In a significant boost to youth empowerment and alternative energy transportation, the Federal Government has officially commissioned a new Automotive Training Centre in Gusau, Zamfara State. The facility has already commenced operations with an inaugural cohort of 100 youths trained in mechatronics a specialized field combining mechanical and electronic engineering specifically focused on the repair of both petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles and motorcycles.

The project was executed through a strategic partnership between the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Zamfara State office of the Made in Nigeria Special Project. The initiative is designed to address two critical national challenges: rising youth unemployment and the need for a skilled workforce capable of maintaining the growing fleet of CNG-powered vehicles, which are being promoted as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol-only engines.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, hailed the centre as a transformative step forward. “This is not just about building a workshop; it is about building futures,” Governor Lawal stated. He emphasized that the centre aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation and economic diversification, while also reflecting his administration’s commitment to developing skilled manpower across the state. He noted that the focus on CNG technology is particularly timely, given the federal government’s push to lower transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies.

Reinforcing the federal perspective, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the government’s broader vision for the automotive sector. He highlighted that the Gusau centre is part of a nationwide strategy to expand Nigeria’s automotive industry through increased local production, the establishment of industrial hubs, and strategic partnerships with global investors. “We are moving from a culture of importing fully built vehicles to one where Nigerians design, assemble, and maintain our own transportation solutions,” Senator Enoh remarked. He added that mechatronics training is critical for the next generation of automotive engineers, who will be essential as the country transitions toward more sustainable fuel sources.

Local community leaders and representatives of the trained youths expressed optimism about the initiative. For many of the graduates, the certification offers a viable pathway out of economic hardship, enabling them to set up their own repair workshops or gain employment in the formal automotive sector. The NADDC has indicated that similar training centres are being planned for other states, with the aim of creating a national network of CNG-compatible repair and maintenance hubs.

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Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, also known as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, a prominent educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist with over fifty years of experience in Nigeria, formally launched the Association of Female Skilled Artisans Initiative Canada (AOFSAIC) at the Salvation Army Shelter in Brampton, Ontario, on May 16th, amidst community leaders and supporters like Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, Chief Victor Alonge, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, Queen Esther Ejim, Chief Jumoke Abegunde and a host of others.

During her address, Yeye Folashade emphasized that the Canadian branch was established to extend her efforts in fostering economic independence among African women globally. She highlighted that the initiative seeks to help women acquire valuable skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and crafts, enabling them to achieve financial stability and independence.

At the event, HRH Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, underscored the critical importance of artisans to economic growth. He stated, “Artisans are the backbone of a thriving economy, and their contributions to the informal sector are essential for national development.” He further noted that empowering women through such initiatives not only amplifies their voice but also promotes inclusive growth.

In her speech, Yeye Folashade noted that the association is already active in Nigeria, with numerous branches across major cities. She stressed that establishing a Canadian chapter, particularly in Brampton; home to over 12,000 Nigerian immigrants, is vital for extending opportunities to more women seeking self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial success. She added that expanding into Canada aligns with Nigeria’s national shift from conventional employment towards a more dynamic, skills-based economy driven by immigrant entrepreneurs.

Yeye Afolashade’s academic background includes secondary education at Queen Elizabeth School in Ilorin, followed by studies at the Federal College of Education in Kano State. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Management from Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University. She began her career in Nigeria’s educational sector, mentoring students who now occupy leadership roles in various institutions.

Her organization collaborates with Nigerian government agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), supplying safe and quality learning and play materials to schools nationwide.

Her numerous awards include distinctions from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Security Watch Africa. She has been conferred chieftaincy titles and honorary doctorates, acknowledging her significant contributions to education, humanitarian efforts, and community development.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Yeye Afolashade mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and supports philanthropy through scholarships and community projects. She advocates for the marginalized, empowering women and youth, and continues to champion women’s advancement in Nigeria. In 2023, she was appointed the National Matron of the Association of Female Artisans in Nigeria, further emphasizing her dedication to women’s empowerment and discipline.