Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the state government’s eagerness to collaborate with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to unlock investment opportunities that will enhance the welfare of Ekiti residents.
Speaking at the opening of NADDC’s 2025 Strategic Management Retreat at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resorts, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, emphasized the automotive sector’s vital role in economic growth and technological progress.
Describing the automotive industry as “a critical pillar of economic growth, technological advancement and sustainable development,” the governor praised NADDC for focusing its retreat on “Fostering creativity and innovation for continuous performance improvement.” He highlighted that such themes are especially relevant given the sector’s demand for constant innovation and strategic foresight.
“We (Ekiti) are actively fostering an environment that encourages investment in sectors like automotive technology, recognizing its potential to create jobs, boost economic activity, and enhance the overall well-being of our citizens,” Oyebanji stated, underscoring the state’s commitment to nurturing the automotive ecosystem.
The governor expressed optimism that discussions on localisation, research development, skills acquisition, and sustainable practices during the retreat would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s automotive sector becoming more competitive globally. “In Ekiti State, we are particularly interested in exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as skills development, research and development and sustainable practices,” he added.
He further revealed plans to partner with NADDC to establish specialized training programs aimed at equipping youths with skills in emerging automotive technologies, including electric vehicles and automotive software development. “We encourage research institutions and private sector players in Ekiti to collaborate with the NADDC on automotive-related research, with a focus on localizing production and developing innovative solutions that are tailored to our specific needs,” Oyebanji said.
The governor also reaffirmed Ekiti’s commitment to environmentally friendly automotive practices and expressed hope that the retreat would yield tangible outcomes to positively impact Nigeria’s automotive industry. He urged participants to “engage actively, share your insights and forge meaningful partnerships that will drive innovation and growth.”
NADDC Director-General, Mr Joseph Osanipin, described the retreat as “a strategic investment in our collective ability to innovate, collaborate and drive our organization forward.” He outlined the retreat’s goals: enhancing service delivery through innovation, addressing pressing work challenges, and strengthening collaborative relationships.
Mrs Ronke Amodu, NADDC Director of Human Resources, noted that Ekiti was chosen to host the retreat due to the state government’s strong commitment to creativity, entrepreneurship, and youth development, as well as the hospitality of its people.
Okay.ng reports that this collaboration could mark a significant milestone for Ekiti’s economic diversification and technological advancement.
