By Abdallah el-Kurebe
In show of patriotic nationalism, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, has described as “cultural revolution”, Nigeria’s capacity to produce the first-ever electric car, built in the country and by a Nigerian.
The car, Hyundai Kona, built by the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, launched on November 13 2020 and officially unveiled by the Federal government of Nigeria on February 5th 2021.
According to America’s General Motors designer of 2004 Pontiac G6 and 2010 Chevrolet Volt, who is also the chairman of NADDC, Aliyu Jelani, the material used to assemble the 100% electric and zero-emission car, was sourced locally. It is regarded in the European motoring industry as the world’s number one and costs N24 million.
“The inauguration of the first Nigeria electric car by Sokoto-born Jelani Aliyu, has portended a cultural revolution that will affect the lifestyles and life chances of Nigerians,” Tambuwal said.
The car, which was presented to the governor by the NADDC team at the Government House, was on exhibition at the National Trade Fair for Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, which held in Sokoto, was presented to Tambuwal by the 55 year old Jelani.
“As global scientific achievements push towards zero use of fossil oil, the country is going to have many similar technological breakthroughs like the electric car, that would revolutionize the way homes are made and kept, roads are built and managed, alongside the evolution of many other material culture, thus generally affecting the people’s lives.”
While taking pride in the potentialities of the people of Sokoto state, the governor appealed to the federal government to take appropriate measures to exploite the potentials discovered in the people of the state, in order to support the diversification of the state and federal governments’ economy.
As a leader with foresight and one with economic agenda for his state and the country, Tambuwal sees economic potentials of Sokoto, which include solid minerals and agricultural prospects, as supporting the local and national economies, if explored and boosted.
“I call on the federal government to pay more attention to technology and innovation because much of the world is moving away from dependence on hydrocarbons for their economic sustenance as well as the drive to meet their economic needs.”
The governor could not hide that he had never drove an electric car in his lifetime and was proud to, for the first time ever, drive one built by his ingenious citizen, Jelani. He commended the initiative of the NADDC and its participation in the trade fair, saying that its presence will attract a lot of investment to the state and the sub-region.
Now a first-timer driver of an electric car, Tambuwal described the car’s technology as interesting and environment-friendly, adding that it is also cheaper in terms of maintenance.
The governor described Jelani as a great ambassador of the state at home and abroad, while assuring that the state government would support the technologist in whatever he gets involved in.
Tambuwal also commended the federal government of Nigeria for supporting and trusting Jelani as well as ensuring that the country is not left behind in giant developmental innovations in car manufacturing and several other undertakings.
