Hon. David Ogada Ogewu, the Honourable Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, has urged the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to work closely with Benue State to promote youth empowerment through technical skills acquisition and vocational training.
He made this appeal on 5 August 2025 during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
Hon. Ogewu commended the NADDC for its impactful training initiatives aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills that can foster self-reliance and reduce unemployment. He praised the leadership of the DG for steering such a vital programme, which he said 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.
The lawmaker said the proposed synergy is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on restoring hope among Nigerian youth through meaningful engagement and opportunities. He called for the inclusion of Benue State in NADDC’s upcoming training programmes, especially as he prepares to launch his own youth empowerment scheme during the New Yam Festival in September, a period 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 said.
In his response, Mr. Osanipin commended Hon. Ogewu’s dedication to youth empowerment and assured him that NADDC is ready to collaborate. He explained that several training programmes are already planned and that steps are being taken to include Benue State in the schedule.
“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 said.
He also stressed the importance of mechatronics training, noting that research 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 explained.
The NADDC boss further stated that the Council offers training on heavy-duty vehicle maintenance, including retrofitting vehicles from petrol or diesel engines to run on 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 added.
The proposed collaboration is expected to create a structured pathway for skills development that could be replicated across the country.