The National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC is collaborating with the Lady Mechanic Initiative on training of female technicians on conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.
The Director General of the Council,
Mr Joseph Osanipin during the opening ceremony of a 5-day training on Compressed Natural Gas, CNG conversion for ladies in Edo State Southern Nigeria said the training aims to provide technicians with theoretical and practical hands-on knowledge on the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.
He said that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting cleaner and cheaper energy in the transport sector while equipping and empowering technicians with the skills to safely and competently convert vehicles to run on CNG.
According to him, “This initiative for Female technicians will promote gender equality, economic empowerment and contribute to the growth of the automotive sector particularly within the CNG ecosystem in Nigeria.”
“The challenge of developing Nigeria and the economy is squarely in the hands of Nigerians; men and women alike, so, permit me to restate that the role of female technicians in Nigeria cannot be over emphasised.”
“The only way to meet up with the advancements in the automotive industry is through training and re-training“. Mr Osanipin emphasised.
The Director General revealed that participants would receive empowerment tools and certificates upon successful completion of the programme.
Speaking on the council’s achievements on the adoption of CNG, Mr Osanipin said “The Council has continued to support the adoption of gas-powered vehicles in Nigeria through the formulation and implementation of automotive gas policy, skills development, monitoring of CNG conversion centers, accreditation and licensing of CNG conversion centers.”
“Recently, the Council in collaboration with Lanre Shittu Motors conducted CNG training for technicians in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and in collaboration with Kojo Motors conducted yet another for technicians in Owerri, Imo State.”
He added that the training is structured to allow ample time for hands-on practice enabling participants to demonstrate and apply the acquired knowledge and technical know-how practically.
While speaking, the founder of Lady Mechanic Initiative, Sandra Aguebor revealed that over 50 ladies are to be trained on conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles.
Aguebor who is also the first lady mechanic in Nigeria also commended the NADDC and the Edo State government on the initiative which not only creates jobs but alleviate poverty.
Lateefah Ibrahim