Association Trains 1,500 Almajiris As Auto Mechanics

The Chairman, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Salihu, on Thursday said the association had trained 1,500 almajiris as auto mechanics this year. Salihu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that 30,000 members of the association from 23 local government councils in the state were also trained to use improved automobile technologies (Mechatronics). He said the use of improved technologies such as computers in detecting faults in vehicles; and replacing or repairing spare parts in Automobile industry, was a good development. ``We are updating ourselves at every opportunity.``Our members have been carefully selected and trained by some automobile companies such as Peugeot, Toyota, Kia and Honda in mechatronics, also known as the use of computers in repairing vehicles.``The training is not limited to specific vehicles but comprise all sophisticated vehicles,’’ the chairman said. Mechatronics is a combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control engineering and computer engineering.Salihu expressed regret about government’s inaction on issues affecting the automobile industry in the state.``We contribute largely to the economy of the state yet we are the least to be reckoned with.``Government’s assistance is at zero level. We only see them when seeking for political post or in times of revenue collection,’’ he said. Salihu said that the national body of the association had requested that the state government should allocate a permanent site to serve as the `Mechanic Village’ for its members but was yet to be issued.``Other states have their mechanic workshops but in Kaduna State, our members are still moving from individual plots to another, ‘’ the chairman added. He, therefore, urged the state government to relocate members of the association to a permanent site.``We urge the Kaduna State Government to support the association as we generate millions of Naira for the government,’’ he said.Salihu said that the association had 215, 000 registered members in the state. (NAN)