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CSR - Why Oando Beams Searchlight On Auto Mechanics(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Riding on its Oleum range of lubricants, Oando Marketing Plc, Oando Plc's downstream subsidiary, is investing significantly in training and empowering more than 5,000 auto-mechanics over a 3-5 year period starting this year. The initiative which flagged off recently in grand style at the Blue Roof Event Centre on LTV8 ground, in Ikeja area of Lagos witnessed the gathering of over 1,000 mechanics from different auto-care centres across the country, taking part in a development workshop organised by the oil giant in partnership with Automedics. Similarly, the leading oil marketing company carried out free basic medical services to all the participants at the well-attended event. On ground to administer the medical awareness seminar and voluntary basic medical tests were doctors and nurses who conducted free blood pressure and other health checks on the participants as well as give them requisite advice. Yomi Awobokun, the CEO of Oando Marketing Plc said: "This event is one of many purpose-built initiatives by the company aimed at boosting the quality of services rendered by auto-mechanics in Nigeria. These initiatives will also go a long way in increasing the competencies of mechanics across the country, thereby boosting their career opportunities and earning power". Speaking at the event, Oando Marketing's Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Olaposi Williams, said the initiative was in line with Oando's culture of investing in Nigeria and Nigerians. Oando is the leading indigenous energy conglomerate in the country. She added that Oando Marketing had committed to knowledge transfer as part of its CSR initiatives, and only recently organised a similar programme for its product distributors nationwide, hence the need to extend the gesture to auto-mechanics who havd not been privileged to undergo such training. Williams said the training, which would help to further boost the capacity of the mechanics, who were among key influencers of lubricant choice by car owners, was aimed at empowering Nigerian mechanics to become better businessmen. In addition to the one day workshop and training event, no fewer than 100 auto-mechanics were awarded free scholarship by Oando to attend a 4-Weeks intensive training programme at the Automedics Training School in Lagos. Oando's Oleum and SuperDuty range of lubricants were also on display at the event as the participants were lectured on product benefits and applications, with the aim of educating the mechanics on emerging trends in automotive technologies and repairs, the benefits of the Oleum range of lubricants and empowering them to improve quality service delivery to car owners. Commenting on the initiative, Chairman, Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Lagos State Chapter, Asiwaju Jacob Fayeun, said the auto-mechanics empowerment programme would certainly enhance the skills of his people as well as boost their financial fortunes. Furthermore, he expressed his delight at Oando's commitment to auto-mechanics in Nigeria evidenced by the initiative which would be an annual event and should see up to 5,000 auto-mechanics trained. In the same vein, Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Moruf Arowolo said the Oando Auto-mechanics training was the best that could happen to the artisans in the country especially in the face of changing dynamics of the industry. Nigeria is fast becoming a car manufacturing country and it is important that auto-mechanics are able to increase their skills and competencies in order to benefit from the programs of the government in this area. Similarly, General Manager, Fleet Operations, LAGBUS Access Management Limited, Mr. Seyi Osiyemi, lauded the Oando Initiative for Lagos auto-mechanics, saying that the excercise was coming at the right time as "technology in the world of auto-mechanic has improved over the years," he said. He stated, "LAGBUS is keen to recruit competent auto mechanics to help boost the uptime of its fleet and this initiative from Oando Marketing Plc will boost our efforts. We believe it will increase the number of competent resources available locally to support fleet operators and vehicle owners. "This, he believed meants that LAGBUS would be getting people who skilled and trained with modern day technology in automobile to work on their fleet. Also speaking at the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Automedics Limited, Mr. Kunle Shonaike, said the Oando Initiative could not have come at a better time than now, adding that there is a short supply of skilled auto mechanics compared with the number of vehicles on the Nigerian roads. He was of the view that ultimately, car owners benefit more by having skilled auto-mechanics to service their vehicles. The highpoint of the one day event was a raffle draw where participants won various gift items ranging from 3kg O-Gas Cooking Gas, Tools boxes, Generator and Motor-cycle. Available from over 500 Oando retail outlets across the country and from established distributors, Oando Oleuml is used by both petrol and diesel engines. They come in different ranges and pack sizes of 1Lt, 4Lt, 25Lt and 200Lt to meet customers affordability requirements, needs and ease of carriage, namely; Premium range, Medium range and low range depending on the recommendation of the engine manufacturers. Oleum lubricants are internationally certified by American Petroleum Institute and have quality certification by International Standards Organisation (ISO). Copyright This Day. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). |