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Kia CEO named Nigeria’s auto personality of the year

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Chief Executive Officer of Kia Nigeria, Mr Jacky Hathiramani, has been crowned as the Auto Personality of the Year at the 2021 edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association [NAJA] Awards.

The event was held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

The Auto Personality of the Year Award is the main individual award of NAJA’s annual ceremony, which takes place at the end of the year.

The award, according to the organisers, NAJA, was based on the winner’s contributions to the development of the auto industry in Nigeria that year.

A statement by the Marketing Manager at Kia Nigeria, Olawale Jimoh, said having been singled out and publicly recognized for his outstanding contributions to the development of the industry and his unalloyed commitment to the industrialization of the economy, undoubtedly, Jacky had remained an industrialist who continuously advanced the nation’s economy.

He also stated that the NAJA annual award, a keenly anticipated award ceremony in the auto industry, had continued “to be the auto industry’s barometer to measure the contributions of companies and individuals to the development of the sector.

“This year’s edition is a special one as it’s a combination of last year’s award which couldn’t hold owing to the COVID-19 pandemic with this year.

“Deservingly, Jacky towered above other nominees to win this highly coveted award. This is largely due to his resilience and innovative strides towards the growth of the auto industry. Highly respected amongst his contemporaries for his rare ingenuity, there’s no gainsaying that this award is befitting for his contributions.”

According to him, Jacky has been outstanding in leading the Kia brand to consistently roll out innovative products and services to the delight of the customers and industry stakeholders in the country.

He said the contributions of the Kia CEO had continued to make waves in the industry and further the nation’s economic diversification through car assembling and the localization of auto manufacturing.

“The distinctive contributions he has made in the auto industry set the benchmark for innovative and pragmatic approaches to delivering value, providing gainful employment, and above all developing the nation’s economy.”

In his response, Jacky was quoted as saying, “This award is a testament of our resilience and commitment to nation building and the economic development of Nigeria through the auto industry.

“In order to excel and to be an integral part of the nation’s economy, a company like ours has to through the years continue to innovate, improve, find our strength, our niche, and to really dedicate ourselves to the development of the auto industry and the delivering of top-of-the-segments models in the industry aimed at developing the economy. This award is a validation of the company’s philosophy and our commitment to service”

Chairman of the planning committee of the 2021 NAJA Awards, Theodore Opara, explained that this year’s awards covered 2020 and 2021 because the event did not hold last year due to covid-19 restrictions.

In the same vein, the Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma stated that the awards remained a credible means to review and reward players in the automotive industry in both the public and private sectors.

L-R: Dr Oscar Odibo, Automobile marketing specialist and a Senior lecturer, Covenant University; Gautam Hathiramani, Deputy Managing Director, Kia Nigeria; and Mike Ochonma, Chairman, Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, during the award presentation at Eko Hotels, Lagos.

 

 

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Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)

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Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members

Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), popularly known as Sego, has distributed exotic cars, luxury items, and other valuables to members of his cabinet.

The development, which took place on Tuesday, drew attention across Lagos as beneficiaries reportedly received high-end vehicles and other expensive gifts as part of what insiders described as a reward and appreciation gesture.

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Sources within the union disclosed that the items shared included luxury cars, household equipment, and other high-value materials, aimed at boosting morale among cabinet members and strengthening loyalty within the leadership structure of the union.

Observers say the move highlights the growing influence and financial strength of transport unions in Lagos, particularly the NURTW, which plays a key role in the state’s transport sector.

While supporters of the chairman have praised the gesture as a sign of generosity and leadership, critics argue that such displays of wealth raise questions about transparency and accountability within union operations.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from Sego addressing the distribution, but the development has continued to generate reactions among stakeholders in the transport industry and the wider public.

Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)

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Motoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos

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Motoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos

Motoring World, one of Nigeria’s foremost automotive publications, will celebrate its 30th anniversary on June 4, 2026, with a high-profile event at the MUSON Centre.

The milestone gathering is expected to draw policymakers, industry leaders, diplomats and innovators to commemorate three decades of impactful journalism, advocacy and contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector.

Founded on June 12, 1996, as a syndicated radio magazine programme, Motoring World pioneered automotive broadcasting in Nigeria before expanding into print in 1998. It has since evolved into a multi-platform brand at the forefront of promoting industry development, modernization and policy reform.

Over the years, the publication has gone beyond news reporting to play an active role in shaping regulatory frameworks, encouraging local content development and promoting industry standards.

Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Femi Owoeye, said the organisation was driven by a clear vision from inception.

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“Motoring World started with a simple vision: to give voice and structure to Nigeria’s automotive industry. Over the years, we have gone beyond reporting to actively advocate policies that support industry growth, local production and a more structured ecosystem,” he said.

Activities lined up for the anniversary include the unveiling of a special 30th anniversary edition of Motoring World magazine, chronicling the evolution, milestones and future of the industry. Distinguished stakeholders with three decades of contributions to the sector will also be honoured.

A keynote lecture titled, “Reporting the Road Ahead: Automotive Journalism as a Catalyst for Nigeria’s Auto Industry Development,” will underscore the critical role of the media in shaping the nation’s automotive landscape.

Dignitaries expected at the event include the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin; state governors, transport commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps.

Owoeye noted that the anniversary represents more than a celebration.

“This is a tribute to resilience, strong partnerships and the collective drive that has sustained the industry. As we honour key players and reflect on our journey, we are also setting the tone for the next phase of mobility in Nigeria,” he added.

The event promises a blend of reflection, recognition and renewed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry.

 

Motoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos

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Hyundai unveils flagship SUV Palisade, rolls out strong line-up in Lagos showcase

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Hyundai unveils flagship SUV Palisade, rolls out strong line-up in Lagos showcase

 

Hyundai Nigeria has unveiled the all-new Hyundai Palisade in Lagos, headlining a media showcase that also featured the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe, as the automaker intensifies its push across key segments of the Nigerian market.

The event, held at the company’s Victoria Island showroom, offered journalists a first-hand view of Hyundai’s expanding portfolio, ranging from entry-level sedans to premium three-row SUVs.

Taking centre stage was the debut of the Palisade, Hyundai’s flagship SUV, positioned to strengthen the brand’s foothold in the premium segment.

With its bold exterior styling, spacious three-row layout, upscale interior and advanced safety and convenience features, the model is targeted at families and executive buyers seeking comfort, space and strong road presence.

Across the line-up, Hyundai showcased a broad spectrum of offerings. The Santa Fe reinforces its appeal as a refined, family-oriented SUV with generous cabin space and premium detailing, while the Tucson stands out for its blend of modern design, practicality and everyday versatility.

In the compact SUV category, the Creta was highlighted for its mix of style, efficiency and urban functionality, while the Accent sedan retains its positioning as a practical and cost-effective option for young professionals, fleet operators and first-time buyers.

Speaking at the event, Brand Head, Hyundai Nigeria, Gaurav Vashisht, said the launch underscores the company’s commitment to deepening its footprint in Nigeria with globally competitive products adapted to local needs.

“This introduction of the all-new Palisade strengthens our premium SUV offering while complementing a well-rounded line-up that delivers on design, safety, innovation and everyday usability,” he said.

The showcase also provided an avenue for media interaction with Hyundai executives and product specialists, alongside detailed vehicle walkarounds covering design, technology and safety features.

Hyundai Nigeria reaffirmed its focus on delivering globally benchmarked vehicles with strong local relevance, even as competition intensifies in Nigeria’s evolving passenger vehicle market.

The event also marked the launch of Hyundai’s Easter campaign, offering customers value-added benefits such as complimentary delivery, accessories, registration and service packages.

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