Members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Lagos State Chapter, have appealed to the o the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to assist the body to get a befitting village for its members.
Chairman of NATA, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Asiwaju Jacob Omonide-Fayeun made the appeal while giving his welcome address at the 14th Year edition of Auto Technicians Workshop and Exhibition held from November 15th to November 16th in Lagos.
Omonide-Fayeun used the occasion to appeal to Ambode, to allocate land to the NATA members to build modern and befitting and conducive villages in the state for NATA members.
He said, “We are tired of incessant demolition of our mechanic villages; and at the same time driving us away from streets, roadside and under the bridges without providing alternatives for us.
We also find it shocking that the Ministry of Transport has increased our ground rent from an average of N20, 000 to N140, 000 per annum.
This is very outrages and we appeal that Lagos State Government stay action on this matter while we urgently request for a meeting to send out this issue amongst other pressing issues”.
Speaking on the annual workshop and exhibition, Omonide-Fayeun said Nigeria Auto Technician Workshop and Exhibition is a training programme for auto industry and auto technicians in Nigeria.
He therefore, implored government at all levels and companies to accord due recognition to NATA and other informal workers because NATA alone comprise over 70 per cent of the economy, in the small and medium enterprises.
“We account for over 80% of new jobs in Nigeria according to recent statistics from the Federal Ministry of Labour”, Omonide-Fayeun said.
The NATA chairman, who appreciated Mobil Nigeria Plc for its continued support said the oil firm has continued to grow because of its relationship with mechanics over the years.
“Our earnest and sincere promise to Mobil Nigeria Plc is that our association will and continue to recognize, patronize and advertise your number one worldwide product anywhere in the country.
And to all members of NATA in Lagos and the whole federation, I recommend to you to use Mobil oil. I introduce Mobil 1 oil and other Mobil products to you and your customers. It is cheaper, economical and increases the life span of your engine.”
“Mobil oil has helped in training over 100,000 NATA members nationwide; and they are the sponsor of our annual workshop/exhibition; they deserve our 100 per cent patronage.
Speaking at the event Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corp Commander Hyginius Omeje stated that the theme of this year’s programme: “Developing The Future of Automobile Repair Industry,” is very crucial, more so when one thinks of the noble roles that NATA is capable of playing in the in the areas of road traffic crash prevention.
Omeje, who was represented by noted that road crashes have resulted in more needless waste of lives and property than major communicable diseases and sundry ailments put together.
He said human, mechanical and environmental factors are the three major causes of road crashes.
As automobile technicians Omeje said they are to inspect, maintain and repair electrical, gas, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, advising that they must always be cautious in their jobs.
He equally urged NATA to device a means of evaluating in their practice just as he advised NATA to uphold code of ethics of their profession.
In his address, the Managing Director of Global Sights Services Limited, Mr. Dayo Bello, used the occasion to introduce NaijaQuickFix.com,
which is an online advertising platform for all Nigerian artisan, a portal being run in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Bello stated that, apart from online advert, they will benefit from plans to organize lot of training for Nigerian Artisans in the avenue of business development, financial management and technical training. He then thanked the Lagos State NATA for endorsing the project.
The Lagos State Coordinator SMEDAN Mr. David Fisher also talked about how NATA could organize their members appropriately to enable them harness various government supports that would help members grow in the right direction in their businesses, one of which is to register onwww.naijaquickfix.com.
In his own address, the NATA National General Secretary Musa Yahaya called on Mobil management to replicate the program, if not in every state but in every zone.
This year’s event was also supported by Nigeria breweries who are on the ground on the second day to add glamour to the event, the supporting brand, “Goldberg,” was given to all participants free.
Raffle draw was done where lots of branded gifts items were worn by NATA members present.
Other partners were Stanbic IBTC, SMEDAN And Global Sight Services Limited (GSSL).
Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo
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