Toyota Nigeria shines as Starlet, Hilux, Hiace, Ade.Ojo win NAJA awards

It was another moment of glory for Toyota Nigeria Limited at the 2021 edition of the annual Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) awards held recently in Lagos, winning big with three prized products awards and receiving the biggest personality recognition at the event.

Toyota Starlet, a new entrant in the company’s array of models, won the Most Transformed New Entrant of the Year award.

Toyota Hilux fondly nicknamed the workhorse, won the Pick-Up of the Year award while the Toyota Hiace won the Minibus of the Year award.

The new generation Starlet and Hilux had a few weeks ago been released for a comprehensive test drive at Ilara-Mokin Smokin Hill, a race track, located in the hometown of the company’s chairman, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo.

Chief Ade.Ojo, who is also called Mr Toyota, also received what could be termed the biggest honour at the 2021 NAJA awards, the Pillar of Nigeria Auto Industry, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the industry, spanning over 50 years.

Mrs Bukonla Ogunnusi, Public Relations and Advert Manager at the TNL, captures the mood of the event thus: “It was another night of glitz and glamour which brought together auto industry giants and leaders of the various auto brands marketed in Nigeria.

“The NAJA Awards was instituted to reward and recognize vehicle models that performed outstandingly well and rose above their peers within the years. Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) models shone like a million stars at the event winning three of the NAJA prized awards.”

She expressed joy at the performance of the brand, adding, “The awards were dedicated to customers for their loyalty to the brand and continued patronage.”