GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA APPOINTS NIGERIAN ADETOKUNBO AS 1ST BLACK DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION

A Nigerian, Adetokunbo “Toks” Omishakin has been appointed by California governor, Gavin Newsom, as the new director of the State’s department of transportation. The appointment was made to replace acting director, Bob Franzola.

The 36-year-old Nigerian has a Masters degree in urban and regional planning from Jackson State University and has for eight years served as the deputy commissioner for environment and planning at the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Before his service at the Tennessee department of transportation, he worked as the director of healthy living initiative for three years in Nashville.

According to AsshToJounral, Adetokunbo has been a big supporter of safer biking, walking and advocate of non-motorised mobility.

He once said: “With half of all trips in the United States being three miles or less, good walking, biking and transit facilities are essential to the continued growth and success of our towns and cities

If we want to get more people, especially novice riders, out and about on bikes we need more protected facilities.

“If we think just striping and paint are solutions, that will not happen – especially on roads, in urban environments, where the right turning movements by cars can be a big danger to pedestrians and bicyclists.”