By David Torough, Abuja

Auto360 Nigeria Limited has celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort of automobile trainees, marking the end of an intensive technical training program and the beginning of industry internships for the newly skilled mechanics.

The ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort behind the initiative, which was supported by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria under the TVET IDEAS Project, alongside the World Bank.

The Managing Director and CEO of Auto360 Nigeria Limited, Dr. Paul Ubwa, expressed appreciation for the investment in skills development.

He also acknowledged the role of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that government backing for vocational education is helping to build a capable workforce for the country’s growing automotive sector.

According to Dr. Ubwa, the graduating trainees have undergone a significant transformation—from having little knowledge of vehicle systems to becoming capable of diagnosing faults, using modern scan tools, and explaining technical issues to customers.

He emphasized that beyond technical skills, the trainees were also equipped with discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to professional standards.

“As you step into internships, you will face real-world challenges—new workshops, demanding customers, and evolving vehicle technologies,” he told the graduates. “Stay curious, maintain strong character, and uphold the standards you have learned here.”

The graduates are expected to begin internships across various automotive workshops, where they will gain hands-on experience in an industry increasingly shaped by new technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicles.

Dr. Ubwa urged the trainees to act as ambassadors of the institution and its partners, reminding them that their performance would reflect not only on Auto360 but also on the broader national effort to strengthen technical education.

The event concluded with a charge to the graduates to demonstrate that Nigerian mechanics can compete globally by delivering quality service, solving complex problems, and building sustainable careers.

The Auto360 Class of 2026 now enters the workforce with what the company describes as “skill in their hands, knowledge in their heads, and grit in their hearts.”

By Raphael Atuu

In an era where visionary leadership is shaping the future of Africa’s economic landscape, Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma stands out as a formidable force in business, aviation, and philanthropy.

As Group President of Binani Global Air Services and Binani Group of Companies, Chiroma is redefining industry standards while championing inclusive growth and community development.

Born on 18 February 1983 in Adamawa State, Chiroma’s journey to the pinnacle of corporate leadership reflects a blend of discipline, global education, and strategic foresight.

Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M) at the University of London, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning.
Chiroma’s professional journey began in London, where she served as Executive Director at Binatech System Limited between 2009 and 2011.

There, she developed a strong foundation in business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and operational management. Upon returning to Nigeria, she assumed leadership as Group Managing Director of Binani Group of Companies, spearheading strategic expansion and organizational transformation across multiple sectors.

Today, as Group President of Binani Global Air Services, she leads the airline’s strategic direction, overseeing operations, regulatory compliance, and expansion across key domestic and regional routes.

Her leadership philosophy anchored in safety, innovation, and excellence has positioned the airline as an emerging competitor within Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Under her stewardship, Binani Group has grown into a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning printing, construction, oil and gas, gold trading, and international commodities. Key subsidiaries such as Binani Printing Press, Binani Construction Company, and Binani Oil and Gas continue to thrive under her guidance, contributing to economic development and job creation across the region.

Beyond boardrooms and corporate strategy, Chiroma is deeply committed to social impact. Through the Aminatu Goje Foundation, she leads initiatives focused on empowering women, supporting youth development, and improving healthcare awareness. The foundation’s programs ranging from orphanage outreach to maternal health advocacy have positively impacted communities across Nigeria, reinforcing her belief that business success must be matched with social responsibility.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received several accolades, including the “Beacon of Hope for Africa’s Development” award from the All Africa Students Union and the West African Merit Award for her leadership in the printing industry.
Despite her associations with prominent public figures, including her husband, Senator Danjuma Goje, Chiroma has carved out a distinct identity defined by professionalism, innovation, and purpose.

Known for maintaining a low public profile, she remains focused on driving organizational growth while quietly making meaningful contributions to society.

As Nigeria continues to expand its economic and industrial frontiers, leaders like Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma exemplify the synergy between enterprise and impact building not only successful businesses but also stronger communities for future generations.

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has raised concerns over what he described as a growing perception that opposition parties are being stifled under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that Nigeria’s democratic space may be narrowing ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in an interview, Adebayo pointed to a combination of voter apathy, internal crises within opposition parties, and what many observers see as a political environment increasingly tilted in favour of the ruling government.

According to him, the weakness and fragmentation currently plaguing opposition parties cannot be separated from a broader system that appears to discourage credible alternatives and limit effective political competition.

“Strategic partners in an election are not necessarily politicians,” he said, stressing that millions of Nigerians have become disillusioned with the political process.

“If you want to have a coalition, you must find where the 80 percent who didn’t show up are and address why they stayed away.”

His remarks come amid rising concerns in political circles that the opposition’s inability to organise effectively is being compounded by a climate that critics say indirectly benefits the ruling party by weakening rival platforms.

Adebayo expressed skepticism about ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, warning that alliances lacking discipline, credibility, and shared values could further erode public trust and reinforce the dominance of the incumbent administration.

“You cannot be talking about corruption and accountability and then align with people whose actions contradict those values,” he stated.

He also revealed that attempts by the SDP to engage with other parties have often been frustrated by internal disputes, with multiple factions from the same platforms approaching coalition discussions without resolving their differences—an issue he said reflects deeper structural problems within the opposition.

“We told them, don’t bring your internal problems into coalition discussions. Go back and organise your party first,” Adebayo said.

Despite these challenges, the SDP leader insisted that the real threat to Nigeria’s democracy lies in the growing disengagement of citizens, many of whom no longer see the political system as responsive or inclusive.

Analysts say this disengagement, coupled with persistent crises within opposition parties, reinforces perceptions that the political environment under Tinubu is becoming increasingly difficult for alternative voices to thrive.
Adebayo maintained that beyond electoral contests, the focus should be on rebuilding a system that guarantees accountability and genuine political participation.

“Some people are satisfied once the president is removed. For us, that is only the beginning,” he said.

“The real task is to replace the system with one that reflects good governance and accountability.”

His comments highlight mounting concerns within the opposition that unless the current trajectory is reversed, Nigeria risks entering the next election cycle with weakened political competition and diminished public confidence in democratic institutions.