Ogun Commissioner charges young professionals on nation building

Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, has urged graduates and professionals in Transport Planning and Management to see their roles as pivotal to national development.

The Commissioner gave the charge during a lecture with the theme ‘The Role of Young Professionals in Sustainable Transport Development,’ delivered to members of the National Association of Transportation Planning and Management Students (NATPAMS) at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

He emphasised that students have significant roles to play in several areas including; Transport Policy and Planning, Operations Planning and Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Regulatory and Institutional Arrangements, Transport Economics as well as Research and Development.

 “There is a difference between a young graduate and a young professional. After graduation, a period must be devoted to gaining experience in the profession towards certification by the approved regulator Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA). It is only after successful registration that one can be classified as a professional,” he said.

The Commissioner further noted that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was pleased with the evolving partnership between the Ogun State Government and the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. He added that the Ministry had provided work experience and sector exposure to numerous students from the Institution through the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

“It is the responsibility of the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation to grow and develop the transport sector, recognising its vital role in socio-economic development. A key component of this responsibility is to attract capable and passionate young people, such as the students in the Transport Planning and Management Department to the various disciplines of the transportation profession and to promote innovation,” he said.

In his remarks, Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Mukail Akinde, expressed appreciation for the State Government’s support, commending the administration’s transport development master plan.

He appealed for further support in the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations within the Polytechnic environment to aid effective and efficient training of students in the required technical know-how. He noted that the Institution had already trained professionals who developed tricycles for internal use within the campus.

Also speaking, Head of Department of Transportation Planning and Management, Dr. Taiwo Ajala, said that the Department had integrated driving management and planning into the curriculum to help reduce road accidents and improve road safety.

Responding, the NATPAMS President, Mariam Akinbolu, expressed her delight with state programme, describing it as a source of inspiration. She also appreciated the Head of Department and the Rector for fostering an enabling environment that would support the aspirations of the students.

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