Photo: Sunday Ohwo
From right: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, CIoTA, Oba Rafiu Balogun Alaiyewura Elejiri of Ejiriland watches as the new President/Chairman of Council of the institute Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh takes oath of office in Lagos, Tuesday.

BY FRANCIS EZEM

The Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Tuesday officially took over as the new President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria CIoTA at a colourful investiture ceremony held in Lagos, which also saw the inauguration of the National Executive and Governing Councils.

He took over from Prof Innocent Ogwude, who administered the institute five years and decided not to re-contest at the 2018 edition of National Conference and Annual General Meeting of CIoTA held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital in December, 2018.

In an emotion-laden acceptance speech, Jamoh noted that the issue of Apapa gridlock has become a nightmare to residents of Apapa and environs as well as those that work and do businesses in the area, saying all hands must be on deck to address the national challenge, insisting that government alone cannot handle the matter.

While accepting an earlier challenge given to the new administration of the institute by founder of Centre for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi, who delivered the keynote address entitled: “Ensuring Competitiveness and Attractiveness in Nigeria’s Transport Sector: The Role of Professional Bodies” to come up with solutions to the lingering gridlock in the area, assured that the institute in conjunction with other stakeholders is equal to the task.

According to him, in addressing the challenges associated with the gridlock, the institute would adopt short, medium and long term strategies to tackle the menace. For the short term measure, he disclosed that the institute would enlist the services of volunteer workers such as members of the National Youths Corps Service NYSC scheme that would control and direct traffic in the areas to ensure free flow.

On the medium and long term plans, he also said that the institute would liaise with the Federal and Lagos State Governments and their relevant agencies with a view to finding lasting solutions to the place, insisting that the place of efficient transport systems cannot be overemphasised.

While commenting on the activities of the institute, he charged the members to prepare, as plans are underway for an upward review of fees and levies paid by all categories of members, insisting that the new council needs lots of funds to carry out its numerous programmes for the next two years.

He also pledged to double the current 22, 000 membership of the institute as well as following up with the chartering of the institute by liaising with the National Assembly for the quick passage of the CIoTA Bill, which has passed second reading and expected to go for public hearing next month as part of efforts to enhance global recognition of the institute.

He expressed appreciation to past leaderships of the institute for their efforts to place it on a right footing as well as the members of staff of NIMASA, led by the DG, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who thronged out in large numbers to grace the occasion for their show of love and solidarity.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the institute, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rafiu Balogun, Alaiyewura, Elejirin of Ejirin Land, while speaking at the event, expressed confidence in the ability of the new President to take the institute to the next level. While pledging his support and cooperation with the new executive council, he challenged other members to support them in their bid to reposition the institute.