Untold story of the landmark celebration that brought Nigeria’s automotive industry under one roof at the MUSON Centre, Lagos
ANNIE ALLEN (London Bureau Chief)
The signs were unmistakable.
Long before the programme began at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, it was clear that this would be no ordinary anniversary celebration.
Luxury vehicles rolled into the premises. Industry leaders exchanged handshakes. Veteran journalists reunited with old colleagues. Camera crews moved from one interview to another. Everywhere, there was anticipation.
By the time proceedings commenced, the hall had become a meeting point for some of the biggest names in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The event attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, officials of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), chief executives of automotive companies, industry association leaders and stakeholders from across the mobility value chain.
They had gathered for one purpose:
To celebrate Motoring World at 30.
Perhaps most remarkable was the strong presence of the media.
Virtually every major motoring journalist in Nigeria was there. Leading newspapers, digital platforms, specialised automotive publications and broadcast organisations were represented. TVC was also on ground, making the event one of the largest gatherings of automotive journalists seen in recent years.
For many guests, the celebration was deeply personal.
Some had witnessed the birth of Motoring World in 1996. Others had been part of its journey at different stages. Many had appeared in its pages, attended its events or benefited from its advocacy for the automotive sector.
Those emotions came alive during the presentation of an audio documentary chronicling the publication’s thirty-year journey.
As the documentary unfolded, guests were taken through key milestones in the evolution of Motoring World and the Nigerian automotive industry. The presentation reminded the audience that the publication had not merely reported history; it had become part of it.
Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, captured the significance of the milestone when he described Motoring World as “a thirty-year repository of Nigeria’s automotive and transport story” and “an institution of genuine national importance.”
His tribute to Publisher and CEO, Mr. Femi Owoeye, drew applause from the audience.
Reflecting on the decision taken in 1996 to establish a specialised automotive publication, he declared: “Nigeria is better because you made that choice.”
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the Motoring World 30th Anniversary Special Edition.
The ceremony was performed by Dr. Oyeyemi; the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, JP, CON, the Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom; representatives of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, representative of the Director General of NADDC; and Dr. Harpreet Singh, Executive Director of Stallion Group and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Automobile Manufacturers Association.
The symbolism was powerful.
Government, industry, traditional institutions and the media stood together to celebrate a publication that has spent three decades promoting the growth and development of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
The event also provided a platform for important discussions on the future of the sector.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local vehicle assembly, promoting automotive manufacturing and supporting emerging mobility technologies.
The Minister also acknowledged the role played by automotive journalists in promoting public understanding of industry issues, noting that Motoring World and members of the Nigerian Automotive Journalists Association had served as a bridge between government, industry, investors and consumers for three decades.
Similarly, the keynote address delivered on behalf of NADDC Director-General, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, highlighted the importance of specialised journalism in industrial development.
“The media is the bridge between government, industry and the public. It informs. It educates. It influences perception. And importantly, it drives national conversations,” he stated.
Another major attraction was the presentation of the Motoring World Automotive Legacy and Excellence Awards.
Distinguished personalities and organisations were honoured for their contributions to Nigeria’s automotive sector. Among the recipients were Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Luqman Mamudu, Moses Akaigwe, Mrs. Kemi Koyejo, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, HRM Oba Olusegun Aderemi and motorsports pioneer Abdulraheem Agunbiade, while the late Tunde Bola Ojo received a posthumous award for his immense contributions to transport broadcasting.
Corporate organisations including Honda Automobile Western Africa, Toyota Nigeria, Coscharis Group, CFAO Mobility, Monaplex Industries, Stallion Motors, RT Briscoe, Cedric Group and NADDC were also recognised for their impact on the industry’s growth and development.
Outside the main hall, Carloha Nigeria added colour to the occasion with an exhibition of its Chery vehicle range, attracting significant interest from guests and providing another talking point throughout the event.
The tea-and-coffee session and luncheon that followed offered stakeholders an opportunity to interact, renew old relationships and forge new partnerships while examining copies of the special anniversary edition.
In his welcome address, Mr. Femi Owoeye announced plans for an Automotive Journalism Development Programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of automotive journalists.
He also disclosed that Motoring World would resume full quarterly publication of its print magazine.
Both announcements were warmly received by stakeholders.
As the event drew to a close, one message stood out clearly.
The celebration was not merely about a magazine turning thirty.
It was about an institution that has spent three decades documenting, promoting and advocating for Nigeria’s automotive industry.
And judging by the calibre of guests, the goodwill expressed and the tributes paid at the MUSON Centre, Motoring World’s influence on the industry it serves remains as strong as ever.
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