Ekiti State Partners NADDC to Drive Youth Empowerment in the Automotive Industry.

Ekiti State Partners NADDC to Drive Youth Empowerment in the Automotive Industry.

The Ekiti State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, under the leadership of Hon. Otunba Kayode Fasae, has reiterated its commitment to creating employment opportunities through innovation-driven partnerships, as the state hosts a 3-day Strategic Management Retreat organized by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).

The retreat, held at the serene Ikogosi Warm Springs Tourist Resort, brings together stakeholders from government, research institutions, and the private sector to chart new strategies for advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry.

With the theme “Fostering Creativity and Innovation for Continuous Performance Improvements,” the retreat is focused on developing specialized training programs for Ekiti youths, equipping them with critical skills in emerging automotive technologies, particularly electric vehicles and automotive software development.

Speaking at the opening session, the Ekiti State Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mrs. Adubiaro, expressed the government’s readiness to partner with NADDC to drive youth empowerment and industrial growth in the state. She emphasized that collaborations like these hold immense potential to localize production, boost innovation, and create sustainable job opportunities for Ekiti’s young population.

Hon. Otunba Kayode Fasae, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, who was also present at the retreat, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to leveraging this partnership to create pathways for youth employability, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation within the state’s industrial ecosystem.

The Director General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, and the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs. Silifat I. Amodu, also emphasized the Council’s dedication to building a future-ready workforce and supporting research collaborations that will position Nigeria’s automotive sector for global competitiveness.

The retreat, which began on Wednesday, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, July 11, 2025, with actionable strategies to deepen industry-academia-government collaboration and foster sustainable growth in the automotive industry.

The Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment remains focused on creating practical opportunities for Ekiti youths and advancing Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s vision for an economically empowered state.