The Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, has called on Nigerian youth to seize the opportunities provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s youth initiative programs, particularly the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, to improve their lives.
Osanipin made this statement on Thursday during a two-day youth summit titled *Harnessing Youth Potentials and Career Prospects within the Nigerian Automotive Sector*, organized by NADDC in collaboration with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery.
The DG urged the youth to build their capacity across various segments of the CNG value chain to stay relevant and take advantage of the opportunities in the sector.
“As part of our capacity-building initiatives, the agency will begin nationwide training next week on various skill sets within the CNG value chain,” Osanipin announced.
He emphasized the importance of understanding different segments of the CNG process, stating, “The goal of this gathering is to educate you on the CNG value chain so you can identify where you fit in. Once you know your role, it becomes easier to approach the Bank of Industry for loans.”
The DG added that NADDC would offer free training to youths nationwide, working with stakeholders in each state. “The Presidential CNG Initiative will provide kits for the training at no cost,” he said.
Osanipin stressed the potential for manufacturing CNG kits, saying, “If you can’t manufacture, you can convert vehicles to CNG, and if you can’t convert, you can supply the cylinders.”
He further highlighted CNG as a cost-effective and safer alternative to traditional fuels, stating, “CNG is not only cheaper, but it’s also more environmentally friendly. Its emissions are significantly lower compared to PMS or diesel, making it beneficial for both the economy and the environment.”
Osanipin also revealed that the agency has developed an application to guide youth, technicians, investors, and policymakers in exploring opportunities within the CNG value chain. He said NADDC is partnering with agencies like the Bank of Industry, NASENI, the Standards Organization of Nigeria, and the private sector to unlock the sector’s potential.
In her remarks, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, Titilope Gbadamosi, said the summit aimed to explore the vast opportunities within the automotive sector, particularly in the CNG conversion value chain.
Gbadamosi praised President Tinubu’s foresight and trust in the youth, noting, “President Tinubu is committed to empowering Nigerian youth, and the CNG Initiative, launched on August 19, 2023, is a pivotal program designed to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal by offering affordable and sustainable energy alternatives.”
She emphasized the economic benefits of the CNG conversion, saying, “CNG is not only an environmental imperative but also an opportunity for job creation, skills development, and innovation among our youth.”
Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, also addressed the gathering, encouraging the youth to embrace the various youth-oriented initiatives of the Tinubu administration rather than focusing on the temporary challenges facing the country.
“It’s time we speak truth to ourselves in terms we understand. As youth, we must start seizing the opportunities available in the compressed natural gas programs,” Olawande said.
He added that nation-building is a gradual process and urged the youth to focus their energy on productive ventures. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. While times may be tough, I assure you that we will come out stronger because Nigerian youth are among the most proactive in the world.”
Olawande concluded by encouraging the youth to contribute to building a nation they can be proud of. “It’s time to stop talking and start taking action. Enough of roadmaps – let’s hit the ground running.”