Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to explore investment opportunities that will enhance citizens’ quality of life and position the state as a hub for automotive innovation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Strategic Management Retreat of the NADDC, Governor Oyebanji described the automotive industry as a “critical pillar of economic growth, technological progress, and sustainable development.”

The three-day retreat, themed “Fostering Creativity and Innovation for Continuous Performance Improvement”, is being held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ekiti State.

The governor commended NADDC for choosing a theme that underscores the need for continuous innovation in a sector that demands strategic foresight and technological advancement.

“In Ekiti, we are deliberately cultivating an ecosystem that welcomes investment in key sectors like automotive technology. We understand the sector’s capacity to generate employment, stimulate economic growth, and ultimately improve the lives of our people,” Oyebanji stated.

He further expressed confidence that the retreat’s focus areas—localisation, research and development, skills acquisition, and sustainable practices—would significantly enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s automotive sector.

Highlighting Ekiti’s readiness for collaboration, Oyebanji said the state is particularly interested in areas such as capacity building, green technology, and indigenous innovation.

“In particular, we are eager to work with the NADDC to design and implement training programmes that will equip our youth with relevant skills in emerging fields like electric vehicles and automotive software development,” he said.

Oyebanji also encouraged academic institutions and private enterprises in Ekiti to partner with NADDC on automotive-focused research aimed at localising production and creating solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific mobility needs.

“We are committed to encouraging eco-friendly practices within the automotive industry and look forward to adopting insights and best practices shared during this retreat,” he added.

The governor urged participants to engage meaningfully throughout the retreat and build partnerships that would drive innovation, industrial growth, and long-term national competitiveness.

Also speaking, NADDC Director-General, Mr. Joseph Osanipin, described the retreat as “a strategic investment in our collective capacity to innovate, collaborate, and advance the Council’s mandate.”

He urged attendees to maximise the opportunity for shared learning and strategic alignment. According to Osanipin, the retreat was designed around three core objectives: “leveraging innovation and creativity for improved service delivery, addressing key operational challenges, and reinforcing collaboration across departments.”

The Director of Human Resources at NADDC, Mrs. Ronke Amodu, noted that Ekiti State was chosen as host due to its government’s strong commitment to youth development, entrepreneurship, and creativity. She praised the state’s supportive environment and the renowned hospitality of its people, calling it a fitting setting for meaningful dialogue and reflection.