Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has highlighted the vast potential of Nigeria’s automotive sector, emphasizing its crucial role in driving economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the Warm Spring Resort in Ikogosi-Ekiti during the opening of the 2025 Strategic Management Meeting of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, themed “Fostering Creativity and Innovation for Continuous Performance Improvement”, the governor urged stakeholders to harness innovation and creativity to reposition the sector.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, Oyebanji praised NADDC for its partnership with Ekiti State and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to exploring opportunities in the automotive industry in line with the state’s six-pillar development agenda.
According to the governor, “As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the automotive sector stands as a critical pillar of economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development. It is a sector that demands constant innovation, strategic planning, and a forward-thinking approach.
“Your discussions on topics such as localisation, research and development, skills acquisition, and sustainable practices will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian automotive sector on the global stage.
“We are actively fostering an environment that encourages investment in sectors like automotive technology, recognising its potential to create jobs, boost economic activity, and enhance the overall well-being of our citizens.”
In his remarks, NADDC Director General, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said the retreat was organized to evaluate the council’s past performance and generate innovative ideas for a sustainable future. He reaffirmed the council’s dedication to actualizing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the diversification of the economy through innovation and digitization.
“I have set three goals for this retreat, first to explore how innovation and creativity can be deployed to enhance service delivery; second to exchange views on pressing concerns affecting our work and third to strengthen our collaboration and relationships,” Osanipin stated.
“Our commitment should be geared towards the actualization of the Priority point number seven (7) of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Tinubu’s led Administration which is to ‘Accelerate Diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.’
“It is instructive to point out that achieving the aforementioned Priority area is key to unlocking Priority Area 8 – Improving governance for effective service delivery as well as other Priority areas in the agenda.”
Also speaking, NADDC Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Ronke Amodu, said the retreat was essential to promote a culture of innovation, improve service delivery, and develop strategic investment plans for the council’s future.
