CIOTA Inaugurates Odewumi-Led National Executives, Recognises Transport Professionals at Lagos Conference
Oru Leonard
The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), has inaugurated Professor Samuel Odewumi as its new National President, alongside other members of the National Executive Council, with a renewed commitment to strengthening professional standards and advancing Nigeria’s transportation sector.
The inauguration was a major highlight of the Institute’s 8th National Transport Conference, held from October 13 to 14, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel and Resort, Lagos.
Other members of the newly inaugurated national leadership include Professor Umar Adam Katsayali, MNI, as Deputy National President; Rasheed Isiaka Aiyelabegan as National Secretary; Dr. Charles Okorefe as National Treasurer; Mallam Haruna Musa as National Financial Secretary; and Dr. Mrs. Chika Ethel Chukwudi as National Publicity Secretary.
The executive team also comprises Mr. Alexander Bitson John as National Auditor; Dr. Dickson Olayemi as Assistant National Secretary; and Dr. Anthony Tanko Jakada as National Provost.
Speaking at the event, the outgoing National President, Prince Dr. Segun Obayendo, urged the new leadership to sustain the progress recorded under his administration while pursuing initiatives that would strengthen the Institute’s relevance and influence within the transportation industry.
He stressed the need for purposeful leadership, professional integrity and collective commitment, noting that the continued growth of CIOTA depends on the ability of its members to work together towards achieving the Institute’s objectives.
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Odewumi expressed appreciation to his predecessor for his contributions to the development of the Institute and called on members to support the incoming administration in fulfilling its responsibilities.
He underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in building a stronger professional institution capable of contributing meaningfully to the transformation of Nigeria’s transportation sector.
The two-day conference attracted participants from government agencies, academic institutions, the transportation industry and related professional organisations to deliberate on emerging issues, challenges and opportunities in transport administration.
Key areas of discussion included multimodal transportation, infrastructure development, logistics management, professional development, technological innovation and stakeholder collaboration as essential components of an efficient, integrated and sustainable transport system.
The programme also featured the Annual General Meeting, the induction of new members and Fellows, and the administration of the oath of office to inductees by Barr. Jane Olanma Awa, Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Transport, in the presence of other distinguished personalities.
A significant highlight of the conference was the conferment of the CTN (CONTRANSP), certification on Dr. Mrs. Chika Ethel Chukwudi and ten other recipients in recognition of their professional standing and commitment to the advancement of transport administration.
Dr. Chukwudi’s appointment as National Publicity Secretary places her in a strategic position to coordinate the Institute’s public communication, media relations and publicity activities.
She is expected to strengthen CIOTA’s relationship with the media, promote its programmes and professional initiatives, and increase public understanding of the role of transport administration in national economic growth and development.
Participants at the conference also emphasised the need for stronger partnerships among government institutions, private-sector operators, academic communities and professional bodies to address persistent challenges in Nigeria’s transportation system.
The conference served as a platform for professional networking, knowledge sharing and policy-oriented discussions aimed at promoting best practices and improving the delivery of transportation services across the country.
With the inauguration of the new National Executive Council, CIOTA is expected to build on its existing achievements, expand its professional reach and intensify efforts towards promoting innovation, capacity development and excellence in transport administration.
The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of an efficient and sustainable transportation system through professional advocacy, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of high standards in the administration and management of transport services.
(CIOTA Media, October 14, 2026)
