In furtherance of building institutional and individual capacity for Nigerian journalists, Nigeria’s leading tech-enabled automotive trading platform, Cars45 served as a key sponsor of the 5th edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) training/workshop, which was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport Road, Lagos, on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Since its first edition in 2015, NAJA has focused on the training of its members in trends and perspectives within the automotive industry, and how to explore the new frontiers of storytelling.
This year’s training with the theme, the role of Nigeria’s automotive journalists in Nigeria’s amid Covid-19 era provided a platform for examining issues around new storytelling formats, data and analytics as well as the optimum utilisation of social media for news reportage in the digital era.
Speaking at the training, Bemigho Awala, PR and Communications Manager, Cars45, reminded journalists of the power they wield in shaping conversations, setting the agenda while stressing on the need for the media to take an active part in drawing parallels and comparisons that can culminate in policy formulation and guidance:
“The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused widespread concern and economic hardship for consumers, businesses and communities across the globe.
“As the pandemic continues to disrupt business as usual and throws the economic outlook into uncertainty, the automotive industry is on the frontline.
“Journalists play a pivotal role in drawing right parallels and comparisons that can reflect in policy guidance and formulation.”
Speaking on some of Cars45’s interventions during the pandemic, Awala noted that the business is helping corporate firms liquidate their fleet in a bid to address liquidity challenges that they faced with.
“The disruption of many supply chains may trap cash that could otherwise be used to fund operations, or better manage third-party financial commitments.
“To this end. we are driving fleet liquidation across Nigeria to empower many organizations.
“Also, because corporates and individuals are keeping their vehicles longer due to dwindling purchasing power, our GoMechanic45 services are catering to the need of preventive maintenance and scheduled servicing to maximize the lifetime value of their vehicles.
“Lastly, our Autopreneur initiative is empowering Nigerians who may have lost their jobs or suffered income loss with the opportunity to earn extra income securely and conveniently.”
Key stakeholders at the event included, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Dr Boboye Oyeyemi who was represented by Corps Public Education Officer, ACM Bisi Kazeem, Executive Director, Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association, Remi Olaofe; General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; Group Head, Marketing and Communications, Cars45, Oluwashola Adekoya as well as keynote speakers Senior Lecturer, Mass Communication, Covenant University, Dr. Oscar Odiboh, and Microsoft-certified technology specialist, Yusuf Jimoh Aweda.
Cars45 has continued to lead transformation and innovation in the automotive trading industry, through consumer-led and industry-driven initiatives such as its Autopreneur, Marketplace and Franchise network operations.
