By Oluwakemi

An 18–seater, locally-made bus manufactured by ex-Niger Delta militants, who trained at Innoson Kiara Academy, a branch of Innoson Motor Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, Anambra state, has been presented to President Muhammadu Buhari.  

The bus was presented at the graduation ceremony of 120 ex-Niger Delta militants at Innoson Motors Academy.  The former militants got training in different specialties across the auto mobile industry, from auto mechanics, auto electrical, auto welding, auto painting and spraying, heavy duty truck maintenance, ICT, engineering drawing, entrepreneurial as well as interpersonal relationship to sustain their eventual businesses in that industry.

The locally made vehicle, was put for public view during the ceremony and the youths expressed gratitude to the federal government for the privilege given to them to obtain skills that have improved their lives.

The Special Adviser on Amnesty Programme, General Paul Boroh (rtd), who presented the youths with their certificates at the graduation ceremony said, the Presidential Amnesty Programme would partner Innoson Motors to make sure all the youths were totally established, so that they could play their own role towards building a greater Nigeria. 

The management of the indigenous motor manufacturing company, had earlier, vowed to employ the graduating youths, based on the quality of expertise they have obtained.

The Presidential aide, Boro who inaugurated the training nine months ago, advised the trainees saying: “You have been on this training for nine months and we hope you are well –equipped now. The skills you have acquired will never be allowed to waste even a day.”

“It is not easy to employ people these days and that is why we are grateful to Chief Innocent Chukwuma for promising to employ all those who are interested in working in the company. “Having learnt the job, you are on your way towards becoming successful entrepreneurs. Modalities for the formation of the clusters where you will practice what you have learnt are already out.”

The special adviser on Niger Delta matters, likewise, said the trainees would be motivated to establish cooperative societies in order for them to get better reward for their efforts.