The Lagos state Governor,   AkinwumiAmbode on Wednesday lauded the initiatives of PAN Nigeria Limited, saying it was a delight to see Peugeot vehicles back in the race again after so many years of dormancy, attributing it to the rare leadership role the management of the auto company had provided in the company’s resuscitation.

Ambode made these assertions when a delegation of PAN’s management, headed by the Managing Director, Ibrahim Boyi paid a courtesy call on the governor at Government House, Alausa   ,Ikeja. The governor, who expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit, said the new automotive policy introduced last year by the federal government seemed to be gaining traction as PAN seemed to have keyed into its vision, belief and optimism of the new order and is   breaking new marketing grounds with the new face of Peugeot assembled locally and on parade at the governor’s office.

“It is a sign of good and exciting things to come to Nigerians and the company that has been inactive for a while. I really appreciate your patriotic zeal in resuscitating the moribund assembly plant, which I learnt is the only comprehensive car assembling plant for now in Nigeria.” He assured of   his administration’s readiness to partner PAN Nigeria Limited in terms of patronage (of cars) and in training the youths on vocational and technical skills to reduce unemployment; and therefore required that a blueprint of training from PAN Learning Center, be sent to him for consideration.

Well deserved victory

Earlier in his speech, the Managing Director, PAN Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception accorded his team.He explained that the visit was to congratulate the governor for his well-deserved victory at the polls and hailed the good people of Lagos State for making a wise and informed choice in electing a loyal, focused and thoughtful personality as their governor.

“We have listened to the governor and we are happy of his promises. He is a great man and we as a team expect positive outcome of this visit to the governor and we are taking him by his word.”

Mr. Boyi who also took time to reel out the history of PAN, its status then and now in the Nigeria’s auto market, stated that it was painful to see the company that was thriving as the leading indigenous auto company both in terms of sales and employment opportunities, now strives to make regain its position.   The implication of which according to the him, led to privatization and so many job cuts from the initial over 4,000 workforce in the early 80s, to about three hundred now in its payroll.

Vehicles displayed at the governor’s office include the Peugeot 508, 3008, 301 and 4008.