Suzuki by CFAO graduates trailblazing women mechanics under ‘Empower Her 3.0’

Suzuki by CFAO graduates trailblazing women mechanics under ‘Empower Her 3.0’

• Driving change in Nigeria’s auto service industry

 

In a bold step toward redefining Nigeria’s automotive future, Suzuki by CFAO Mobility has graduated a new set of female technicians under its Empower Her 3.0 Program, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in aftersales service and the advancement of women in technical professions.

According to a statement from the auto company, the graduation ceremony, held on November 7, 2025, marked another milestone for the initiative conceived by General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO Mobility, Mrs. Aïssatou Diouf.

The ‘Empower Her Program’ was designed to train and certify young Nigerian women in modern vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, and repair—specializing in Suzuki’s range of vehicles.

With the auto industry rapidly evolving, Suzuki by CFAO Mobility identified a pressing gap: a shortage of skilled technicians able to handle the advanced technologies found in new-generation vehicles.

Through the Empower Her Program, participants undergo rigorous, hands-on training in engine diagnostics, preventive maintenance, powertrain repair, and customer service excellence aligned with Suzuki’s global standards.

“Through this programme, we’re not just training mechanics—we’re developing a network of certified professionals who understand the unique technology behind every Suzuki model,” Mrs. Diouf said. “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

The initiative strengthens Suzuki’s aftersales ecosystem, ensuring every model—from the rugged Jimny to the efficient Dzire—receives expert maintenance that enhances performance, safety, and longevity.

 

Women at the wheel of change

One of the defining features of this year’s graduation was the growing number of women who have successfully completed the program, defying gender stereotypes in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.

Now certified Suzuki technicians, these women can handle everything from routine servicing of the Alto K10 to complex repairs on the Fronx, Jimny, and Grand Vitara SUVs.

“These young women are not just fixing cars; they’re fixing systems,” Mrs. Diouf remarked. “They’re proving that Nigeria’s automotive future can be inclusive, diverse, and innovative.”

A major highlight of the event was a thought-provoking panel session titled “Woman Arise: Breaking Barriers, Building Nations”, moderated by Mariam Abdurrahman, an Independent Finance Consultant and Angel Investor.

Panelists comprisesd Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment;Sylva Omlenyi, Managing Director, CFAO Yamaha; Mrs. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, Member, House of Representatives (Kosofe Constituency); Fola Akinrilola, Director, MedEquip Nigeria Ltd; Mrs. Racheal Iheanacho, Acting Head of HR, CFAO Mobility Nigeria;and Mrs. Dayo Bankole-Hameed, Founder/CEO, Mirabol Integrated Services

The panel explored how education, skills development, and inclusive leadership can drive national growth, particularly through empowering women to take active roles in technical and corporate fields.

Certificates were presented to the 14 graduates by the distinguished guests and industry leaders, celebrating their hard work, determination, and newly earned status as certified Suzuki technicians.

The moment was marked by visible pride and optimism—symbolizing a new era where women play a defining role in Nigeria’s automotive service landscape.

According to the company, beyond creating job-ready professionals, the Empower Her initiative is transforming Nigeria’s automotive value chain.

Graduates are already contributing across Suzuki’s network of dealerships and service centers—raising standards in diagnostics, reducing reliance on untrained mechanics, and promoting road safety nationwide.

The company said plans are underway to expand the programme, incorporating hybrid vehicle maintenance, digital diagnostics, and entrepreneurship training to support graduates who aspire to run their own authorized Suzuki workshops.

“Empowerment is not charity—it’s a strategy for national growth,” Mrs. Diouf emphasized.

“Every empowered woman technician strengthens our mobility ecosystem and reinforces Suzuki by CFAO Mobility’s promise of reliability and excellence.”

Suzuki by CFAO Mobility is one of Nigeria’s leading automotive brands, offering a diverse lineup including the Alto, S-Presso, Swift, Dzire, Baleno, Ertiga, Fronx, Jimny, and Grand Vitara.

The company says it has continued to invest in aftersales service, innovation, and customer satisfaction—making modern mobility accessible, affordable, and dependable for Nigerian families.