As part of the Urban Renewal Project, the Ekiti State Government has concluded arrangements to establish a mechanic village along Ikere road in Ado-Ekiti.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Otunba Reim Bodunrin dropped the hint while receiving representatives of the National Automotive Council, Abuja and the State Chapter of the National Automobile Technicians Association of Nigeria (NATA).
Otunba Bodunrin said that the project would enhance skill acquisition, improve the environment and ensure that vehicle owners
get value for their money.
The Commissioner stressed that the concentration of all mechanics in the state capital at a location will encourage specialization by artisans.
He however charged the council to ensure that only good quality spare parts are brought to the state, adding that it is also necessary to monitor the activities of mechanics in the state.
The Commissioner stressed the need for the artisans to liase with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in order to check the influx of fake spare parts into the market. Bodunrin also urged the council to translate automobile manuals for car maintenance to indigenous languages for optimum use, adding that the gesture would help actualise the objective of establishing the mechanic village.
Earlier, the Director of Infrastructure of the National Automobile Council, Mr. Odetoro expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Government for its efforts at fast tracking the implementation of a modern mechanic village in the State.
Mr. Odetoro explained that his council was to promote the work of the technicians via auto-technologists for proper maintenance of motor vehicles.
He said that the project would be executed under Public Private Partnership system.
He called on NATA Ekiti State Chapter to form themselves into cooperative groups that would enable them access loans from the Bank of Industries under an agreed structure.
The Artisans in the state thanked the state government for the mechanic village embarked upon by the Fayemi administration, adding that the development was unprecedented in the history of Ekiti State. They promised their support to the state government.
Last modified: December 25, 2012