ASTOPU ABA CHAIRMAN, VICTOR AZUBUIKE, ABIA TRANSPORT GOV’S AIDE, DR. OBIOMA NWOGBE JOINS NIGERIA’S TOP TRANSPORT PROFESSIONALS AS CIOTA INAUGURATES NEW NATIONAL PRESIDENT IN LAGOS

By @TheKELVINATOR, The Eyes Opener News | October, 2026

The Chairman of the Abia State Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, Comrade Victor Azubuike, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Rueben Nwogbe, were among the distinguished participants at the 8th National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), held in Lagos from October 13 to 14, 2026.

The two-day conference, hosted at the Federal Palace Hotel and Resort, Lagos, brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, academia, the transportation industry and professional organisations to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s transportation system through innovation, professionalism, effective administration and sustainable development.

The participation of Comrade Azubuike and Dr. Nwogbe underscored the importance of collaboration between transport operators and government officials in advancing efficient transportation services, improving sectoral administration and promoting professional standards within Nigeria’s transport industry.

A major highlight of the conference was the inauguration of Professor Samuel Odewumi as the new National President of CIOTA, alongside other members of the Institute’s National Executive Council, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s efforts to advance professional excellence and contribute to the transformation of Nigeria’s transportation sector.

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.

In his address, the outgoing National President, Prince Dr. Segun Obayendo, charged the incoming administration to sustain the achievements recorded during his tenure while introducing initiatives that would strengthen CIOTA’s institutional relevance, professional influence and contributions to the transportation industry.

He emphasised the importance of purposeful leadership, professional integrity and collective responsibility, noting that the Institute’s continued growth would depend on the commitment of its members to working together towards shared objectives.

In his acceptance remarks, Professor Odewumi expressed appreciation to his predecessor for his contributions to the development of the Institute and called for the cooperation and support of members as his administration assumes responsibility.

He highlighted unity, collaboration and institutional commitment as essential elements in building a stronger professional body capable of providing practical solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria’s transportation sector.

The conference featured extensive discussions on critical issues affecting transportation administration, including multimodal transportation, infrastructure development, logistics management, technological innovation, professional capacity development and collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

Participants examined the need for an integrated, efficient and sustainable transport system capable of supporting economic growth, facilitating the movement of people and goods, strengthening commercial activities and improving service delivery across the country.

The programme also featured the Institute’s 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 of the Abia State Ministry of Transport, in the presence of other distinguished personalities.

Another significant highlight 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 emergence 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 engagement with the media, promote its programmes and professional initiatives, and deepen public understanding of the importance of transport administration to national economic development.

The conference further reinforced calls for stronger partnerships among government agencies, private-sector transport operators, academic institutions and professional bodies to address persistent challenges in the transportation industry and establish effective approaches to infrastructure management, operational efficiency and service delivery.

For transport stakeholders, including tricycle operators and government transport administrators, such professional engagements provide opportunities to exchange ideas, establish strategic relationships and explore policies and practices that can improve the management of transportation services.

The participation of the ASTOPU Aba Zone Chairman and the Abia State Governor’s aide on Transport also highlighted the value of bringing grassroots transport operators and government representatives into broader national conversations on transportation policy, professional development and sectoral reform.

As the newly inaugurated National Executive Council begins its tenure, CIOTA is expected to consolidate its achievements, expand its professional reach and intensify efforts to promote innovation, capacity building, ethical standards and excellence in transport administration.

The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of an efficient, integrated and sustainable transportation system through professional advocacy, stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing and the promotion of best practices in the administration and managemen t of transport services across Nigeria.