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Transportation ministers, corps marshal, 37 others receive CIOTA Fellow awards

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 2023

Why FG must scrap Ministry of Works – Opeifa

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) has conferred its prestigious Fellow award on 40 distinguished Nigerians including Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo; Minister of State at the ministry, Ademola Adegoroye, and Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Biu.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, and his counterpart in Abia State, Nwanoruo Godswill Uche, also received the institute’s fellow award at a ceremony held in Lagos on Wednesday.

The event also saw the induction of 84 full members, 57 associate members and seven graduate members.

Chairman at the event and former Lagos commissioner for transportation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, describing the event as heartwarming and should rub well on the nation’s economy.

He also called for the abolition of the Federal Ministry of Works, whose responsibilities had been the construction of roads and bridges that could be better done by the transport ministry.

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Opeifa, who is executive director at the Centre for Sustainable Mobility and Access Development (CensMAD), said the Ministry of Works should be a department

under the transportation ministry as applicable in other jurisdictions.

According to him, this is aimed at ensuring that transportation professionals are empowered to design, and implement infrastructure developments especially roads and bridges for smooth growth and development of the sector.

“Time has come for the country to address the issue of the relationship between the Ministry of Transportation and that of the Ministry of Works,” he said.

Opeifa also said, “We insist that any road or bridge project that would be embarked upon by the Ministry of Works ought to be guided by the Ministry of Transportation; that is if the works is not dismantled entirely. In South Africa, Ghana, and even in the United Kingdom, Germany and elsewhere, they no longer have Ministry of Works. Let the Ministry of Transportation handle its designs, build and operate the roads and infrastructure.”

Minister of State for Transportation, Adegoroye, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Mr Fola Ayegbusi, said the ministry would continue to be receptive to ideas that could transform the sector and reposition the industry.

Prof Calistus Ibe, a Fellow of the institute and lecturer at the University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), said the time had come for CIOTA to take its rightful place to regulate the transportation sector and sanitise the industry.

Ibe, who also delivered a

lecture on ‘Professional Development in Transport, an investment for future success’, said the professionals in the sector must rescue the industry from the hands of charlatans.

Lagos State Co

mmissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, said Lagos, with a population size of over 22 million people, had designed its transportation in a way to reduce the pain encountered on the roads in the state.

He gave some of the initiatives as the introduction of BRT buses and recently the First Mile and Last Mile (FMLM) buses; the channelization of new water channels; the installation of waterway control centre to improve waterway security and the introduction of two colour-coded rail systems as well as a single payment system – the Cowry Card to ensure seamless fare payments across all the modes of transportation in the state.

President of CIOTA, Segun Obayendo, said the Institute was determined to embark on a massive membership drive to ensure that the foremost chartered institute becomes the lead institute in the country.

One of the new fellows, ex-DG of Delta State Traffic Management Authority, Stephen K. Dieseruvwe, spoke on the what is expected of new inductees of the institute.

“As a fellow of the institute, one knows one has been called to duty and needs the best professional foot forward. That what I intend to do. Being a transport professional awarded the fellow of the institute, a lot of is expected from us to help drive the industry and guide the younger ones,” he said.

Another Fellow awardee, Charles Okorefe, who is managing director, Kamany Marine Services Limited, said in an interview, “The fellowship of any institute is the highest rank you can attain. Getting there means you are seen as somebody who has something to give back to that profession. You must have paid your dues and ready to give value.”

News

Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

Published

11 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

Tension gripped Abuja on Monday as security operatives fired teargas to disperse protesters and supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a confrontation at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The standoff reportedly occurred when hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters accompanied him to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, escalating an already charged political atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online showed security personnel deploying teargas canisters as crowds surged toward the EFCC complex.

In one of the videos, agitated voices were heard declaring, “We will come back; when it clears, we will come back,” suggesting the group’s resolve to sustain their protest despite the crackdown.

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The development follows reports last Thursday that El-Rufai was allegedly stopped by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in what his supporters described as an attempted arrest.

While official details surrounding the airport incident remain unclear, the situation appeared to have heightened tensions among his loyalists.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent political figure and a key voice within Nigeria’s political landscape.

His tenure was marked by sweeping reforms as well as controversy over security challenges and policy decisions in the state.

As of press time, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Monday’s confrontation or addressing reports of any investigation involving the former governor.

Security presence around the commission’s headquarters was significantly reinforced following the clash, with access to parts of the area temporarily restricted.

The incident adds to growing political tensions in the country, particularly as anti-corruption investigations continue to intersect with high-profile political actors.

Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

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NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

Published

14 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede

NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has clarified that the council has never received financial support from any government, either within or outside Nigeria. Speaking in Lagos at the 31st Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), Oloyede stressed that the NSCIA operates independently and relies largely on modest private donations to sustain its activities.

Oloyede, who also serves as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), explained that in his 15-year tenure as NSCIA Secretary-General, the council had not received “a kobo” from any government. He added that fewer than 20 individuals have donated amounts up to ₦500,000 since 2013, highlighting that the council functions without significant external funding. He decried misinformation and divisive narratives suggesting government involvement under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, noting that such speculation undermines unity within Nigeria’s Muslim community.

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Speaking on the theme “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security,” Oloyede warned against viewing insecurity, terrorism, and banditry through a religious lens. He said extremists often cloak their violent acts in religious language, but such actions do not reflect Islam. “Islam cannot be determined by what extremists say or do. We have a duty to correct that narrative,” he said, urging Muslims to reject all forms of extremism while understanding that insurgency thrives on enabling political, social, and economic conditions.

Oloyede stressed that security is central to Sharia, emphasizing that a true Muslim is someone “from whose actions neighbours — regardless of their faith — are safe and secure.” He cautioned against reducing insecurity to regional or religious differences, noting that all parts of Nigeria face security challenges. He called on Muslims to embrace moral responsibility, civic accountability, and practical partnerships to improve national security.

Other speakers at the lecture also highlighted the societal dimensions of insecurity. Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, described insurgents as agents of evil and stressed the need for religious leaders to promote peace and guide followers toward positive community engagement. Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa identified poverty and economic inequality as key drivers of insecurity and urged the government and policymakers to focus on job creation, education, and inclusive development as long-term solutions.

The lecture, part of the annual pre-Ramadan engagements, comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and North-Central, and rising violent crime in the South. Experts emphasize that national cohesion, interfaith cooperation, and community-led security initiatives are vital to tackling these threats effectively.

NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

News

Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening

Published

14 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to determine the official start of Ramadan 1447 AH. The court emphasized that community participation in moon sighting is vital for confirming the beginning of the holy month.

In an official statement relayed by the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court instructed anyone who spots the new moon crescent — either with the naked eye or using binoculars — to report their observation to the nearest court and ensure their testimony is recorded. Local centres have also been set up to assist observers in reaching judicial offices.

The Kingdom has established moon sighting committees across regions to coordinate observations and support public involvement. Authorities encouraged citizens to actively participate, noting that their contributions are essential to help Muslims across Saudi Arabia begin Ramadan in unity.

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Tuesday corresponds to 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH in the Islamic lunar calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted, Ramadan 1447 AH will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If the moon is not visible, Sha’ban will be completed as 30 days, and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This aligns with centuries-old Islamic tradition of lunar observation.

Muslims worldwide, including in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, are preparing for Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. Astronomical forecasts suggest visibility may vary across regions, making local observations and testimonies crucial. Similar calls for crescent moon sightings have also been issued by authorities in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The Supreme Court’s announcement underscores the importance of lunar observation in Islamic practice and encourages public engagement to ensure a synchronized start of Ramadan across the Kingdom.