The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians with the technical skills needed to reposition the nation’s automotive industry. This commitment was underscored at the National Conference on Youth Empowerment Through Automotive Innovation, held at the Civic Center, Ibadan, where young trainees who had undergone weeks of intensive automotive training were formally celebrated.
Addressing attendees, Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives Monitoring and Delivery, described the conference as a milestone in the government’s efforts to build a future driven by youth-led innovation. She noted that the initiative aims to move beyond theoretical policy discussions and focus on practical empowerment capable of stimulating real economic growth.
“This is a laudable initiative and a commendable achievement for Nigerian youth,” she said. “What we have come here to do today is to build the future. If we say we are driving the future, then only young people can truly do that. Over the past few weeks, these participants have been trained in retrofitting vehicles from PMS to CNG, in mechatronics, and in the repair of both Nigerian-made and foreign automobiles. Young people must understand the extensive opportunities within the automotive sector and position themselves to lead in this space.”
Dr. Gbadamosi expressed concern over the automotive industry’s current 0.04% contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, describing the figure as deeply worrying and a call for stronger participation from investors, private sector players, and policymakers. She stressed the need to dismantle long-standing stereotypes that limit the perception of automotive work.
“We need to remove the barricade,” she asserted. “Many believe automotive work is meant for a certain class or that it is a ‘dirty job.’ But the industry has evolved. The mechanic of the future is a mechatronics specialist, an innovator, a creator. When we have young, skilled people entering these roles, the industry’s contribution to national growth will rise significantly.”
She also emphasized the abundant innovation within Nigerian universities, urging that student-developed models and concepts should no longer end as final-year projects but be supported through government-backed policies and funding that help bring them to market.
Following her remarks, Falz Hamadu, the Special Assistant to the President on Information Technology, highlighted the crucial role of communication and public awareness in helping young Nigerians embrace developmental opportunities provided by the government. He noted that many young people are overwhelmed by negative narratives that push them toward the belief that success can only be achieved outside Nigeria.
“Information is key in this present dispensation,” he said. “Government is already on the right track. Initiatives like today’s program, the Youth Dashboard, and the Nigerian Youth Academy are structured to uplift our youths and show them that there is a future they can build here. Many people encourage you to leave the country, but the places they run to were built by citizens who chose to develop their nation. Why can’t we build ours? Why can’t we make Nigeria the destination where others come looking for opportunity?”
The event concluded with the graduation of a new cohort of trainees in automotive technology, many of whom expressed optimism about deploying their newly acquired skills. Government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to expanding such youth-focused programs across the country as part of a broader strategy to drive innovation, employment, and economic transformation.
