The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration, Ogun State chapter, on Wednesday underscored the importance of data collation for its members as a key priority for successful future planning.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting in Ota, the institute’s state Chairman, Adekunle Ajibade, said that the engagement with the South-West Coordinator, Seni Ogunyemi, was aimed at exploring strategies for the institute’s advancement.

Mr Ajibade explained that the meeting was necessary to facilitate further engagements with key stakeholders, including the deputy governor of the state.

He stated, “To achieve this, we have resolved to engage both public and private sectors, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, Vehicle Inspection Services, ministries of Transport, and tertiary institutions where transport is studied as a professional course. We have been mandated to intensify our membership drive by professionalising CIOTA across all approved sectors.’’

Mr Ajibade noted that, according to the Act establishing CIOTA, promotion beyond level 10 in relevant sectors would require CIOTA membership.

As part of the membership drive, he said the chapter also plans to recruit fresh members by targeting students before their graduation.

“This can only be achieved by visiting universities and other institutions of higher learning to introduce CIOTA and its benefits,” he said.

Mr Ajibade explained that having the knowledge of the numerical strength of members of CIOTA through data collation from approved private and public organisations would enhance proper membership harmonisation of the institute.

He also stated that CIOTA was committed to setting professional standards, defining the required knowledge and skills for membership, and guiding those seeking to become chartered transport administrators.

He stated, “We will organise and conduct seminars, workshops, conferences, and research in all areas of transport management. Additionally, we will provide professional training for aspiring chartered transport administrators and recognise individuals with honorary awards.’’

(NAN)