Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to harness investment opportunities that can uplift the living standards of citizens. Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, during the opening of NADDC’s three-day 2025 Strategic Management Retreat in Ikogosi-Ekiti, the governor emphasized the importance of the automotive sector, calling it “a critical pillar of economic growth, technological advancement and sustainable development.”
Commending the retreat’s focus on innovation and creativity, Oyebanji described the initiative as both “timely and relevant,” stressing that the sector requires “constant innovation, strategic planning and a forward-thinking approach.” He said Ekiti State is deliberately creating an atmosphere conducive for investment in automotive technology due to its potential for job creation, economic growth, and improved welfare.
The governor expressed optimism about the retreat’s focus areas, which include localisation, research and development, skills acquisition, and sustainability, noting they would “undoubtedly contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian automotive sector on the global stage.” He also revealed Ekiti’s readiness to work with NADDC on specialised youth training in emerging areas such as electric vehicles and automotive software development.
Oyebanji further urged local research institutions and private businesses in Ekiti to partner with NADDC in developing innovative, locally tailored automotive solutions. “We are committed to promoting environmentally-friendly practices in the automotive industry, and we look forward to learning from the experiences and best practices shared during this retreat,” he said.
NADDC Director-General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, described the retreat as “a strategic investment in our collective ability to innovate, collaborate and drive our organization forward,” while Human Resources Director, Mrs. Ronke Amodu, noted that Ekiti was chosen as host due to the state’s dedication to youth development, creativity, and its welcoming environment.
