The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) in Ogun State has embarked on a strategic initiative to strengthen its presence and influence within the state’s transport sector. This involves fostering closer collaboration with key stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector organizations, to drive membership growth and promote professional development within the transport and logistics fields. A recent courtesy visit by the state chapter of CIOTA to the Commander-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), ‘Seni Ogunyemi, underscored this commitment. The visit provided a platform for constructive dialogue on how CIOTA and TRACE can synergize their efforts to elevate the state’s transport system and enhance the professional standards of practitioners.
The cornerstone of CIOTA’s strategy is to unite transport and logistics professionals across diverse sectors, including academia, public service, and private enterprise. This collaborative approach aims to create a cohesive and vibrant professional community that can effectively address the challenges and opportunities within the transport sector. The engagement with TRACE, represented by its Commander-General, who also serves as the South-West Zonal Coordinator for CIOTA, holds significant promise for achieving this objective. TRACE, as a leading traffic management agency in the state, possesses valuable insights and networks within the transport sector, which can be instrumental in supporting CIOTA’s initiatives.
CIOTA’s chairman, Adekunle Ajibade, emphasized the importance of engaging with relevant government stakeholders to further the institute’s agenda. He specifically highlighted the need to collaborate with the Deputy Governor, the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Transport Committee, and the Chairman of the TRACE Board. These individuals hold key decision-making positions that can significantly impact the transport sector’s development and regulatory framework. By engaging with these stakeholders, CIOTA aims to advocate for policies that promote professionalization, enhance safety standards, and optimize the efficiency of transport operations within the state.
A crucial component of CIOTA’s strategy is the development of a centralized database of transport professionals in Ogun State. This database will serve as a valuable resource for connecting professionals, sharing knowledge, and facilitating professional development opportunities. The database will also play a crucial role in CIOTA’s membership drive, allowing the institute to reach out to potential members and effectively manage its membership base. In addition, CIOTA plans to advocate for mandatory CIOTA certification for civil servants in the transport sector before they attain Grade Level 12. This requirement aims to ensure that public sector employees in the transport field possess the necessary professional qualifications and expertise to effectively discharge their duties.
CIOTA also plans to introduce honorary awards to recognize excellence and contributions within the transport sector. These awards will serve as a powerful motivator for professionals to strive for higher standards and contribute to the advancement of the field. By acknowledging outstanding achievements and contributions, CIOTA aims to raise the profile of the transport profession and encourage greater participation and engagement. However, the institute recognizes that achieving these ambitious goals requires adequate resources and comprehensive data. Challenges such as a lack of funding and inadequate data pose significant obstacles to the successful implementation of CIOTA’s initiatives.
The Commander-General of TRACE, ‘Seni Ogunyemi, expressed his strong support for CIOTA’s initiatives and pledged to assist the institute in achieving its objectives. He recognized the alignment between CIOTA’s mission and TRACE’s mandate to improve traffic management and enhance road safety within the state. This collaborative spirit signals a promising partnership that can significantly contribute to the development and professionalization of the transport sector in Ogun State. The synergy between CIOTA’s expertise in transport administration and TRACE’s operational capabilities creates a powerful platform for driving positive change and achieving shared goals. Ogunyemi’s commitment to supporting CIOTA’s endeavors reinforces the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing the complex challenges facing the transport sector.
