BY IDAHOSA MUSA
BENIN CITY – The Federal Government on Monday commenced the training of 50 lady mechanics in Edo State to boost the manpower required for converting petrol-powered vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The participants will undergo one week of theoretical training before being deployed to various workshops for intensive practical sessions. During the programme, they will receive stipends for transport and one meal per day.
The training is being jointly organised by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Edo State Government, and the Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin, represented by the Deputy Director of the Industrial Infrastructures Department (IID), Mrs Joke Onireti, said the training would be extended to other states after Edo.
He stated, “We have been training male counterparts on the conversion of PMS to CNG-powered vehicles, but the DG felt we should also include lady mechanics.
“We want to encourage more women to join this sector and upgrade their skills from standard repairs and maintenance to the specialised area of PMS-to-CNG vehicle conversions.
“This is the first training of women in the country, and we will continue to other states from here.”
He commended the Edo State Government and the LMI for their partnership.
“This initiative for female technicians will promote gender equality, economic empowerment, and contribute to the growth of the automotive sector, particularly within Nigeria’s emerging CNG ecosystem,” he added.
On her part, the founder of LMI, Sandra Aguebor, said the beneficiaries would be trained and certified as CNG Conversion Technicians, adding that LMI was working to encourage more women to enter the male-dominated profession.
She said, “We called for 50 women for CNG conversion, but we have more than 50 present. This shows Edo women are ready and capable, as women can easily multitask. None of them will be jobless because after the training, they will be placed with various companies. I commend the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for supporting this partnership.”
