The Chairman, Diverse Autocare Centre, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, has disclosed plans by his firm to expand its scope and size in the nearest future.
Speaking, Ogbeifun appreciated the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for establishing EdoJobs initiative and creating business-friendly environment for investors, and particularly the establishment of the Edo Production Centre, a business hub with requisite infrastructure to support small and medium scale business.
“We are particularly grateful for the recent land allocation to us measuring about 3000 square meters across the road from this Centre. This new facility which we are leasing on a long term, will enable us expand our business as the present location has become too small.
“The facility will be focused more on repair and maintenance of diesel engine driven automobiles,” he said.
Ogbeifun who was giving his welcome address during the official commissioning of the Centre in Benin City, Edo State, weekend, also said that his company is keying into the campaign for cleaner fuels for powering automobiles and ultimately manufacturing of electric cars.
“We are mostly interested in the council’s (the National Automotive Design and Development Council) campaign for the transition to cheaper and cleaner means of fueling vehicles using autogas, as well as your concern in ensuring that Nigeria is not left behind in the automotive industries across the world, including the transition from the use of petroleum to autogas –powered and electric vehicles (EVs).
“To that extent, we are open to partnering with NADDC in this and other projects of the Council dear to the Nigerian government. Particularly, my vision for Diverse Autocare Centre Limited is to work with the Council in pioneering the conversion of conventional vehicles from fossil fuel to electric vehicles and ultimately manufacturing the first Made-in-Edo State electric car.”
In a goodwill message, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, represented by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Andrew Emwanta, described the initiative of the Centre as a significant development for the state and the entire south-south region in terms.
He expressed confidence that the Centre would someday metamorphose into an automobile assembly plant.
He also emphasised the importance of government support through friendly policies and other enabling environment to enable the wheels of industry turn with ease.
Speaking also, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, represented by Dr. Nua Omisanya, the Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department, applauded the Centre for the quality of the facility.
He said that the federal government’s objective to grow the automotive industry to become the hub for automotive manufacturing in Africa needs the support of private sector initiative as Diverse Autocare Centre.
“The private sector has to play the pivotal role, even as government provides the enabling environment. The commissioning of this world-class auto centre is therefore a step in the right direction.
“Over the years, Council has worked tirelessly to ensure the survival, growth of Nigerian automotive industry with a view to enhancing the industry contributions to national economy.”
Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, said when he got the message from the chairman of Diverse Autocare Centre, he keyed into it because it was first of its kind in the state and he knew it would develop the sector as well as create jobs.
“..Something like this, I believe has not been done in Edo State before and we are also looking to expand and the do the best we can for the country. Like you said, employment is very low and hearing of the initiative I brought my team together and we came here and did the necessary evaluation.
“I have been here with my team a day ahead to look at the facility. I must say I was quite impressed with what I saw, more than what I expected. It is a beautiful, well-organised facility, the first of its kind in Edo State.
“I am happy that within the space of one year you are looking to expand. We both went to the facility that the governor has allocated to you for the expansion. I want to thank the governor for that.
“We are happy to start with you from scratch on that, so that we can guide and show you how to put the thing in place and do something even much more than you have here.
“This I believe is just the beginning; by the time you are commissioning the new one, I am sure we will all be amazed. We will give you all the necessary support to ensure it is successful to add to the employment opportunity to the state,” he said.
Engr. Ogbeifun thanked Mr. Ade-Ojo, for responding and believing in his vision when he first wrote to him.
He disclosed that after several engagements, within two months, Mr. Ade-Ojo sent his team of staff on a visit to the Centre and subsequently, Toyota Nigeria gave Diverse Autocare Centre provisional appointment as a 2S service provider (service and spares). However, the Centre looks forward to Toyota approval for a 3S service provider status; (service, spares and sales).
Established exactly one year ago on 11th of February, 2021, when the Chairman marked his 70th birthday, the Centre has in its employ competent, qualified staff and highly skilled technicians.
Facilities in the Centre include diagnostic machines , post lifts, AC services and recharge equipment, paint oven, paint mix bank installed by Miswa United Kingdom, state-of-the-art automated alignment machine, collision jig, professional multipurpose tool box sets and assorted diagnostic equipment.
Within one year of its operation, the Centre has carried out various repairs ranging from preventive maintenance services, engine overhaul and general repairs to body/spray works on a variety of vehicle brands including Toyota, Mercedes, Ford, Kia, Misubishi, Hyundai, Lincoln and more.
As a way of capacity building and human development, Diverse Autocare Centre has partnerships with various higher institutions of learning to provide slots for their Mechanical Engineering, Electrical /Electronic Engineering and Information Technology students for industrial placements.
The internship programme equips undergraduate students with the tools and hands-on experience required to become competent technicians in their various areas of automobile related skills development.
