Oluseun Olawore: The mechanic who built an automotive powerhouse in just five years

Olawore Motor Company (OMC Automobiles) is not just another name in the Nigerian automotive industry; it represents a remarkable journey from passion to production with precision.

Founded by Oluseun Olawore in 2019, OMC Automobiles emerged from a two-decade-old car repair business into a manufacturer of high-performance vehicles.

Olawore has been a dedicated car mechanic for 23 years, having studied mechanical engineering at LAUTECH in Ogbomoso. He also pursued exclusive engineering through self-directed study in automotive engineering, design, fabrication, and welding.

Also, his ambition extends beyond cars; he aims to produce anything that moves on wheels, including motorcycles, and plans to venture into the marine space soon. “My passion for automobiles began during my childhood days,” Olawore shared during a recent interview with Autojournal Africa. “I always dreamed of building my own car, and now that dream is becoming a reality.”

The transition from car maintenance to manufacturing was not without its challenges. Initially, Olawore operated a successful car repair shop called Rich Lustre Colours, where he honed his skills in mechanical engineering. However, the desire to create something more significant loomed large. “My friends often joked that I couldn’t buy a Rolls Royce by just fixing cars,” he recalled. In 2019, spurred by encouragement from family and friends, he decided it was time to take the leap into manufacturing.

The first step was laying the groundwork for OMC’s first prototype, which began in 2019. Unlike other businesses, the project was not heavily impacted when the COVID-19 pandemic struck shortly after they started and the lockdown was implemented. “We had only completed about 15% of the car when the lockdown hit,” Olawore explained. “the lockdown created ample time and space to focus on the build”

A pivotal moment came when Charles Okpaleke, a well-known film producer, visited the workshop and expressed interest in purchasing the unfinished prototype for 20 million Naira (approximately $50,000). “It was a huge boost to our confidence,” Olawore said.

By 2023, OMC had completed its second prototype, which garnered significant attention and praise. However, Olawore’s insistence on perfection led him to defer delivery until he was satisfied with the vehicle’s performance. “I would rather offend you by not delivering on time than give you something that isn’t right,” he stated firmly. This commitment to quality has become a hallmark of OMC’s approach.

As of the time of publication, Olawore has self-funded the creation of four high-performance car prototypes over five years (2019–2024). Two of these prototypes have been completed, while two are still under construction—one being a purpose-built race car and the other a high-performance model. The success of the Charlie 337 inspired Olawore to proceed with plans for a second model, called OMC Envy, which he began in January 2024. This time, he invested in advanced manufacturing equipment such as CNC routers and 3D printers to enhance production efficiency. “We can now create parts that used to take months in just days,” he explained.

As OMC continues to grow, Olawore’s plans is for a future where OMC Automobiles not only produces vehicles with precision and performance but also contributing significantly to Nigeria’s automotive industry through local manufacturing and technical training programs to build future generations of engineers and mechanics.

“We need to cultivate technical know-how if we want to build a sustainable automotive industry in Nigeria,” he said. His vision includes establishing training programs to equip young people with the skills necessary for automotive production.

Olawore’s ambition does not stop at cars; he envisions expanding OMC Automobiles’ capabilities to include trains and other automotives. “If we can design and build a car, we can certainly build other forms of transport,” he said confidently. With plans for further investment in technology and infrastructure, OMC is poised to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s automotive industry.

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