Benin: No fewer than 50 women mechanics in Edo have received certification after a specialized training on converting petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training was sponsored by Mrs. Sandra Aguebor, Founder of Lady Mechanic Initiative, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Edo Government.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Benin, Aguebor said the 50 graduates would significantly boost manpower for converting petrol vehicles to environmentally friendly CNG-powered engines. She highlighted the theme of the event ‘CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry’ as a sign of women’s expanding role in the male-dominated sector. Aguebor, Nigeria’s first lady mechanic, emphasized that Edo women mechanics could now convert petrol vehicles to CNG following their training and successful graduation from the Lady Mechanic Initiative.
She further explained that the initiative aims to empower women and girls, promoting economic prosperity for families, especially vulnerable women in society through skill development. The initiative has trained more than 6,000 women across 20 states, with certified coordinators supporting the programme. Aguebor added that it also provides mentorship and counseling, supporting the girl child and encouraging women’s sustained success in mechanics.
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, described the event as a historic milestone, symbolizing bold policies empowering Nigerian women with critical skills and platforms. She stated that the graduation was proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda was working, equipping women to actively shape Nigeria’s industrial and energy landscape.
Gov. Monday Okpebholo, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, commended Edo’s leadership in setting unmatched standards and urged public support for women achieving greatness independently. He emphasized that women’s achievements should be celebrated independently of men, as their participation significantly boosts the state’s GDP when given equal opportunities.
Earlier, the Director General of NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin, mentioned that the initiative is technically and economically feasible due to Nigeria’s abundance of natural gas deposits. He stressed the importance of leveraging this natural resource to transform it into an energy that will drive Nigeria’s automotive industry.