The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, paid a working visit to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing in Nnewi, Anambra State, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on youth empowerment and technical skills development.
According to a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Ministry’s Director of Information & Public Relations, Omolara Esan, Olawande was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, alongside other ministry officials. The delegation was warmly received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.
Commending Innoson’s contributions, the Minister highlighted the company’s “pioneering role in local innovation and job creation, particularly in CNG vehicle production, tractor assembly, and other industrial ventures,” describing these as “vast opportunities for youth empowerment.”
During the visit, Olawande engaged with young Nigerians benefiting from Innoson’s technical training and apprenticeship programmes. He particularly noted the achievements of two young women excelling as auto-technicians, saying their success “exemplifies the transformative power of skill acquisition and enterprise.”
Following the visit, the Ministry announced plans to partner with Innoson to expand youth training, apprenticeship, and enterprise development initiatives nationwide, focusing on the automotive value chain and related sectors.
The Minister also held discussions with the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, exploring enhanced federal–state collaboration under the “1 Youth, 2 Skills” campaign.
Both ministries reaffirmed their “shared commitment to equipping young Nigerians with practical, income-generating skills that foster productivity, innovation, and self-reliance,” according to the statement.
Earlier on Friday, Olawande warned youths against the dangers of irregular migration during a campaign and advocacy programme on its effects, held in Abeokuta for the Southern Zones.
