No fewer than Fifty women yesterday graduated from a specialised training programme in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Conversion, marking what was described as “a historic milestone” in the country’s push for cleaner automotive technologies and female empowerment.
The event, which took place in Benin City, Edo State Capital, was the culmination of a joint initiative by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Edo State Government, and the Lady Mechanic Initiative, under the theme: “CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry.”
The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, while speaking at the occasion underscored the state’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment, emphasising its recognition as not just a matter of social justice but also “smart economics,” reports Saturday Independent.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor lauded the uniqueness of the programme.
According to the governor, “I am very much aware that this conversion of CNG programme is a programme carried out by NADDC and it has done that in about three states – Edo, Ekiti and Imo States.
“But Edo State is very unique because this is the first time that all participants are women. Women trained as mechanics and also done in collaboration with the Lady Mechanic Initiative. So Edo State is setting a standard that will be difficult to beat by any other state.”
The governor highlighted studies demonstrating that empowering women leads to economic growth and an increase in GDP.
“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.
“This moment is more than a graduation, it is a declaration of what is possible when progressive policies meet courageous women,” she said. “These 50 women are not just mechanics, they are trailblazers and proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real results.”
The minister revealed that over 1,500 women have now been trained as auto mechanics in Nigeria, many of them through programmes pioneered by the Lady Mechanic Association, founded by Engineer Sandra Aguebor. She noted that the initiative had emerged from extensive consultations across the automotive sector and represents a deliberate effort to embed women at the centre of Nigeria’s industrial and energy revolution.
“This programme is about rewriting the narrative, placing women not just in workshops but at the heart of national transformation. Careers have no gender, and dreams must know no limits,” she declared, to enthusiastic applause.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that the initiative also promotes societal change: “Very soon, men will be seeking mechanic wives, women who are earning, leading, and redefining success.”
The minister also hinted at plans to expand the initiative to include the training and empowerment of female commercial drivers and Keke NAPEP riders, all equipped with clean energy vehicles and financial literacy skills.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by Barrister Ifeoma Williams, praised the inclusion of women in Nigeria’s energy transition, describing the training as more than technical instruction but “a conversion of perception about what women can do and where they belong.”
“You are not just mechanics, you are movement makers,” Williams told the graduates. “Skills-led industrialisation and energy-linked empowerment are two pillars of our new national industrial policy, and you represent that vision in action.”
She called for the integration of the CNG training into the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum, promising to support scaling the programme nationwide.
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.
“Edo State is not new to automotive innovation,” he said. “It was among the first to begin CNG use even before it became national policy. This programme is both technically and economically viable, given Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.”
Osanipin disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a subsidy for vehicle conversions, ensuring that citizens in Edo will not bear the cost. He also announced that conversion kits will be delivered to the state soon under the Presidential CNG Initiative.
“By empowering women in this space, we are building national capacity and ensuring inclusive access to the CNG value chain,” he said. “Countries that have invested in women’s participation in the auto sector have also seen the highest uptake of gas-powered vehicles. Nigeria can and must follow suit.”
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, in her remark commended governor Monday Okpebholo for creating an enabling environment for women to achieve greatness and represent a beacon of hope for Edo women.
“We congratulate the 50 ladies who have successfully gained skills in CNG conversations. When we empower our women, we empower our country and the world. When you empower the women you are giving them strength”.
Mrs. Edesili Anani also commended the founder of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engr. Sandra Aguebor, MFR, for her sustained commitment to empowering women through hands-on vocational training in mechanical engineering and technology.
“The dedication and hard work have paid off, and I’m thrilled to see the impact. Thank you for being a role model and showing what can be achieved with determination and perseverance,” Anani stated.
She also reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s support for programmes that promote self-reliance among women and girls, stressing that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to creating opportunities that elevate women across the state.
“This programme is a clear demonstration of the power of collaboration and vision. We are proud of what you have accomplished,” she added
Founder of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engr. Sandra Aguebor, MFR, 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 achieve success.
As the newly trained mechanics received their certificates, applause filled the hall, symbolising a national shift — not only in the energy sector but in the mindset about women’s roles in industry.
Engineer Sandra Aguebor, widely recognised as Nigeria’s first female mechanic, received accolades from both ministers for her pioneering role, adding that her Lady Mechanic Initiative would continue to mentor and train women across the country.
