Lady mechanic urges women to embrace automotive skills for financial independence
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Sandra Aguebor, the first lady mechanic in Nigeria and Vice-President of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the Automotive Industry, has passionately called upon women to seize opportunities in the automotive sector.
In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, Aguebor stressed the potential for women to achieve financial independence by acquiring skills in various specialised areas of the automotive industry.
Aguebor emphasised that women should not limit themselves to traditional white-collar jobs and instead consider the lucrative options available within the automotive field.
With over 2,000 female mechanics already empowered in Nigeria under her guidance, Aguebor highlighted the significance of skills that empower women and provide a steady source of income.
Encouraging women to overcome societal norms, Aguebor stated, “Even as a female corps member, you do not have to start going around the streets looking for a job when you can use your hand to learn a skill.”
She offered herself as a mentor, inviting aspiring female mechanics to seek guidance and training at the council.
Recognising the challenges faced by women entering the industry, such as inadequate equipment and post-training support, Aguebor appealed to the Federal Government for assistance.
She specifically called on the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NDACC) to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing to establish garages where technicians, especially women, could operate.
Aguebor emphasised that government support is crucial to retaining skilled workers and attracting more individuals to the automotive industry.
NAN reports that the Lady Mechanic Initiative Africa, established in 2004, continues to lead the change in empowering vulnerable girls and women with mechanical and technical skills.
Her automobile workshops, spread across major Nigerian cities and the FCT, serve as hubs for fostering women’s economic independence through the automotive sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
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