NADDC AND BENUE STATE TO SYNERGIZE ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT.
The Honourable Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Hon. David Ogada Ogewu, has called for strong collaboration between the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and Benue State towards youth empowerment through technical skills acquisition and vocational training. Hon Ogewu made the call during his courtesy visit to the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, on 5th August, 2025 at the Council’s Headquarters Abuja.
Hon. Ogewu expressed his appreciation for the Council’s impactful training initiatives aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills to foster self-reliance and reduce unemployment. He commended the DG for spearheading such a vital programme that aligns with the nation’s current development priorities.
“This initiative is beyond just obtaining a certificate; it is about empowering our youth with innovative, hands-on skills that make them economically productive. In my federal constituency and indeed across Benue State many young people are roaming the streets despite having immense potential. We also have a large number of artisans and mechatronic technicians who need structured training to become fully self-reliant.” he stated.
Hon. Ogewu reiterated that the synergy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes restoring lost hope among Nigerian youth through meaningful engagement and opportunities. He appealed for the inclusion of Benue State in NADDC’s upcoming training programmes, especially as he prepares to roll out his own youth empowerment scheme during the New Yam Festival in September a time when communities come together for celebration and development activities.
“I want this training to reach as many youths in my constituency as possible. If we can partner to make it happen by September, it will be a great milestone. Beyond my constituency, I’m also advocating for the entire state, so that together, we can reduce crime and give our young people a pathway to independence.” he requested.
Responding, the NADDC Director-General Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin appreciated Hon. Ogewu’s commitment to youth empowerment and assured him of the Council’s readiness to collaborate. He noted that several training programmes are already scheduled and plans are underway to include Benue State in the lineup.
“We have different categories of training, including motorcycle and tricycle maintenance, especially now that TVS and Bajaj are manufacturing CNG-powered tricycles locally. It’s important that we train people on how to service and maintain them.” he explained.
Mr. Osanipin also emphasized the importance of mechatronics training, citing research that links many road accidents to preventable vehicle faults.
“Vehicles have evolved from purely mechanical systems to complex electrical and electronic systems. Our technicians must evolve too, and that’s why we are pushing training in this area.” he said.
He further mentioned that the Council also provides training on heavy-duty vehicle maintenance, including retrofitting vehicles from PMS or AGO to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
“We’ll assess the needs and identify which training is most feasible for Benue in the short term, and then work closely with your team to implement it, possibly by September,” he concluded.
This collaboration between NADDC and Benue State holds promise for a transformative youth empowerment strategy that could serve as a model for national replication.
