Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed strong approval for the National Automotive Design and Development Council’s (NADDC) recent efforts to train and empower technicians within the state. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a five-day specialized mechatronics training program in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji highlighted the importance of this initiative in fostering skill development, wealth creation, and environmental sustainability.
The training, which focused on the repair and maintenance of both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and petrol-powered tricycles and motorcycles, was organized by NADDC in partnership with Simba Group Nigeria. The governor, represented by Kayode Fasae, the State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, emphasized that the program aligns with the government’s drive to enhance economic empowerment and infrastructure development.
“The motorcycles and tricycles you see across our towns and communities are not just modes of transportation. They are lifelines. For countless families, these vehicles represent livelihood, access, and connection. Ensuring their proper maintenance and functionality is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Oyebanji remarked.
He further assured that the government would sustain such training initiatives to boost employment and economic growth. “This program, whereby trainees received skills upgrades and specialized empowerment equipment, will lead to the creation of employment opportunities for our youths and stimulate economic growth,” he added.
NADDC Director General, Joseph Osanipin, underscored the need for continuous skills upgrading among auto technicians to keep pace with modern vehicle technologies. “A skill-gap analysis conducted by NADDC revealed that many mechanics lacked the expertise or tools to effectively service modern vehicles,” he explained.
Osanipin highlighted that NADDC has trained over 15,000 technicians through programs like this, aiming to promote entrepreneurship, local content development, and innovation in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The Regional Manager of Simba Group Nigeria, Sumit Panda, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ongoing technician training as technology evolves.
Okay.ng reports that the program also included cash empowerment and equipment distribution to beneficiaries, who are expected to share their knowledge with peers, expanding the impact of the initiative.
