By Ebinum Samuel
No fewer than 23 states chairmen and other executives, throughout the federation, were inaugurated on Wednesday by the national leadership of the Chartered Institute of Transport Admnistration of Nigeria, CIOTA.
The inaugural ceremony of opening state chapters of CIOTA, which was conducted in Abuja by the President, Dr. Segun Obayendo, accompanied by other national leaders was also done through virtual meeting with Zonal Executives in attendance.
TheCaveat.com.ng reports that the TRACE Area Commander, Ogun West, Cdr Ajibade Adekunle, emerged the current Chairman of Ogun State Chapter of CIOTA, and took the oath of office and allegiance alongside seven other Executive officers.
Other executive officers inducted alongside Ajibade as Ogun State CIOTA Executives include Margaret Emem Ogunbiyi, Vice Chairman, Odeyemi Agness, Secretary, Adewunmi Babatunde, Assistant Secretary, Filani Morolake Waleola, Fin. Sec. Yakub Azeez Oyegbenga, Treasurer, Jimoh Fatai Kehinde, as Provost, and Dr Taiwo Ali, as Auditor.
In his remarks, Commander General and the Chief Executive Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, Cdr ‘Seni Ogunyemi, charged the State chairmen and other executive officers to stem the rising tide of road crashes involving trailers and tankers on Nigerian roads through advocacy and enlightenment.
He gave this charge on Wednesday during the inauguration of the new Executives, while officially declaring open the temporary office of the Ogun State chapter of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, CIOTA, in Abeokuta.
Cdr Ogunyemi who is the South-West Zonal Coordinator of CIOTA said the newly inaugurated state executives should hit the ground running by embarking on aggressive membership drive to bring in more qualified transport personnel into the fold in order to bring sanity into transportation in the country.
Speaking on the enormous responsibility bestowed on him as the Ogun State Chairman of CIOTA, Ajibade said with capable egg heads executives with him he was sure CIOTA in Ogun will perform wonders in achieving a lot within a short period of time.
He spoke of plans to take CIOTA to Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, MAN as well as other governmental and nongovernmental organizations, saying CIOTA is an association that belongs to all other professions with the slogan “We are CIOTA, we are indispendable”.
In his keynote address, the committee Chairman of CIOTA, 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.