…Inaugurates Interim Committee for Lagos State
By Kenneth Jukpor
The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA) has condemned the recent terrorist attacks at the Kaduna Airport and bombing of a train along the Abuja-Kaduna railway.
Describing these developments as an unfortunate setback for the nation’s transport sector, the National President of CIoTA Nigeria, Dr. Bashir Jamoh condemned these incidents which occured in Kaduna State.
The CIoTA boss, who was represented by the National Publicity Secretary Mrs. Chizoba Anyika during the inauguration of the interim executive of CIoTA Lagos State chapter, encouraged the Federal and State Governments to beef up security to enhance transportation across the nation.
“Yesterday, we learnt about the train attack. This is very sad. At the weekend, we also observed the unfortunate incident at Kaduna Airport. These are huge threats to various modes of transportation in the country,” she said while assuring Nigerians that these challenges would be surmounted.
Seven people have been confirmed dead in the late-night attack by terrorists on the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train. This is even as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Engineer Fidet Okhiria has departed Lagos for Abuja to personally monitor development at the scene of the attack.
Addressing the newly inaugurated executives, the CIoTA boss said, “I want you to know that the assignment that is given to you today is one that is huge but you’re expected to deliver. You should be able to coordinate transportation issues from maritime to roads, aviation to pipeline and railway.”
“Lagos is a metropolitan city and you have been inaugurated to handle the affairs as a Caretaker Committee until a substantive executive is elected to take over from you. You were selected because of the excellent work you have done in your previous antecedents. The Governing Council is there to support you in any area where you have needs or challenges. Other branches in other states are expected to come up, but you are starting as the first and you’re expected to inspire other states. I’m very glad that this committee is gender sensitive because women have a way of helping the men in achieving the collective goals. You need to set your deliverables and set timelines to achieve them.”
The newly inaugurated executives are; Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Salaam; Vice Chairman, Dr. Ajao S. Adeyemi; Secretary, Chief (Engr.) Igwe Francis Nwosu; Assistant Secretary, Alh. Jimba Ganiyu; Treasurer, Mallam Bala Adamu; Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Yusuf Adebowale Ganiat; and Financial Secretary, Capt. Akasan Noimot Agosi.
Speaking with MMS Plus, the Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Salaam who is a former Permanent Secretary at Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, assured that the team would work assiduously to promote the ideals of CIoTA and enhance professionalism across all transport modes in the state.
His words: “I thank the Governing Council of CIoTA Nigeria, the President and other executives for deeming us fit to jumpstart the Lagos Chapter of CIoTA. I also want to tell my colleagues who are executives and members of the Lagos branch that we are all involved in this drive to achieve success. We should be able to work in unity and harmony to address key transportation issues. When there are problems to be addressed, we should discuss rather than argue.”
