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By Moses Akaigwe
Leading automotive publication in Nigeria, Motoring World, on June 4, 2026, honoured the managing director of New Era Autovehicle Services, Kemi Koyejo, and the Motoring Editor of The Sun Newspaper, Mr. Moses Akaigwe, at its 30th anniversary celebration held at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre, Lagos.
While Koyejo received the Motoring World Women in Auto Leadership Award, Akaigwe was honoured with the Motoring World Auto Journalism Legacy Award.
The awards were presented by former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, during the event, themed “Celebrating Three Decades of Excellence in Automotive Journalism.”
In her acceptance speech, Koyejo, a Nigerian automotive industry executive with more than three decades of experience, expressed gratitude to Motoring World for the recognition, noting that the honour would inspire her to do more for the industry.
“This award is a strong encouragement to continue. I remember when we started; the number of women in the industry could be counted on one hand. We were very few in what was largely a male-dominated sector,” she said.
“I thank all of you, especially the auto journalists who remained professional throughout the years. Through that professionalism, we became friends and eventually family. I appreciate the support you have given me throughout my journey,” she added.
Responding to his award, Akaigwe, who was the first Chairman of the Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), thanked the organisers for finding him worthy of the recognition.
He said “I would like to most sincerely express my gratitude to Femi Owoeye and Motoring World for this honour. It is an award that I will cherish for as long as my heart beats, because it has come from an experienced motoring journalist who is in a vantage position to appreciate a colleague’s performance on the motoring beat.
“Moreover, I have been a pathfinder who, over the decades, has prioritised editorial content that contributes to the development of the domestic automotive industry. Yet, apart from commendations from automotive brands abroad, this is the first time that any individual or corporate organisation has accorded me this kind of recognition in Nigeria.
“I dedicate this award to younger colleagues, whom I believe will be inspired to excel, knowing that someday they too will be recognised for their contributions and achievements”, Akaigwe added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Motoring World Communications Limited, Mr. Femi Owoeye, explained that award recipients were selected based on their outstanding contributions to the automotive industry.
Owoeye, announced plans to launch a specialised Automotive Journalism Development Programme aimed at grooming the next generation of automotive journalists in Nigeria, as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the publication.
The publisher said the initiative was designed to strengthen professionalism, deepen industry knowledge and promote developmental journalism capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector.
He noted that Motoring World, which has spent three decades reporting and advocating for the automotive industry, would continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the sector through quality journalism and stakeholder engagement
“The Nigerian automotive industry stands today at a defining moment. The opportunities before us are immense, from local vehicle assembly and manufacturing to skills development, technology transfer, electric mobility, road safety, logistics and transportation reforms,” he said.
According to him, unlocking the industry’s full potential would require stronger collaboration among stakeholders, robust policy support and more effective communication across the automotive value chain.
Owoeye also disclosed that Motoring World would intensify its advocacy for policies that encourage local automotive production, industrial development, investment, skills acquisition, technology transfer, road safety and sustainable mobility.
He said the publication would continue to serve as a bridge between policymakers, regulators, manufacturers, investors, operators and consumers in support of industry growth.
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