Toyota Motor Show drives youth participation in mobility, technology innovation

The 2026 Toyota Motor Show provided a platform for youths to explore mobility and technology innovation through debates, technical workshops and automotive competitions.

The programme began with a technical workshop facilitated by Saheed Shorinola, Toyota Nigeria master technician and key instructor, who introduced participants to key aspects of vehicle technology and maintenance.

Students and early-career professionals participated in discussions and competitions on the future of mobility and technology, to broaden their exposure to the evolving transportation industry.

The event, a four-day exhibition, took place at The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, dedicating its second day to youth-focused activities, bringing together participants interested in automotive technology, innovation and emerging mobility trends.

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A major highlight of the day was a debate competition in which two teams of students argued issues relating to the future of mobility and technological innovation. Team A, comprising Robinson Goodness, Esabu Blessing and Igbayisemore Tony, emerged winners and received a cash prize of N600,000, while Team B, made up of Akinware Breakthrough, Yusuf Rahimat and Dawn Ijaware, finished second and received N300,000.

Participants also competed in an automotive quiz that tested their knowledge of vehicle mechanics and Toyota’s history. Feyisetan Tolase Emmanuel won the competition and received N250,000, while Ayorinde Bolarinwa and Shobowale Oladimeji placed second and third, receiving N150,000 and N100,000 respectively. Mario Chukwuma, Aduloju Oluwatomiwa and Abdulsemiu Ayodeji finished fourth, fifth and sixth, earning N50,000 each.

Speaking during the event, Kate Henshaw, who chaired the judging panel, said initiatives that encourage young people to embrace knowledge and innovation could help prepare them for future opportunities.

Other members of the panel included Somadina Anyama, Sylvester Enwere, Toyota Nigeria’s head of service, and Henry Ojuoko, head of dealer development and special projects.

According to Ojuoko, the initiative was designed to expose young Nigerians to opportunities within the mobility and technology sectors while encouraging interest in innovation-driven careers.

The four-day motor show featured vehicle displays, test drives and free vehicle diagnostic services. Visitors had the opportunity to experience models including the Camry, RAV4, Land Cruiser, Corolla and Hilux.

Stakeholders at the event said initiatives that combine technical learning with practical exposure could play a role in attracting more young people to careers in the automotive and mobility sectors, particularly as technological advancements continue to reshape transportation globally.