CIOTA Inaugurates Odewumi As National President, Names Chukwudi Publicity Secretary

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) has inaugurated Professor Samuel Odewumi as its new national president, alongside other members of its national executive, to steer the affairs of the institute.

Dr. Mrs. Chika Ethel Chukwudi was also inaugurated as the national publicity secretary, with responsibility for the institute’s public communication and media relations.

The inauguration took place during CIOTA’s 8th National Transport Conference.

Other members of the new executive are Professor Umar Adam Katsayali, deputy national president; Rasheed Isiaka Aiyelabegan, national secretary; Dr. Charles Okorefe, national treasurer; and Mallam Haruna Musa, national financial secretary.

The list also includes Mr. Alexander Bitson John as national auditor, Dr. Dickson Olayemi as assistant national secretary, and Dr. Anthony Tanko Jakada as national provost.

In his remarks, the outgoing national president, Prince Dr. Segun Obayendo urged the new leadership to build on the achievements of his administration and sustain efforts to advance professional standards in transport administration.

He stressed the need for dedicated leadership, professional excellence and collective responsibility in addressing challenges in Nigeria’s transportation sector.

In his acceptance remarks, Odewumi commended Obayendo for his contributions to the institute and called on members to support the new administration in implementing its programmes.

The two-day conference brought together stakeholders from government institutions, academia, the transportation industry and related professional bodies to deliberate on issues affecting transport administration and the development of an efficient and sustainable transport system.

Discussions focused on multimodal transportation, infrastructure development, logistics efficiency, professional capacity building, innovation and collaboration among stakeholders.

The programme also featured the institute’s annual general meeting and the induction of Fellows and new members.

Barr. Jane Olanma Awa, permanent secretary of the Abia State Ministry of Transport, administered the oath to the inductees alongside other dignitaries.

A major highlight was the conferment of the CTN (CONTRANSP) certification on Chukwudi and 10 other recipients in recognition of their professional standing and commitment to transport administration.

As national publicity secretary, Chukwudi is expected to coordinate the institute’s media engagement, communicate its programmes and activities, and promote public understanding of the role of professional transport administration in national development.

The new executive assumes office amid continuing calls for improved transport infrastructure, more efficient logistics systems and stronger coordination across Nigeria’s different modes of transportation.