Nigerian Diaspora Commission has honoured the former American Chief Automotive Designer, Mr Jelani Aliyu Dogon Daji, with Distinguished Merit Award in recognition of his significant contributions to development of engineering and automobile sector in Nigeria
Speaking during the ceremony, the chairperson and chief executive of the commission, Dr Abike Dabire, described Jelani as a role model and a great patriot to emulate who brought honour to Nigeria while serving in the American biggest automobile industry
Jelani who is currently Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council was the chief automobile designer of General Motors before he voluntarily retired and return to Nigeria to give his contributions to the development of automobile industry
Jelani is an international automotive designer and currently the Director General or the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Nigeria.
He 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.
According to her, Jelani 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.
She said Jelani has led the development of 21 state of the art Automotive Training Centres across the nation to provide effective platforms for automotive technology transfer and empowering young Nigerians.
“The National Diaspora Merit Awards are predicated upon the importance of recognizing and celebrating the Nigerian in 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 recognizes these remarkable feats.” She explained
