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CIoTA President Calls for Transport Revolution Ahead of North Central Zonal Conference
The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA), Prince (Dr.) Segun Ochuko Obayendo, FInstA, has urged a nationwide transport revolution, describing efficient transportation as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economic development.
Dr. Obayendo made the call during a press briefing at the Plateau State Secretariat ahead of the North Central Zonal Transport Conference scheduled for August 27–29, 2025, in Jos. He described the conference as “a call to action” for stakeholders to overhaul the nation’s transport system.
“Without efficient roads, reliable rail, secure air travel, and connected waterways, markets remain out of reach, businesses struggle, and communities stay isolated,” he said. “This conference is about changing that—with real solutions, real partnerships, and real impact.”
Themed “Transforming Transport Infrastructure for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria,” the three-day event will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, academics, and innovators to address critical sector challenges.
Dr. Obayendo stressed that the quality of a country’s transportation network is a key measure of its progress. “When you arrive in any country, the first thing that welcomes you is its transport system. It reflects its organisation and development. Our mission is to rewrite Nigeria’s story,” he said.
Lamenting the underappreciation of the sector by investors, he said the conference would also highlight opportunities for private sector participation. He noted that CIoTA—empowered by the National Assembly in 2019 to regulate, professionalise, and advocate for improved transportation—would use the platform to promote technology-driven solutions across road, rail, air, water, and pipeline transport.
Citing global innovations, Dr. Obayendo recalled how automated number plate recognition in London detected his expired car insurance. “This is not rocket science; Nigeria can deploy the same. Our road transport sector, which handles 90% of goods and passengers, should be the starting point for such a revolution,” he stated.
He called for a collective regional approach to transport development in the North Central, urging collaboration among states to achieve faster progress. He expressed hope that the conference would produce a North Central Transportation Master Plan with measurable targets to ensure policy continuity regardless of leadership changes.
Commissioner for Transport, Davou Gyang, commended Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s strides in revitalising Plateau State’s transport sector, citing improvements in land, air, and water transport, the resumption of rail services after two decades, the Metro Bus initiative, enhanced Lagos–Jos flights, and boat services on River Ebi linking Shendam to Taraba State.
Gyang said Plateau was the ideal choice to host the event, given its recent progress in infrastructure. The conference will feature a keynote address by Professor Ibrahim Choji and other transport experts, ending with tours of key transport facilities and tourist sites in the state.
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, says Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have risen to 344 confirmed infections, with 60 deaths recorded so far.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Mr Ghebreyesus said the backlog of suspected Ebola cases had dropped significantly from more than 1,000 to 116 as laboratory testing capacity improved across affected areas.
The WHO chief gave the update after returning from the outbreak epicentre in Ituri Province, where he met political leaders, frontline health workers and community groups involved in the response.
According to him, WHO’s latest risk assessment remains very high at the national level, high at the regional level and low globally, despite ongoing efforts to contain transmission and strengthen surveillance.
He said confirmed cases had been reported across 24 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, underscoring the scale of the outbreak and challenges facing response teams.
“Treatment capacity has expanded with three centres and 80 beds now open in Bunia, plus units in Mongbwalu, Rwampara, Beni, Goma and Bukavu,” he said.
“Six people have recovered in DRC and two in Uganda, but contact tracing still lags at 45 per cent against the 90 per cent target needed to control spread.”
Mr Ghebreyesus said the outbreak had crossed international borders, with Uganda recording 15 confirmed cases and one death, including a Congolese resident who travelled through the United Arab Emirates.
He added that a US citizen infected in DRC remained under treatment in Germany, while WHO continued coordinating with Ugandan and UAE authorities on contact tracing and exposure-risk assessments.
The WHO Director-General identified five major challenges slowing response efforts and emphasised the urgent need for stronger surveillance systems, community engagement and improved operational access in affected regions.
“First, testing delays persist, so WHO is decentralising labs to Mongbwalu, Beni, Aru, Nyakunde and Tchomia. Second, only 45 per cent of contacts are being followed in DRC due to insecurity and displacement.
“Third, blanket travel restrictions are disrupting supply chains despite the WHO recommending exit screening instead.
“Fourth, community mistrust remains high, with some leaders still doubting Ebola is real. Building trust is now a core priority and Fifth, there are still no approved vaccines or therapeutics,” he said.
According to him, WHO has convened its Medical Countermeasures Network to accelerate trials and diagnostics, stressing that leadership, community ownership and trust remained essential to ending the outbreak successfully.
READ ALSO: WHO prioritises clinical trials for Bundibugyo Ebola treatments, vaccines
“Our ultimate measure of success is not whether we stop this outbreak. We will. DRC has stopped 16 previous Ebola outbreaks,” he said.
“The real measure is what we do to prevent the 18th and 19th, if communities survive Ebola only to die from malaria, malnutrition or other diseases,
“We have not really helped them.
“WHO pledged to stay after the outbreak ends to help build stronger health and humanitarian services under government leadership,’ he said. (NAN)
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has revealed that the national team is not overly focused on its unbeaten record under coach Eric Chelle despite extending the streak after the 2-2 draw against Poland.
READ ALSO: Eric Ejiofor Urges Nigerians To Trust Eric Chelle After Super Eagles’ Impressive Run
Nigeria have now gone 24 matches without losing in normal time under the Franco-Malian tactician, but Adams insists the players are more concerned about improving performances and getting positive results.
“We are not too focused on the unbeaten record,” Adams said.
According to the Super Eagles forward, the team’s main objective remains continuous improvement and representing the country positively.
“Our focus is on performing better and getting results for Nigeria,” he implied.
Adams also praised Chelle for introducing a fresh tactical identity and philosophy to the national team since taking charge.
“The coach has brought a different dimension and philosophy to the team,” he noted.
The striker believes the tactical changes have contributed significantly to the team’s recent performances and growing confidence.
“You can see the improvements in the way we play,” he added.
Nigeria’s unbeaten run under Chelle has continued generating optimism among supporters as the team rebuilds following recent disappointments.
“The team appears more organized and competitive now,” many football observers believe.
The Super Eagles continue preparing for future competitive fixtures while integrating new players into the squad.
“There is growing belief around the direction of the team,” supporters continue to say.
For Akor Adams, the message is clear.
Records are not the priority.
Improvement and results matter more.
And Eric Chelle’s philosophy is helping shape a stronger Super Eagles side.
Because lasting success in football comes from growth, consistency, and collective ambition.
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