A Nigerian engineer and entrepreneur, Jerry Isaac Mallo, has attracted attention for his remarkable engineering achievements after designing and building a locally made sports car in Jos, Plateau State, in 2019.

Mallo, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bennie Technologies Limited, unveiled the sports car, known as the Bennie Purrie, on November 28, 2019, at an event held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

At the time, he was 25 years old, and his achievement marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to develop its indigenous automobile manufacturing industry.

The vehicle was designed and assembled in Nigeria, with several components produced using locally available materials and the technical skills of Nigerian artisans.

The Bennie Purrie features a fibreglass body mounted on a tubular steel chassis, a 2.0-litre engine and a five-speed transmission. It was designed with consideration for Nigeria’s road conditions and weather.

Mallo’s interest in engineering and automobile manufacturing began at a young age. Before venturing into sports car production, he had already demonstrated his technical abilities through the development of agricultural machinery.

In 2016, at the age of 22, he began locally manufacturing and assembling tractors and other agricultural equipment to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity.

His company also developed machines for processing crops, including rice, cassava and potatoes.

Speaking about his motivation, Mallo explained that growing up in a farming family exposed him to the difficulties farmers experienced and inspired him to develop machines that could make agricultural activities easier.

He later pursued his passion for automobile engineering, studying at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria to establish his manufacturing business.

Mallo has consistently maintained that Nigeria and other African countries possess the raw materials, technical abilities and human resources required to manufacture vehicles locally.

His company, Bennie Technologies, has continued to explore opportunities in automobile design, agricultural machinery and technological innovation.

The young engineer’s achievements have earned him recognition, including the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Award in 2018.

His journey highlights the potential of Nigerian engineers and entrepreneurs to develop homegrown solutions, create employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s industrial growth.

Mallo’s story also demonstrates how determination, practical skills and innovation can turn an idea into a locally manufactured product capable of attracting international attention.