NAMA endorses training for auto journalists

The Nigerian Automo­tive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) has commended Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) for instituting an an­nual training for its members, saying it will help the imple­mentation of the nation’s auto policy.

Chairman of NAMA, who is also the Managing Director of VON Automobiles Limit­ed, Mr. Tokunbo Aromolar­an made the commendation, last week, when members of the Organsing Committee for the training paid him a visit in his Victoria Island, Lagos of­fice.

Intimating the NAMA chairman about the training, which has been rescheduled to hold July 29 and 30, 2016, the committee chairman, Mr. Femi Owoeye said NAJA in­stituted the training at a time like this to ensure that journal­ists are well prepared towards contributing their own profes­sional qota to the development of the nation’s auto industry.

He said: “As stakeholders motoring journalists are aware of the importance of our role in the area of developmental journalism, a vital ingredient the industry needs to succeed.”

Responding, the NAMA Chairman commended the initiative, saying capacity building for motoring jour­nalists will go a long way at complementing the efforts of investors and federal govern­ment towards successful im­plementation of the nation’s auto policy.

“Instituting this kind of training at a time like this is commendable,” he said, add­ing that “it will no doubt trans­late to long term benefit for the auto industry, in terms of in­formation flow and quality of information dissemination.”

Aromolaran, however, ap­pealed to motoring journalists to give more space and time to reportage of activities, prod­ucts and services of local auto manufacturers.

“Lots are happening now at various auto assemblies and manufacturing plants in the country,” he pointed out.

“I know you have toured some of the plants. But if you would spare time to pay fol­low-up visits to the assembly and manufacturing plants, you would be able to see our latest products and so report them to Nigerians. This will go a long way at encouraging lo­cal consumption of our locally made automobiles and at the long run, accelerate the Nige­rian Industrial Development Plan (NIDP).”

Already, some auto compa­nies and related government agencies have keyed into the training, just as others are be­ing expected to also support the training.