Ayodele Olawande visits Innoson in Anambra, praises local innovation and unveils plans to expand youth skills and apprenticeship training across Nigeria

Ayodele Olawande visits Innoson for youth skills drive as the Minister of Youth Development embarks on a strategic collaboration with Nigeria’s foremost indigenous automaker to empower young Nigerians with technical skills.

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During his working visit to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing in Nnewi, Anambra State, Olawande was received by the company’s Chairman and CEO, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

The Minister, accompanied by top officials of the Ministry, praised Innoson’s commitment to local innovation, especially in the areas of CNG vehicle production and tractor assembly.

“Innoson’s achievements highlight how industrial ventures can unlock job creation and practical training opportunities for our youth,” Olawande said.

He commended the technical training and apprenticeship programmes being run by Innoson, which currently include young women excelling as auto-technicians. “Their stories are powerful examples of how skill acquisition transforms lives,” he added.

Following the visit, the Ministry of Youth Development announced a new partnership with Innoson to scale youth training and enterprise development initiatives, particularly in the automotive value chain.

The Minister also held talks with Anambra State’s Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, to bolster federal–state cooperation on the “1 Youth, 2 Skills” campaign — a programme focused on equipping youths with multiple vocational skills for self-reliance and innovation.

Earlier in the week, Olawande also warned against irregular migration, advising young Nigerians to embrace local opportunities such as technical training, which he described as safer and more sustainable paths to economic independence.

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This collaboration marks a significant step in repositioning youth development in Nigeria, aligning government strategy with private sector expertise to deliver real economic value for the next generation.