Ise D’otun: Multinationals Throng Oyo Over Friendly Business Environment As Mobil Trains 1,000 Auto Technicians

Oyo state government has disclosed that it is already collaborating with multinational companies who are keen on leveraging on the friendly business environment in the state to drive the Governor Seyi Makinde’s economic expansion agenda.

This was as Mobil, a multinational oil and gas company commenced the training of over 1,000 auto technicians drawn from across the 33 local government areas to be trained in modern techniques and use of technology to solve automobile problems.

The State Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperative, Otunba Ademola Ojo otherwise known as ‘Ijaya’ stated this on Monday, June 3 at the flag off of the training in Ibadan.

The Commissioner said the training for the selected auto technicians by Mobil was just a tip of the iceberg, and one out of the many benefits traders and artisans who are duly registered with the state government in the ongoing data capturing stand to get.

Otunba Ojo added that the state was already completing an App design which would serve as a one stop shop for all owners of vehicles in the state to login from wherever they may encounter problem with their vehicles and easily assess all the certified auto technicians trained by Mobil to respond to their call.

The Commissioner hinted that discussions are ongoing with another multinational corporation, Total Energy, which has already expressed willingness to procure tools and equipments for capacity building of auto technicians in line with the vision of Governor Makinde to open up the state for multidimensional investments.

He stated further that Insurance policies, financial support such as grants and loans as well as healthcare schemes are being put in place to help duly registered traders and artisans especially the auto technicians currently undergoing technical training to cover for losses that may be recorded in the discharge of their lawful duties.

“The business landscape in Oyo State is already experiencing a surge in activity as multinational corporations are now flocking to the state due to the increasingly conducive environment for commerce the Governor Seyi Makinde led government is providing.

“At the forefront of this development is Mobil, the global energy giant which has already commenced the training of over 1,000 registered auto technicians in the use of technology to diagnose vehicular problems contrary to the old and archaic trial and error approach that are no longer applicable in the modern world of automobile technology.

“This initiative aims to equip already existing and aspiring auto technicians with the skills and knowledge required to meet the growing demand in the automotive industry. The decision to invest in workforce development in Oyo State is a clear testament of Mobil’s confidence in the state’s potential as a hub for business expansion.

“The present administration has even gone a step further in line with its informal to formal sector migration plan through adequate data capturing to create a meeting point between demand as supply because people can now have easy access to these auto technicians who have been duly trained and certificated to provided seamless services without stress.

“With our rich human capital and supportive regulatory framework in Oyo state under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, we’re now an attractive destination for multinational corporations seeking to establish a foothold in Nigeria’s dynamic market and this is clearly evident in what is happening here today.

“Once they’re duly registered, whatever grant or financial support that is coming from either the federal or state government would surely get to them directly but if they refused to register, then they won’t be able to access these opportunities and that would mean self denial of privileges. Otunba Ojo said.

Speaking with journalist at the training, the State Representative of Mobil and Training Coordinator, Mr Yinka Adaralegbe, lauded Governor Makinde for always matching up his words with commensurate action stating that the friendly business environment in the state birthed the initiative to embark on the statewide training of over 1,000 auto technicians drawn from the 33 local government areas.

“We are committed to investing in the communities where we operate, and Oyo State has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and that is why we have embarked on this deeply technical training for over 1,000 auto technicians on acquisition of requisite skills in line with automobile technologies so that our people can be seamlessly migrated from using the old fashioned approach to solving mechanical problems associated with vehicular use.

“By empowering local talent through skills training, we not only contribute to the socio-economic development of the state but also strengthen our own operational capabilities. The training program, which covers a wide range of automotive repair and maintenance techniques, is designed to empower participants with practical skills that are in high demand within the automotive industry.

“Through hands-on training sessions and instruction, participants will gain expertise in engine diagnostics, electrical systems, brake repair, and other essential automotive services.” Mr Adaralegbe said.

Others in attendance are the State Consultant for Trade, Mr Banke Bello and Mobil’s Technical Instructors for the training.