The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) has inaugurated its state executives and coordinators with a mandate to ensure professionalism in all their dealings.At the event which was held virtually on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the newly inaugurated executives and coordinators were also encouraged to ensure the establishment of CIoTA chapters in all the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
President/Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. Segun Ochuko Obayedo, emphasized the importance of establishing state structures to strengthen the institute’s visibility and effectiveness. He said, “Today is quite remarkable, I must confess, it is remarkable and unique because it is going to mark the beginning of having an institute where our structures will speak for us, where our structures will be our strength, where our structures will enable that visibility that is overdue for us as a premier institute, and the only institute licensed by law in this space in Nigeria.”
In the end, the President expressed satisfaction with the meeting’s progress and encouraged the newly inaugurated state chapter leaders, charging the new state executives to ensure professionalism across the states. He also emphasized the importance of establishing chapters across the 774 Local Government Areas to complete the journey to ultimate professionalism in Nigeria and urged state leaders to reach out to him for support.
The President reiterated the need for rapid progress in the remaining 21 months of the administration.
While expressing optimism and elation for the state structures the president added that the institute needs a befitting rebirth to be able to carry on the whole her onerous responsibilities. “I truly cherish and want to see an organization well structured, just as you have three tiers of government, where you have the national, state and local government, we are also looking in this regard as we march on in this journey of ensuring our institute gets a befitting rebirth and a befitting reset to carry on the whole responsibility bestowed on us by our Act. I am excited and I am elated that this day has come.
“In a number of ways I cannot overemphasize the importance of the structure we are putting together today. It is overwhelming significant, it is a milestone, and it will be good for us and the generation that will come after us in this institute,” he said.
He added that the states having their own responsibilities carved out for them would enable the central body to effectively concentrate in tackling national issues. “Recently I was making some moves in some states and it occurred to me that this can be handled by our state chapters when they are inaugurated. So it became clear that when the structures are put in place, these assignments will be carried out by the states, and as we are now bonding every tier of government, we at the centre can effectively, adequately, sufficiently bond with the national government.
On his part, Professor Samuel, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, and Convener, presented a strategic plan for the new state chapters, outlining goals for 2024-2026 including capacity building, policy implementation, and research initiatives. He also explained the organizational structure of CIOTA, with the Council at the top, followed by the National Executive Committee, Zonal Coordinators, and State Executives. The new state executives and coordinators are introduced, with chairpersons named for various states.
In the end the President administered the oath of office to the newly elected State Executive and Zonal Coordinator members, represented by Pascal Noli, the Abuja chairman.
The oath covered adherence to the Institute’s code of ethics, loyalty, attendance of meetings and events, advancing the transport profession, honesty, and avoiding actions that could damage the Institute’s reputation. Members were also reminded that the Institute reserves the right to take action if the oath is violated.
It was indeed not just another event; it was a historic occasion that marked a turning point in the growth and impact of the Institute. As the group ushered in a new era of leadership and collaboration at the state level, their participation was envisaged to play a crucial role in shaping the future of transport administration in Nigeria.
CIoTA inaugurates state Excos & Coordinators, charges them on professionalism
