unified voice in
influencing transport policies.
Expansion of CIOTA Membership and Public Awareness: The
inauguration serves as a platform to attract new members and build a
more diverse professional community while raising awareness about
CIOTA’s role and benefits.
“Catalyst for Sustainable Transport Development: The
event aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of achieving a sustainable and
efficient transport system, ensuring improved safety, efficiency, and
sustainability in transport administration.
“Commitment to Excellence and Integrity: It highlights
CIOTA’s dedication to upholding high ethical and professional standards
in transport management, shaping the future of Nigeria’s transport
sector.
“National Development and Economic Growth: Efficient
transport systems contribute significantly to economic progress, and
CIOTA’s expansion supports this objective by addressing challenges and
fostering solutions at state and national levels,” Prof Odewumi
concluded.
Addressing journalists shortly after the induction, Cdr
Ajibade thanked the national professional body for the trust bestowed on
him to be the Ogun State Chairman.
“I am honoured to be inaugurated as Ogun State Chairman
of CIOTA. I pledged to uphold the institute’s values, work
collaboratively with both national, zones, states leaderships including
my other executives within Ogun to serve transport professional body
with dedication and enthusiasm, focusing on playing crucial roles in
shaping the future of transport administration in Nigeria.
‘I will ensure I introduce CIOTA to Manufacturer
Association of Nigeria (MAN), as well governmental and non-governmental
organizations for the benefit of achieving its strategic goals on
transport system. With capable egg heads executives with me, CIOTA in
Ogun will perform wonders in achieving a lot within a short period of
time,” Cdr Ajibade stated
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