Jelani Aliyu Receives Diaspora Merit Award

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, has received the Diaspora Merit Award 2023 for his significant and enormous contributions in Engineering and Automobile sector, and as a role model to other Nigerians in the Diaspora to emulate.

Aliyu, an international automotive designer, studied at the College for Creative Studies, Detroit, Michigan, United States, and worked with General Motors in both the United States and Germany.

He designed a number of successful vehicles for the company, including the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Silverado and the world acclaimed Chevrolet Volt Electric Car, which is a high-tech Renewable Energy vehicle that has revolutionized the global Automotive Industry.

He is currently driving the National development of E-mobility in Nigeria: enabling the production of Electric Vehicles and the development of solar powered EV Charging Stations.

Aliyu led the development of 21 Automotive Training Centres (ATC) across the nation to provide effective platforms for automotive technology transfer and empowering young Nigerians.

The Chairman of Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabire Erewa, stated that the National Diaspora Merit Awards are predicated upon the importance of recognising and celebrating the Nigerian Diaspora who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour and have contributed to the overall development of Nigeria.

These exceptional Nigerians have over time contributed in making Nigeria a better place in their own capacities. It is thus important that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the commission recognises these remarkable feats.