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  • Auto Skills: Lanre Shittu Motors Trains Dropouts, Empowers Young Graduates

    Auto Skills: Lanre Shittu Motors Trains Dropouts, Empowers Young Graduates

     

    Lanre Shittu Motors says it has taken many dropouts and area boys out of the streets through its auto skill training and employment scheme for school leavers.

     

    The auto firm has also extended similar but advanced training skills to young graduates interested in pursuing career in automotive industry. In total, the frontline auto industry player stated that over 450 of such Nigerians have benefitted from the schemes.

     

    Taiwo Shittu, executive director of Lanre Shittu Motors, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Lagos, said part of the empowerment scheme of the auto company is to help beneficiaries secure decent jobs with good salaries.

     

    He said, “The company has contributed a lot to the Nigerian economy especially when it comes to manpower, training and empowerment of young Nigerians. We have an empowerment scheme for school leavers who have passion for automotive development. They are trained for a period of four years and get paid even while on training.

     

    “After the training, we send them to our customers across the country to service them. We ask them to be employed, accommodated and paid well. In some cases, they are given a car and placed on a good salary that we dictate. We are getting good testimonies from those we sent to Kano, Bauchi, Ondo and Cross River states, among others.

     

    “These are people that would have been bus conductors, touts or motor boys, now heading a facility of 300 to 500 trucks.”

     

    Lanre Shittu also said, “We have some people sending interested young graduates and school leavers to us for training. For instance, Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, sent 10 people from his Surulere constituency to us for the scheme.”

    Auto Skills: Lanre Shittu Motors Trains Dropouts, Empowers Young Graduates
    LSM Auto Workshop

    He called on the Nigerian government at various levels to invest and utilize the abundant, but untapped local skills, especially among the youth to develop the automotive assembly industry.

     

    According to him, Nigerians have the skills; they just need the support of the government; this is what will make the industry to develop.

     

    He stressed the need for the current generation of leaders to invest and make sacrifice for the development of the next generation just like the Chinese did.

     

    ‘’In those days, many people looked down on the Chinese and derided them for looking haggard and wretched. What they did not know was that, they were making sacrifice for the current generation. Today, the China’s story has changed. Nigeria also needs to do the same,” the executive director said.

  • Lekki Port: Amaechi Expresses Satisfaction At Increased Pace Of Work, Urges Promoters To Double Efforts

    Lekki Port: Amaechi Expresses Satisfaction At Increased Pace Of Work, Urges Promoters To Double Efforts

     

    Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has expressed his satisfaction with the increased pace of work on the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

     

    Amaechi made this comment in Lagos on Saturday, January 22, 2022, during his inspection of the port site in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, in the company of top government functionaries from the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Heads of relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC).

     

    Speaking shortly after his tour of the port site, the Minister commended the promoters on the pace of work.

     

    He urged them to double their effort on the construction to complete the Port and start operations ahead of schedule.

     

    “I am happy; from the last time we came here, there has been huge progress; what this shows is that when you set your mind on something, you can achieve it. The agreement was that we would commission by the last quarter of 2022, but if we double our effort on this project, we could commission by July or August, and that would be great”, he said.

     

    Speaking during the tour, the Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mr Steven Heukelom, explained that construction work on the project is on course and as scheduled. He noted that dredging and reclamation works had reached 89.93% completion, Quay Wall 85.65% completion, Breakwater 79.66% completion, the landside infrastructure development 67.82% completion, thus bringing total works carried out on the project to approximately 80% completion stage.

     

    Heukelom also informed the Honourable Minister that work has commenced on the marine services jetty, which the NPA will use to carry out their marine services obligation.

     

    He commended the Acting Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, for the support and partnership in preparing the Port to start operations.

    Lekki Port: Amaechi Expresses Satisfaction At Increased Pace Of Work, Urges Promoters To Double Efforts
    L-R: Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (Lekki Port), Mr Steven Heukelom; the Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Port, Mr Laurence Smith; Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko and the Director Maritime Services, DMS, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Awwal Suleiman, during the Minister’s inspection of the Port site in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos on Saturday, January 22, 2022

    Mr Muhammed Bello-Koko reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to provide marine services for the Ports operations. To this end, he disclosed that NPA is procuring tug boats and other necessary infrastructure for the smooth take-off of the Port.

     

    In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Port, Laurence Smith, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project by the fourth quarter of 2022.

     

     He noted that the EPC Contractor, China Habour Engineering LFTZ Enterprise, is working day and night to make this commitment a reality.

     

    Smith expressed confidence that the Port, upon completion, would be a world-class port and would become a regional distribution and transhipment hub for the African region.

     

    Lekki Port is being developed by Tolaram and China Harbour Engineering Company. The Lagos State Government and NPA are also shareholders in the project company.

     

    The Port is scheduled to start port operations by the end of 2022.

  • Vehicle Road Worthiness Certificate Policy Not A Revenue Generation Drive -Lagos Govt

    Vehicle Road Worthiness Certificate Policy Not A Revenue Generation Drive -Lagos Govt

     

    The Lagos State government has said the newly introduced ‘no-vehicle inspection, no road-worthiness’ policy is not an exercise targeted at generating money for the state.

     

    This is as it appealed to car owners in the state to come forward with their vehicles as the cost of inspection is already inclusive in the total package they paid for the renewal of vehicle particulars.

     

    The Director, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Engr. Akin-George Fashola, said this during a radio programme as revealed in a statement issued by the state government.

     

    He said the old format of issuing a roadworthiness certificate and then expecting the vehicle owners to bring their automobiles forward for inspection within 30 days is no longer sustainable as most people do not bring their vehicles for the said inspection once the certificate is issued.

     

    “The referral note that we give when you come to us is just for a grace period that covers 30 days in which we expect you to have checked and fixed the vehicle. The referral note is not an automatic clearance,” the Director informed.

     

    Fashola further explained that the Vehicle Inspection Service is ramping up its capacity to accommodate more vehicles through the 27 fully-equipped centres with 30 more underway to cover up the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas. He added that a Mobile Testing Centre is also available for companies and owners of large fleets of vehicles.

     

    He said, “You can go to any centre within the length and breadth of the state. Even if you do your first inspection on the Mainland and you had to do your second inspection on the Island, you have no problem because they are all connected up ”

     

    According to the Director, the existing 28 Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service centres are located in Ayobo, Oko-Oba, PWD, Lagos Island, Agric-Ishawo, Owode-Onirin, Bolade-Oshodi, Oke- Odo, Epe, Ojodu, Gbagada, Coker-Aguda, Yaba and Ajah.

     

    Others centres are Cele, Ibeju-Lekki, Odogunyan, Oko-Afo, Badagry, Ojota, Agbowa, Alausa, Anthony, Suru-Alaba, Omorege-Alaba, LASU, UNILAG, and a Mobile Centre.

     

    Commending motorists for their quick responses as recorded in the number of vehicle inspections conducted between Tuesday 4th and Friday 7th January, which totalled 388, Fashola solicited for higher turnout from motorists and urged them to take advantage of easy accessibility of the centres for their vehicle inspections and services.

     

  • Sanwo-Olu Declares Free BRT Service On Christmas, New Year’s Day in Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu Declares Free BRT Service On Christmas, New Year’s Day in Lagos

     

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved free rides on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors on Christmas and New Year days for all residents on Saturday, 25th December, 2021 and Saturday, 1st of January, 2022, in celebration of the festive season.

     

    A statement signed by the Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, said the free commuter bus services are being offered to Lagosians in the spirit of joy, love and peace which the festive season signifies.

     

    According to her, the Sanwo-Olu led administration is committed to ensuring the execution of the Strategic Transport Master Plan via the Multimodal Transport System currently taking shape through water transportation and the ongoing Blue and Red Lines rail projects.

     

    “The Governor has given his promise for the commencement of passenger operations on the first two phases of the State’s rail lines – Blue and Red. He has demonstrated his commitment to the completion of both rail lines by sourcing funds for their completion and provision of rolling stock. What is therefore expected of Lagosians is to support him towards the realisation of the Greater Lagos vision”, Mrs. Akinajo stated.

     

    The Managing Director expressed the Lagos State Government’s gratitude for the patience and perseverance the citizenry has shown in the face of the discomfort accompanied with the construction of transport infrastructure, assuring that consistent and spirited efforts are being made to improve public transport and traffic management.

     

    While extending yuletide compliments to all Lagosians, Mrs. Akinajo enjoined everyone to observe all extant COVID-19 safety rules and travel safely during the festive period.

  • Yuletide: FG Declares Free Train Rides For Nigerians From Dec 24 to Jan 4

    Yuletide: FG Declares Free Train Rides For Nigerians From Dec 24 to Jan 4

     

    The Federal Government has declared free train rides for citizens from Dec.24 to Jan 4, 2022.

     

    Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

     

    ”The decision which was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation is to ease movement of citizens during the yuletide.

     

    ”This is to help ease the cost of transportation and enable citizens to move easily enjoy the festive period.

     

    ”Passengers are however advised to ensure they obtain their tickets from appropriate quarters at no cost, to enable them to gain access and enter the trains.

     

    ” All passengers are also enjoined to observe and obey COVID-19 rules by wearing of face mask, washing and sanitising of hands. “

     

    He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensure the safety of passengers and trains during the period.

     

  • Buhari’s Visit: Lagos Announces Emergency Traffic Diversion On Victoria Island

    Buhari’s Visit: Lagos Announces Emergency Traffic Diversion On Victoria Island

     

    The Lagos State Government has announced  diversion of traffic on Ahmadu Bello Way from Adeola Odeku Intersection inwards Adetokunbo Ademola Roundabout (Eko Hotel), Victoria Island from 8:00am to 2:00pm tomorrow Thursday 9th December, 2021.

     

    Announcing the diversion plan, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde explained that the route will be temporarily unavailable for motorists to ply, assuring that alternative routes have been mapped out to ease traffic flow within and around the designated route.

     

    Though the commissioner did not give reasons for the diversion, The DAILY BELLS reports that it might not be unconnected to President Mohammadu Buhari’s plan to attend a book launch in Lagos on Thursday.

     

    According to the Transport Commissioner, motorists will be diverted to Adeola Odeku via Akin Adesola, adding that motorists will also be diverted to Oyin Jolayemi, Oko Awo and Sanusi Fafunwa as Akin Adesola connecting Ahmadu Bello Way by IBM will be closed off to vehicular movement.

     

    Alternately, Ozumba Mbadiwe will be accessible for motorists to link their destinations as traffic from Ozumba Mbadiwe inbound Adetokunbo Ademola will be diverted to Ajose Adeogun, Sanusi Fafunwa or redirected back to Civic Events Centre axis to continue their journey

     

    The Commissioner reiterated that all feeder roads leading to Ahmadu Bello Way from Adeola Odeku intersection as well as those leading to Eko Hotel from Adetokunbo Ademola Roundabout will be temporarily closed to traffic from early hours of the stated date.

     

    While assuring motorists that signages will be mounted along the routes to guide movements, Oladeinde also affirmed that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, (LASTMA) will be on ground to manage the inconvenience and reduce travel time.

     

    The State Government appealed to the citizenry with emphasis to those who reside and do business at the aforementioned axis to cooperate with the interventions made available to manage movement within and around Victoria Island, stressing that the traffic diversion is for a short period.

     

  • NAJA Awards: Glitz As Hyundai Creta Shines Again, Emerges Nigeria’s Car Of The Year [See List of Other Winners]

    NAJA Awards: Glitz As Hyundai Creta Shines Again, Emerges Nigeria’s Car Of The Year [See List of Other Winners]

     

    It is official. Hyundai Creta Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has emerged 2021 Car-Of-The-Year (COTR) in Nigeria.

     

    The sensational Hyundai Creta SUV was pronounced winner ahead of Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio at a colourful ceremony held on Wednesday night at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos,

     

    The annual event put together by Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) had in attendance key stakeholders in the automobile and transport sector in Nigeria including the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, representative of the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu among others.

     

     Hyundai Creta had in 2018 emerged winner of the coveted prize.

     

    In 2019 Toyota Corolla won the award. The award ceremony did not hold in 2020 due to the ravaging effect of Covid-19 across the world.

    Recently launched in the country, the 2021 Car of The Year, the Hyundai Creta, a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is described as a car with a redesigned shape set to create unparalleled driving experiences for customers. 

     

    According to Hyundai, CRETA has been transformed into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain. 

    NAJA Awards: Glitz As Hyundai Creta Shines Again, Emerges Nigeria’s Car Of The Year [See List of Other Winners]

    Building on the success of the previous model, the fresh-look CRETA is more spacious, boasts improved features and utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to meet the complete needs of working professionals, young peer group and families. 

     

    Mr. Gaurav Vashisht, Head, Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, said: “Developing high-quality vehicles are at the core of our vision and this is reflected with the all-new Hyundai CRETA model.

    Corps Marshall Boboye Oyeyemi PhD, MFR Emerges Road Safety Personality Of The Decade

    “Since the first model was launched, the CRETA has become one of the most popular vehicles and the latest version is set to be a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV segment. From top to bottom, we have crafted the car carefully, pushing the boundaries to ensure that it stands out on the road and is equipped with a wide range of improved features that will deliver even more fun-loving driving experiences. 

     

    “Ultimately, the new CRETA is no like no other vehicle. It’s a true urban crossover with loads of versatility that is modern, sensuous and sporty in design.”

    NAJA Awards: Glitz As Hyundai Creta Shines Again, Emerges Nigeria’s Car Of The Year [See List of Other Winners]
    Cross section of award winners at the 2021 NAJA Auto Awards
    Earlier, in his welcome address, NAJA Chairman, Mike Ochonma, commended stakeholders for their contributions to the development of the sector.

     

    Also, at the 2021 Auto Awards, Mercedes Benz S-class emerged  Luxury Car of the year ahead of BMW 7-series.

     

    Other winners at the prestigious Auto Awards, included:

     

    • Luxury SUV Of The Year –Range Rover Velar

     

    • Pick Up Of The Year –Toyota Hilux

     

    • Auto Plant Of The Year (Truck) –Lanre Shittu (JAC)

     

    • Auto Workshop Of The Year –Mandilas Motors

     

    • Truck Of The Year (Heavy Duty) –Shacman (TSS)

     

    • Outstanding Comeback Of The Year –Suzuki (CFAO)

     

    • Most Transformed New Entrant Of The Year –Toyota Starlet

     

    • Electric Vehicle Of The Year –Hyundai Kona

     

    • Most Resilient Auto Assembler –PAN Nigeria Ltd

     

    • Nigeria Auto CEO Of The Year –Chief Diana Chen (Chairman/CEO, CIG Group)

     

    • Auto Personality Of the Year (Public Sector) –Jelani Aliyu MFR (DG, NADDC)

     

    • Auto Personality Of the Year (Corporate) –Jacky Hathiramani (MD, Dana Motors)

     

    • Pillar of Nigeria Auto Industry –Chief Michael Ade-Ojo

     

    • Electric Vehicle Promoter Of The Year –Jet Systems

     

    • Gas Powered Auto Assembler Of The Year –OMAA

     

    • Communication/Marketing Manager Of The Year –Beatrice Oyesile

     

    • Communication/Marketing Manager Of The Year –Funmi Abiola

     

    • Auto Manufacturer Of The Year (Local Content) –Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM)

     

    • Most Innovative Auto Company of The Year –Massilia Motors

     

    • Motor Rally Promoter Of The Year –Work & Play

     

    • Outstanding New Pickup Of The Year –Nord Tank

     

    • Compact SUV Of The Year (Outstanding Design/Technology) –Geely Coolray

     

    • Most Fascinating SUV Of The Year –GAC GS8

     

    • Executive Car Of The Year –Kia K5 (Optima)

     

    • Road Safety Personality Of The Decade –Boboye Oyeyemi PhD, MFR

     

    • Online Auto Company of the year –Autochek

     

    • Mini Bus Of The Year –Toyota Hiace

     

  • Innoson, Jet Systems,  OMAA, Autochek, Geely Upbeat as NAJA Awards Holds December 1

    Innoson, Jet Systems,  OMAA, Autochek, Geely Upbeat as NAJA Awards Holds December 1

     

    Expectations are high as a good number of  established auto brands,  automotive firms and outstanding personalities in Nigeria’s automotive sector will be attending this year’s Auto Awards organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA).

     

    The event will be holding Wednesday, December 1, at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Eventual winners in each of the categories are expected to be declared on that date.

     

    With Micheal Ade.Ojo, chairman/founder of Elizade group and brain behind of Toyota Nigeria Limited expected to be honoured as the ‘Pillar of Nigeria’ Auto industry’ because of his contributions in the country’s automotive industry in the past 50 years, special guests of the day are Jelani Aliyu, Director-General of the National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC), and Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

     

    New entrants for this year’s all important awards are Jet Systems lisred in the Electric bus promoter of the year category; OMAA  mentioned in the Gas-powered vehicle promoter of the year category, among others.

     

    Both buses are suitable for commercial operations as well as other applications. The two brands are coming at a time when Nigeria is focusing and encouraging the shift from fossil fuel to electric and gas respectively to prospective vehicle buyers.

     

    Geely Coolray, marketed by Mikano International Limited is also in contention.

     

    According to the organisers of the event headed by chairman of the award committee; Theodore Opara, Car-of-The-Year (COTY) will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio.

     

    The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand category, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year. 

     

    Nigeria’s indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company is captured in auto manufacturer of the year ( local content)  because of its immense contribution in the development of the local auto industry and other ancillary allied automotive component makers.

     

    In his remark, the  Chairman of the Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association, Mike Ochonma said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs.

     

  • Auto Brands Finalists Unveiled As Momentum Gathers For Motoring Journalists’ Awards Next Month

    Auto Brands Finalists Unveiled As Momentum Gathers For Motoring Journalists’ Awards Next Month

     

    Automotive brands and their franchisees in the country are getting set for honours come December 1, as organisers of the 2021 Nigerian Auto Awards, Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) announced finalists in each of the awards categories.

     

    Eventual winners in each of the categories are expected to be declared on December 1, 2021 at the glamorous Nigerian Auto Awards scheduled for Eko Hotels and Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.

     

    According to the chairman of the award committee, Theodore Opara, Car-of-The-Year (COTY) will be contested by Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Creta and Kia Rio.

     

    Weststar’s Associates Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and Coscharis Motors’ BMW 7-series will compete  in the Luxury car of the year segment.

     

    In the compact SUV segment, Toyota RAV4 is coming back again to compete with Hyundai Tuscan and Ford Escape for the coveted crown in this ever-growing sector of the Nigerian auto market.

     

    In the Pickup of the year segment, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Hardbody NP300 are set for another showdown as the contenders are on solid ground in the Nigerian auto market.

     

    Hilux has won the awards on several occasions in the past, likewise the Ford Ranger; but this time again, the die is cast as anything can happen within the competitors and those that are yet to win the award in the category for the first time.

     

    Geely Coolray, being marketed by Mikano international limited, is going head to head with Jaguar F-Pace from the Coscharis Motors’ stable in the outstanding design and technology of the year category.

     

    Elizade Nigeria Ltd will be competing in the auto workshop of the year with Dana Motors and Mandilas Enterprise (Motor Division). In the assembly plant of the year, Dana Motors, Stallion Motors’ VON assembly plant will slug it out in this category.

     

    The Suzuki brand, which is being marketed by CFAO, is listed on the strongest comeback brand award, while PAN has been nominated for the most resilient auto company of the year. Nigeria’s indigenous automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co is captured in auto assembler of the year ( local content)  because of its immense contribution in the development of the local auto industry and other ancillary allied automotive component makers.

     

    Also giving some insights into some special recognition award, Opara disclosed that the executive governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma will be honoured for his massive patronage of locally assembled vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

     

    “His gesture has immensely helped to develop the local auto industry and secure jobs for several thousands of Nigerians, and this he has been nominated for the Governor of the Year: Automotive Industry Support,” he added.

     

    In his own remark, the incumbent Chairman of the Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association, Mike Ochonma said all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs.

     

    Speaking of the awards, Ochonma stated that one thing has remained true to the contest; it celebrates and rewards automotive excellence in the country.

     

    “The NAJA awards which holds every year is part of our contribution towards the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry,” the NAJA chairman concluded.

     

  • Ade-Ojo, Jelani, Oyeyemi, Hathiramani for Honours At 2021 Nigerian Auto Awards

    Ade-Ojo, Jelani, Oyeyemi, Hathiramani for Honours At 2021 Nigerian Auto Awards

     

    Founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, is set to be honoured as Pillar of Auto Industry at the 2021 edition of the annual Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards.

     

    Other prominent personalities in the Nigerian automotive industry to be honoured by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) at the event slated for Wednesday, December 1, 2021 are the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu; Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi; and Managing Director of Dana Motors, Jacky Hathiramani.

     

    According to NAJA, the organisers, the event, to be held at Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos, will also be used to announce the Nigeria’s Car of the Year, among other industry awards.

     

    NAJA in a statement said Chief Ade-Ojo is being honoured as Pillar of the Nigeria Auto Industry for his outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s auto industry over the decades.

     

    Chief Ade-Ojo has marketed and sold various auto brands like Peugeot and Volkswagen before finally settling for Toyota, a product he turned to a household name in the country.

     

    Elizade Nigeria Limited, which was incorporated in 1973, and started business in 1971 with just one supporting employee, has become a conglomerate with several subsidiaries, and a reference point in Nigeria’s auto industry.

     

    In a similar vein, the NADDC DG as well as the Dana Motors MD are to recognised as Auto Personalities of the Year.

     

    While Jelani has been very consistent in pushing the narrative for alternative greener automotive fuel, Hathiramani has been able to make the Kia brand a successful name in Nigeria.

     

    Commenting on the honours, Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma, noted that it was important to hounor and recognize people who had contributed immensely to the development of the sector while alive, not when dead.

     

    “We like to recognise people while they are still alive, which is very important so that they can also reap some rewards from their service and serve as encouragement for younger people to serve, knowing full well that when you serve, there is always recognition,” he said.

     

    Meanwhile, Chairman of the 2021 NAJA Awards Committee, Theodore Opara, has said nominations are still coming in for the various categories of the Nigerian Auto Awards.

     

    He said apart from the Car-of-the-Year category, there are over 15 other categories that are being contested for in this year’s edition of the prestigious awards.