The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in partnership with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), on Wednesday held a landmark Youth Conference themed “Driving the Future: Empowering Nigerian Youth Through Automotive Innovation” at the Ibadan Civic Centre.
City Business News reports that the programme marked a significant step toward equipping young Nigerians with the skills, exposure, and opportunities needed to participate in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
In his remarks, NADDC Director General, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the Council was proud to celebrate and empower the Nigerian youth, who he described as the “engine of transformation” not only in the automotive sector but across technology and ICT.
He noted that modern vehicles, especially Electric Vehicles (EVs), now integrate engineering with digital technology, making innovation-driven skills essential for future mobility.
Osanipin added that youth-led innovation across Nigeria and Africa is redefining mobility through electrification, digitalisation, and sustainability.
He stressed that the automotive value chain now accommodates a broad range of professional skills due to advancements in new energy vehicles powered by ICT and artificial intelligence.
He urged young innovators to harness their creativity to build solutions that will transform Nigeria’s mobility ecosystem.
The Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring and Delivery), Hon. Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, described the conference as part of a national agenda aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed commitment to unlock youth potential, deepen skills, and drive strategic reforms in Nigeria’s automotive landscape.
She highlighted Federal Government investments in mobility technologies, clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation. Gbadamosi noted that the conference provides young Nigerians with access to emerging opportunities in CNG adoption, electric mobility, vehicle design, automotive mechatronics, and global transport technologies.
“Let us seize the opportunities that this conference offers. Together, we have begun driving the future of Nigeria and the future of Africa. We are confidently shaping the future as creators, innovators, and global competitors in the automotive industry,” she said.
The event also recorded remarkable private sector engagement and empowerment.
Six outstanding trainees received automatic employment offers from the CEO of Weeldrop Logistics Limited, Wale Oladiti.
The Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, awarded ₦1 million each to six top performers.
Chairman of Nord Motors, Mr. Tobi Ajayi, gifted ₦1 million each to five exceptional participants, signalling strong industry commitment to youth development.
In a joint closing statement, NADDC and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives reaffirmed their commitment to investing in young Nigerians as key drivers of the nation’s automotive future. Through sustained collaboration, innovation, and skill-building, both institutions said Nigeria is steadily developing a globally competitive automotive industry capable of creating sustainable jobs, stimulating economic growth, and positioning the country as a leader in future mobility.
