LMI trains 50 female mechanics as Edo govt moves to empower 54,000 women

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

The Lady Mechanic Initiative (LMI), in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Edo State Government, has trained 50 lady mechanics in Edo State. The ladies have received their certifications after a specialised training on conversion of PMS (petrol) vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Founder of the LMI, Sandra Aguebor, expressed gratitude for the support and outlined the mission of the initiative, which is to equip women with marketable skills in mechanics and alternative energy conversion, reducing their vulnerability to poverty and social vices.

She stated that it was her passion for the job of a mechanic that enhanced her success, urging the graduates to be committed to achieving success.

She further explained that the goal of the programme was to equip women with vocational skills in mechanics and CNG conversion, enabling them to become financially independent and reducing the prevalence of social vices among young women.

The LMI, which started in Lagos, has now expanded to 20 states across Nigeria, and continues to grow, offering life-changing opportunities to women and girls from various backgrounds.

Speaking at the event, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, reiterated the state’s commitment to women’s empowerment, emphasising its recognition as not just a matter of social justice but a “smart economics.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor,  lauded the uniqueness of the programme.

“I am very much aware that this conversion of CNG programme is carried out by NADDC and it has done that in about three states of Edo, Ekiti and Imo.

“But, Edo State is very unique because this is the first time that all participants are women. Women trained as mechanics and also worked in collaboration with the Lady Mechanic Initiative. So, Edo State is setting a standard that will be difficult to beat by any other state.

“Within our administration’s four-year tenure, there is an approved plan to train and empower 54,000 women, with a quarterly target of empowering 1,000 women, which is why the state recently launched an interest-free loan of N1 billion for female traders and market women,” he said.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in her address, described the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s clean energy transition and a bold step towards dismantling gender stereotypes in technical careers.

In his remarks, NADDC director general, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, explained why Edo State was chosen for the pilot phase, citing its reputation as home to the highest number of trained female mechanics in Nigeria and its early adoption of CNG technology.