By Victor Nwegede
In a detailed welcome address, the President of NATA in the state, Comrade Fidelis Ukwa, outlined the association's core demands, emphasizing the need for the rehabilitation of roads within the Mechanic Village, provision of solar-powered streetlights, establishment of a healthcare centre, youth empowerment, completion of the NATA Unity Hall, and the creation of a polling unit within the village.
“We need the road network in the Mechanic Village rehabilitated and solar streetlights installed. We also appeal for the provision of a health care centre and training support for young artisans across the 13 LGAs. This is our golden jubilee, and we are appealing for modern empowerment tools to help carry along even the aged and disabled among us,” Ukwa said.
Ukwa enumerated key achievements under his leadership within one year. These included clearing the Unity Hall premises, creating drainages, installing culverts, road laterite works, evacuating refuse dumps, and recovering five stolen vehicles which were handed over to the police.
He asserted that as the NATA Abakaliki chapter marks its Golden Jubilee, the occasion stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience and significance of the automobile artisans in the state’s socio-economic development.
The President expressed optimism that with continued partnership with the government, the next fifty years of the association under his watch would bring improved welfare and development to the Mechanic Village and beyond.
The event, which held at the NATA Unity Hall in the Abakaliki Mechanic Village, was graced by top government officials, including Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State who was represented by his Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu.
In his address, Nwifuru acknowledged the association’s modest demands, assuring them that their needs were already being considered.
“Some surveyors have already visited the Mechanic Village, which means the road project is a priority. The government is working stage by stage, and the governor is determined to ensure that the demands are met,” he stated.
The governor further revealed a proposal submitted by Innosson Kiera, a technical training consultancy, to manage a skills centre in the state. The company, he said, had experience running Bosch training facilities and would provide technical support and training to NATA members if approved.
Earlier in the event, NATA’s Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham Chukwuma Nwali, emphasized the association’s role in promoting hard work and empowering artisans.
He disclosed that the association, through the Ezeonu Foundation, had empowered 18 members and called for more government support in providing essential infrastructure and empowerment tools.
NATA is an umbrella body of eight distinct arms, representing different fields in the automobile repair sector.
These included the Motor Mechanics, Welders and General Fitters, Panel Beaters, Auto-Electricians, Vulcanizers, Auto-Body Builders, Auto-Sprayers and Artists, and Auto-Upholsterers Associations.
Chairmen of each arm were present and also reiterated the need for modernized tools and professional equipment to enable artisans, especially the elderly and physically challenged, to be productive.
Mr. Elom Simon, Chairman of the Vulcanizers Association, specifically appealed for modern tools, free training programmes, and empowerment packages to support members.
