Category: CEO

  • Digi-preneur, Omoraro, sustains strides

    Digi-preneur, Omoraro, sustains strides

    Digital expert, George Omoraro, has continued to break new records.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Rage Group was former General Manager of BlueBird.

    Born in Ilorin, the Kwara capital, the advertising expert attended St. Joseph’s Nursery and Primary School, UNILORIN Secondary School and Covenant University, Ogun State.

    He was punctuality prefect in primary school and labour prefect in secondary school where he coordinated students on Labor Day activities.

    At 15, he was admitted to study Mass Communication in Covenant University.

    Due to his excellence, spirituality, diligence, he emerged head of instrumentalists in Covenant University Choir.

    He organised successful events featuring top personalities like Fela Durutoye, Uche Nnaji, Tim Godfrey, Jerry Sax and others in 2010 and graduated at 19.

    While at Covenant University, he emerged the Students Council chairman, leading over 7,000 students to interface with the university management.

    He worked briefly with JWT Lagos, Ford Focus where he directed Advertising campaigns, Pay your tax awareness campaign, FIRS, launch of Panasonic AC and Refrigerator, Nokia and launching of WhatsApp into the Nigeria market.

  • How injury dashed my basketball dreams, serial entrepreneur, Bryce Thompson

    How injury dashed my basketball dreams, serial entrepreneur, Bryce Thompson

    Our Reporter

    Business man and YouTube channel owner, Bryce Thompson has opened up on how a back injury prevented him to pursue a career in basketball.

    Thompson whose childhood dream was to become a basketball player had no clue he was going to end a business owner and YouTuber until he sustained an injury that dashed his basketball dreams.

    Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from pursuing a career in sports. Though this was a major setback in Bryce’s life, he clearly has made something big out of the setback by becoming a successful entrepreneur.

    “One of my biggest obstacles that I faced was having to be faced with news of a back injury that derailed my dreams of becoming a basketball player. Despite all of this, in three years in the industry, I had built a multi-million dollar business”, explained Bryce.

    However, instead of giving up, Bryce Thompson re-strategized to become and entrepreneur and has since become a force to reckon with.

    Born July 2, 1996, Thompson is now a trailblazer who is redefining what it means to be a young entrepreneur. Achieving success at such a young age was not easy for Bryce, but since then, he has been incredibly successful.

    Despite his age, Bryce has been incredibly successful. In addition to becoming a chairman, he also runs a youtubepage where he only grows his brand success and shows people a day in the life of Bryce. This helps him promote himself while promoting his work and his success in addition to giving sage advice to people who want to have a lifestyle like him.

    “I would like to be perceived as a millennial entrepreneur, business builder and creative director of massive events and experiences all over the world. My youtube channel helps me get the word out about all the amazing things that I do as well as just the ordinary stuff in between.” remarks Bryce.

    Bryce’s success was not just his own doing. Like many other successful entrepreneurs, he did have help along the way. We are nothing without our support systems and the people who get us through the difficult times. Whether that be just a word of encouragement or actual business help, our friends and our family help makes our dreams come true. Bryce was surrounded by his brother and his closest friends who all helped him make all of their businesses successful.

    “I’m not alone in my success. I’m very quick to point out that my brother and a few of my closest friends have been there from the very beginning. Each milestone I surpass, I attribute every single one to them. Most successful people that have a team that assisted them to success don’t ever reciprocate that same effort back to their team. It’s about everybody winning and going to the top together. I would not be here without the people that were there from the very beginning.” says Bryce.

    Bryce is the future of young entrepreneurship who is showing that anything is possible no matter what age you are. Though Bryce has many years ahead of him, it is clear that he will be successful in whatever he does due to his ability to achieve when people have put many obstacles in his path. Nothing will stop Bryce from growing and doing more to make sure that he is successful.

     

  • Making shoes is my passion- Founder JésùSégunlondon

    Making shoes is my passion- Founder JésùSégunlondon

    Our Reporter

    Andrew JésùSégun Mackenzie, the founder and creative director of JésùSégunlondon, a luxurious shoemaking company in London has noted that making shoes is his passion.

    The shoemaker revealed that he loves making shoes and he tasks himself by making his next design better than the previous one. “Creativity is my prowess and the creation of masterpieces my forte, designing has been ingrained into my soul, my pieces are afforded unstinted attention to detail,” he said.

    Born and raised in London to Nigerian parents, he revealed that his passion for shoemaking began when he spent some time in Italy, the fashion capital of the world, where he enrolled on a shoe-making course.

    He said, “In 2016, I founded JésùSégunlondon and since its humble beginnings, JésùSégunlondon shoes have been worn by notable celebrities including rapper 50 Cent, Stranger Things star Noah Schnapps, Joe Lo Truglio of Brooklyn Nine-Nine fame, UK comedian and actor Richard Blackwood, and Ghanaian actor Michael Blackson.”

    His designs have also been featured in international fashion shows, he said, “JésùSégunlondon’s designs have also been showcased during New York, London and Africa fashion weeks.”

    READ ALSO: ‘Why I dumped academics for shoe-making’

    The shoemaker noted that with the success of his brand in London, he aims to replicate it in Africa. “Our showroom is currently under construction at the Kempiski Hotel Accra Ghana and we anticipate launching an outlet in Lagos/Abuja for 2022. After we have established our business in Nigeria we will move to other African countries.” Mackenzie said.

    He continued, “We were established in 2016 and quickly attained a reputation for being bold, luxurious and the epitome of statement pieces. Each shoe is designed with unrivalled attention to detail with experienced artisans delivering far beyond aesthetics because we believe that quality, beauty and comfort should work hand in hand.”

    Speaking about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected his business, he said that he had to improvise. “The global pandemic naturally affected the business but this is not an impediment, we improvised. Our clients are loyal and consistent. The year has been hectic, coming from London, we have been on lockdown most of the year,” he said.

  • My parents shaped my business ideals – Nkemjika Uzoma

    My parents shaped my business ideals – Nkemjika Uzoma

    By Samson Oti

    Founder of Kynkys Herbal World, Nkemjika Greatness Uzoma, is a woman of high worth whose success story is testimony to human endurance and painstaking commitment to excellence.

    Born on April 17, 1997 to Mr. and Mrs. Francis and Adaku Uzoma, the indigene of Abia said the wonderful upbringing she got from home helped in shaping her business ideals and values.

    These, she said, have manifested profoundly in the success story of her business brand.

    She was educated at the University of Western Cape in South Africa, where she bagged a Bachelor of Science degree with honours.

    Uzoma, while reflecting on her formative years with her parents, said: “Growing up was fun, growing up with siblings and having my parents beside me was everything. I have fond memories of growing up. It was a good experience.

    Read Also: Driving sustainability for women-led businesses

    “My parents showed me and my siblings much love. It was fun growing up. Sometimes, I wish I could roll back the years to soak in all the good memories but like everything in the past.

    ‘’It is in the past but the good memories linger on in my mind forever.”

    Having been on the receiving end of such a great show of affection and good upbringing from her parents, Uzoma’s journey to business success was horned in the process.

    Since her skin beauty products, Kynkys Herbal World, hit the market some years ago, the story has been that of high patronage from customers from far and wide who throng sales outlets to purchase the products.

    Speaking on how she has been able to manage her customers, Uzoma said: “It’s all about staying true to the honest principles that I learnt from my parents and having respect for my customers because without them, we would not be in business.

    “And even more important is to stay simple, honest and give your utmost best for the good of humanity.

    “I also ensure that our products are of the highest quality because if they are top-notch, our customers will be satisfied and they will always come back for more of our offerings.”

  • Deola Aina cosmetics unveils nude lipstick shades

    Deola Aina cosmetics unveils nude lipstick shades

    Our Reporter

    Cosmetic company, Deola Aina cosmetics recently celebrated the unveiling of more nude lipstick shades.

    The event featured the cutting of cakes, games, musical performances and dance. Our amazing models were not left out, as they graced the runway with the recently unveiled nude shades of lipstick and the “baby girl for life” eye shadow palette.

    They all filed out in well crafted, high fashioned outfits from”Jade Crystal craft”,to wow the audience with their amazing catwalk and display of elegance

    Satisfied with the outcome of the event, attendees took out time to express contentment with the progress the brand has made, despite recently being introduced to the world of beauty.

    READ ALSO: Hot red lipstick ideas

    Deola Aina cosmetics was specifically made for the beauty enhancement of the African woman.

    The show, which later turned out to be a high fashioned one, entertained people from all works of life, including supermodels, actors, musicians and dancers.

    The show introduced the people’s catwalk, which saw some invited guests, and ex models take their bows on the runway. It was indeed an epitome of fun and entertainment as there was a lot to eat and drink.

    Deola Aina cosmetic brand is determined to set the Pace in the business of beauty, and she’s just getting started with us.

  • Consistency, perseverance key to my success, says Mathew Rosa

    Consistency, perseverance key to my success, says Mathew Rosa

    Our Reporter

    There are many entrepreneurs who have graced the business world and succeeded in their endeavors. Indeed, there is a lot to know about Matt Rosa as he is widely known besides his career journey.

    The serial entrepreneur who ranks as Chairman 500, together with his business partner with Jason Brown in the (MLM) multi-level marketing world; a position many aspiring network marketer yearn for each day. Despite, Rosa being one of the top 10 earners in the network marketing industry, his journey and achievements in entrepreneurship are a fairytale.

    For Matthew Rosa even succeeding academically was a dream. In fact, for his entire fraternity, if you managed to go past high school, you are the lucky one. For the Rosa family, joining a college would be one of the unimaginable achievements in life.

    Entrepreneurship definitely came last in any of Rosa’s family member’s subconscious minds.

    Matt Rosa didn’t have even a role model present growing up and life was definitely not easy. However, his responsibilities to cater for his younger brother and sister pushed him to the brink and he left high school in 11th grade. He had to look for ways to make money and cater to his loved ones.

    Matt started working in various workplaces from Chipotle to Massage Envy. He moved from one company to another looking for a better life and working destination. This experience was his guiding force and he wasn’t ready to call quits.

    Matthew Rosa understood that life is full of trials and tribulations, and nothing should stop him from achieving his goals. He pursued his entrepreneurship journey by looking for new ways to earn an income and attract new opportunities. As luck would have it, the first opening happened to be in network marketing and iMarketsLive came knocking.

    Many people may think that making money on the iMarketsLive platform is easy, especially if they come across the story of Matt Rosa and Jason Brown. Also known as International Markets Live, this is a multi-level marketing company that bases its operations on Forex Trading.

    You can join this platform as an Independent Business Owner or via customer programs. Matt Rosa and Jason Brown did not join the platform immediately; they spend time learning how to trade in the foreign exchange markets. In fact, they didn’t build a network immediately but spend time learning how to make money without any form of affiliate marketing networks.

    After spending two months learning what IML is all about, they fell in love with the platform and took leadership roles. This move earned them the Chairman 8 level, where they were making a 6-figure income annually. Reaching such a level was a relief, as they felt they could excel in their new business and were also financially stable.

    Matthew Rosa has always been motivated and happy to see the customers they have been introducing to the program also learning and growing. As IML transitioned, Matt Rosa and Brown grew their number of customers and amassed more than 30,000 customers worldwide.

    Within a short period of time, they have gone on to partner with many other business entities excelling in the network marketing world. Mr. Rosa has impacted the way iMarketsLive platforms works and today they have become top earners and their clientele base is incomparable. Rosa and Brown have traveled to many nations training people and giving them hope.

    They have also become caring mentors and role models to thousands of people aspiring to join the multi-level marketing world. Matthew Rosa advises aspiring network marketers to be consistent and believe in the power of people.

     

  • Sonaira Business World: Jack of most trade

    Sonaira Business World: Jack of most trade

    Our Reporter

    Sonaira Business World was formed solely to attend to the needs of the people than to make money.

    The founder of this flourishing business, Sonia Omon-Obehi Ovuehor. A young lady who hails from Southern Nigeria had only eyes and hears for money that the company’s name had to have naira in it.

    The postgraduate student of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria didn’t just wake up from her sleep to establish Sonaira Business World, she went through many pieces of training.

    From the lessons instilled by her mother, her internship period in the defunct AfriHUB, UNIBEN Branch, to when she joined the Pan African Institute for Entrepreneurship and Community Development where she was tutored in a full course on MSI (Multiple streams of income)

    The CEO of Sonaira Business World is still fortifying herself as she recently applied for a doctorate programme at the University of Port Harcourt.

    “I regard myself as a lifetime entrepreneur because I derive the utmost pleasure from buying and selling major commodities with a holistic approach. This has given my business our remarkable alias “the jack of most trades”.

    Recounting how she started the Sonaira Business World, the lifetime business lady said that the indefatigable zest for multiple incomes came from her growing up, seeing her mother. It was not long, the business became a household because of her desire to having multiple streams of income and skills and the desire to improve daily on each one of them.

    “My growing up was quite sweet and sour. On one hand, I had parents who work hard to give me a quality education. On the other hand, it was filled with solitude because I had severe allergies due to my medical history, this made my parents overprotective by shielding me from going out or having playmates. It affected my interaction with people as I grew older and made me develop acute mood swings in my teenage years.”

    “It took a lot of personal development and life experiences to shape and mold myself into the woman I am today. I also appreciate my parents, siblings, and close friends for guiding me through the whole reformative process.”

    “Over a decade ago, I started business as a very young student. I sold cosmetics, thrift clothes, shoes, and bags. Then worked intermittently during the incessant academic strikes. A major career experience I had was working as an intern in the now-defunct AFRIHUB, UNIBEN BRANCH. It was an ICT company and my computer skills accelerated while working with them and this skill opened windows of opportunities for me after my first degree.”

    “After graduation, I worked in a telecommunications company, another construction company, and lastly a beauty company before moving on to birth my own small and medium scale enterprise,” she stated.

    Sonaira Business World is a well-thought enterprise because it was designed to solve everyday problems.

    Skincare – Formulation of natural skincare products, bulk, and retail supply. Hair- Human hair importation and supply. Fashion- Adult and Children’s fashion. Toys- Adult pleasure toys. Housing- Real Estate Consultation. Haulage- Global Courier & Logistics. Mentorship- Business Mentorship. Dropshipping opportunities for students, fresh graduates, and stay-at-home moms.

    “We have been rendering skeletal services since 2015 but started fully in 2017. We’ve experienced enormous challenges, theft, fire incidence, and a lot more. Notwithstanding, we never stop conquering and overcoming. Our clientele base is strong and keeps growing daily. This is the reason we regard our clients as family, ”she stated.

    Sonaira Business World is an enterprise form from realistic flames. Miss Ovuehor knew what she was going to tackle in the cause of the business, yet she forged ahead. She has seen different turbulence and conquered. She said that the earliest challenges encountered were gaining customers’ trust since we started as an online store. The second was getting reliable logistics companies.

    “We agree that Nigeria is extremely tough for business ventures due to her depreciating economy. Nevertheless, we’ve imbibed an optimistic culture at Sonaira Business World. Our eyes are placed on the future because it’s better to look forward than backward. This spirit and vision have kept us moving on through the toughest times.”

    READ ALSO: Sonaira Business world came from a brainwave, says CEO

    “Another key strategy is that we try to always keep up with the times by upgrading our goods and services. We also have a non-competitive mode of operation whereby we focus on our strengths, eliminate our weaknesses, and try not to imitate the general market. What works for another business might not work for us, so we always stay focused on our lane, ” she added.
    Even during the pandemic that killed not only humans but also several businesses in the world, Sonaira Business World thrived.

    “I’m aware that this year’s pandemic has affected several businesses but we’ve been beyond blessed. Our business focuses on beauty and personal care which is a daily necessity for everyone. We have an active online platform for sales and consultations. During the lockdown, we had cases of clients wanting to restock skincare and sanitary products for their entire household at all costs. Our courier partners were also very accessible to quicken delivery methods,” she added.

    Though, it was an eye-opener for her.

    Sharing what has contributed to the success of her business, she said that modern technology has been resourceful.

    “In reality, running multiple businesses is a no brainer for those that understand the dynamics of time. You can’t physically be everywhere at once but it’s possible to monitor several businesses today through advanced technological gadgets.

    “An important factor is that every individual is multi-talented, it’s best to pray for discernment in other to know where your talents lie. For me, I don’t see myself as running several businesses, I see myself as having multiple skills and knowing how to apportion time to each one of them periodically.

    “A few years ago, I read several books from motivational speakers like Brian Tracy, Robert Kiyosaki and other notable authors, one phrase that kept recurring was ‘multiple streams of income’. Then in 2014, I joined the Pan African Institute for Entrepreneurship and Community Development and we did a full course on MSI (Multiple streams of income). This was when it became so surreal that in today’s world and economic climate, one cannot survive with one income alone, the ability to have various sources of income like I learned as a child is very vital,” she stated.

    It is not surprising that Sonaira Business world is successful because the brand is unique and formed of good philosophy.
    “My business philosophies are simply: ‘From little acorns do great trees grow.’ ‘Little drops of water make a mighty ocean.’All great things started from a small point. I believe an entrepreneur is one who can make something out of nothing, whether with big capital or not. It’s better to start small, make small mistakes, and learn quickly; than to start too big and make mighty blunders. This is one of the factors of having a sustainable business in this time and age,” she stated.

    Sonaira Business World has won many awards including Most aspiring realtor in 2017. Award for excellence and innovation by the Pan African Institute in 2014. Award for excellence presented by Smart woman Nigeria network in 2013 and 2019. Prestigious award Presented to key and fashion & beauty entrepreneurs by Monnel Brand Agency in 2020.

    The enterprise is an inspiring muse for young ones in the country and will continue to be because it has not reached its projection.

    “I envision Sonaira Business World being a household brand to be reckoned with by all and sundry. I plan to attain prominence in Philanthropy, Counselling, and Mediation in the near future,” she stated.

    Visit:

    http://www.companyincorporationdubai.com/

  • How my hair and boutique companies stay ahead of competitors, by Anne ATS

    How my hair and boutique companies stay ahead of competitors, by Anne ATS

    Agency Reporter

    CEO of a thriving hair and fashion boutique companies, Anne Namgbeh, has opened up on the staying power that has kept the two firms ahead of their competitors in the market.

    While noting that ATS Hair has been operating as a business entity for nine unbroken years now, the female entrepreneur, whose nickname Anne ATS,, is her brand name, said ATS Boutique has been doing business as a registered company in the last three years

    Speaking in an interview with our correspondent from her base in the United Kingdom, the graduate of Business Management from De Montfort University, said that her background in business management has helped in keeping the two businesses in the path of growth and out of the economic meltdown currently rocking the foundations of many business entities.

    Anne ATS also attributed the steady growth of the companies on their passion to deliver latest trends in the fashion accessories sector at pocket- friendly prices.

    According to Anne ATS, who is the sixth child in a family of seven siblings, born in Benin City, Edo State to Catholic parents, but who was later taken to Leicester in the United kingdom, where she had her college education before proceeding to University for tertiary education, “business is tough everywhere because there is always going to be competition

    “But lATS Boutique has grown to where it is now because we focus on staying current in the industry by delivering the latest trends at affordable prices so anyone and everyone can afford it.

    “I don’t really think about competition. Instead I focus on making sure my products are of high quality and come at affordable prices”, she added.

    Speaking on the rationale behind her foray into hair and clothing business, Anne ATS who said her hair manufacturer is in China, noted that, “I was motivated to go into hair and clothing business because whenever I dressed up, people usually asked me where I got my outfit or hair from and I would give them the name of the stores.

    “But one day, I sat down and decided instead of advertising for these businesses free of charge, I can open my own company, wear my own clothes and advertise my own brand”, she added

    “That was my path to business enterprise in the sector started and I have gone from grace to amazing grace since then because I dared to use my strength to create a winning formular for business success”.

  • ‘AfCFTA will open up neighbouring markets for Nigeria’

    ‘AfCFTA will open up neighbouring markets for Nigeria’

    The ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) last week by the Federal Government is expected to have resounding impact on the Nigerian economy. Some firms are positioning to key into the pact. One of such firms is the Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL), the parent company of Kaduna Inland Dry Port. The firm, which has been in the forefront of taking maritime activities to the North, says it is set to explore the Niger Republic market. ICNL’s Managing Director, Ismail Yusuf speaks on this and more, including his company’s projections for 2021 in this interview with journalists. MUYIWA LUCAS was there.

     

    THIS has been a challenging year for businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ENDSARS protests. How have these affected your business?

    This year, we all know the problems we have faced and still facing as a result of the corona virus pandemic which affected every sector of the economy. As Inland Container Nigeria Limited (ICNL), the operator of a bonded terminal in Kaduna and Kano, it affected us seriously because majority of our customers were unable to go abroad to place their orders. You know 60 -70 percent of products brought into the country are manufactured from China. A lot of businesses were affected around the world as a result of the pandemic. As per our own operations, the volume expected of us dropped drastically, notwithstanding that the Federal Government allowed us to come into the port and operate during that period as a result of essential services privilege that are required for the medicals being brought in. I think we have lost about 40 percent of what we were expected to make during that period. Even those ones that we got, we still have problem and challenges from government officials in terms of documentation, holding on to jobs, etc which affected our business. The roads are also very bad which causes containers to spend extra days on their way to Kano and Kaduna which accrues more cost to importers. Apart from that, there are other challenges facing Kano and Kaduna businesses. We are looking at how we can remedy that next year to avoid a repeat of what happened this year.

    What is the value of the loss ICNL incurred during this period; also how many staff members  lost their jobs?

    Loss of revenue during COVID-19 for close to six months was about N750 million. We are however happy that we did not lay off any staff member, although some left the company voluntarily. It was not an easy decision not laying-off workers, but we had to work around it because we didn’t want to throw anyone into the labour market; it was nobody’s fault that there was a pandemic.

    Government is desirous of extending maritime services to the North, especially Kano and Kaduna, where you have presence. To what extent have you interfaced with business communities there? How have you influenced them to patronise maritime services?

    Kano, we all know, is a hub of commercial activities. If you look at the volume of import that goes to Kano and aggregate the total that goes to the north, Kano takes 50 percent of it. ICNL established in Kano in February 1980 and the purpose is to move the maritime activities closer to the people of the hinterlands, saving them the stress and much cost of coming to the coastal areas themselves. I believe they are happy with the services we are rendering and we are number one, no competition. Even if we have competitors, they are not doing 30 percent of what we do in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and customer satisfaction. I was in Kano three weeks ago to meet with some of my customers. I met with the Commissioner for Commerce to discuss business and how we can organise seminars with the business community in Kano. I also met with the Deputy Governor who assured us of the state’s support. Very soon a change will also come for Inland Containers, Kano, in terms of upgrade.

    Government recently talked about extending rail lines through the Kano axis to Niger Republic. To what extent is ICNL prepared to maximise the logistic linkage between Nigeria and Central Africa?

    It is a good move for us because we have been looking at how to penetrate surrounding countries. With this planned African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), our target is to see that we do business with countries like Niger, Mali, Chad and even Cameroon. Earlier this year, I and our subsidiary company went to Maradi in Niger to canvass for business and we were accepted. The people there are eager to do business with us. We had gone to Niger Republic ahead of Federal Government ratifying the AfCFTA. We have been there with the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) President, Prince Iju Nwabunike. We visited about three states there- Maradi, Niamey the capital and one other state. In Niger, we met with their Chamber of Commerce and they are willing and eager to do business with Nigeria. They even prefer Kano because of the local language similarities which makes transaction easier. When we came back from the trip, we reported to the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and also wrote to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), telling them our plan. The NSC set up a committee to look at the modalities to ensure that we have a smooth running in terms of business transactions with those countries. The committee has met thrice and once they conclude their deliberation and report, we will take it up from there.

    How has the ongoing rail repairs affected your operations considering that ICNL is very much dependent on road haulage?

    This has affected us 100 per cent. The purpose of establishing inland dry port or inland bonded terminal is to make cost of clearing cheaper to the users. That is why the company was sited very close to the railway in Kano. With this new development, the narrow gauge we are talking about has been suspended by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as they are not operating fully due to Covid-19. We believe that by the time the pandemic subsides, they will go back to full functioning capacity.  Apart from that, the standard gauge that the Federal Government is working on has not reached Kano. That of Lagos to Ibadan will also be standard gauge. We have discussed this with the NRC and they assured us that they will not abandon the narrow gauge. If the standard gauge is working to Ibadan, they will still put the narrow gauge to use for us to transport our goods from Lagos to Kano, pending the time the government extends the standard gauge from Ibadan to Kano.

    What is the degree of ICNL’s presence in other ports like Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar? How is ICNL operating there?

    We are yet to be in Warri, but we are in Port Harcourt and Onne. Necessity also made us have an operational office there due to the stress of accessibility in Lagos as a result of congestion and gridlock in the area. Our priority is to service our customer with a lesser cost, but we discovered that trucks will come from Kano with exports and will not be able to access the Lagos port. Our drivers have to sometimes pay their way through Ijora, a move that does not work all the time. Sometimes, after paying, you are turned back. There is also the issue of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA). The company felt it was becoming too strenuous and people were tired to come to Lagos to clear their goods, so we opened an office in Onne two years ago, from where we now move containers to Kaduna and Kano. Things have been going very well. I have about six staff working there now.

    Let’s look at 2021. What are your plans, projections and programmes for the industry, your business and the economy?

    The Chairman and Board of Inland Containers are working seriously towards the expansion of the business and also how to make our services more attractive to our customers. Apart from opening an office in Onne, we have engaged barge operators who will move containers out of the port to suburbs and the truckers will not need to come to Apapa again. One of them is the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal. We have already started operations but we will increase our activities there next year. Secondly, we have also engaged another barge operator, operating in Itokin, after Ikorodu, in Ogun State. I have been there to assess the terminal myself and work has already started. I think in the last one month, we have moved over 300 containers from Itokin to Kano and Kaduna. We have started with Ikorodu, also moving nothing less than 200 containers there so that our customers do not need to come to Apapa to load with their trucks. These are steps we have taken to save time and achieve customer satisfaction.

    Next year, we are also looking at how we can penetrate the South-East. We want to have a presence there. Our plan in the next six months is to have a bonded terminal in a town in Oba, Anambra, about 30 kilometers away from Onitsha. We have gotten a land and provisional approval from the Customs while we have an architect already working on the drawing. I believe construction will start next year. We are also not surrendering our hope for the Onitsha River Port. We were told it has been given out but the preferred bidder has not done anything on it yet. Our belief is that we may still get it because our bid bond is still there and has not been cancelled. We are optimistic about getting it as preferred concessionaire.

  • HAMZA MAJDI – A story of persistence

    HAMZA MAJDI – A story of persistence

    Our Reporter

    Born into a humble family in Casablanca, Morocco and now, a world renowned marketer, the story of Hamza Majdi will melt your heart.

    His father was an IT professional and his mother, a healthcare practitioner. When Hamza was still a very young boy, his family moved to Montreal, Canada; this was done so that he and his brother could receive better education there than what was available in Morocco.

    Upon arrival in Morocco, his parents were forced to take up lower paying jobs and longer hours in order to make ends meet.

    As much as life was hard for them, his parents made sure that he had the best formal education they could afford.

    When he was a teenager, he got a job at Best Buy where he discovered that to get people to trust your business, you have to converse with them and make them feel good. In essence, he realized it was a skill he had to learn – the art of making connections with people.

    After completing high school, Hamza was faced with the difficult reality of what exactly he would do with his life. He soon discovered network marketing and got hooked. He travelled for a conference where he met like minded people and from there, he knew he really wanted to do marketing. He was 18 at this point and that didn’t deter him.

    Due to how hard it was to survive, Hamza had to take up another job and was working Monday to Friday. From the ages of 18-22, Hamza worked every day, attended Saturday morning training in downtown Montreal and traveled to quarterly seminars in the US.

    At 22, he was faced with a huge challenge as he was let go from the company he was working at. With a mountain of debts and no degree to fall back on, he was left confused. However, he decided to try network marketing again.

    He was approached by a company that sold protein shakes and within a year, he made more money with them than he did in the 4 years he worked with the other company.

    READ ALSO: How marketing should be during VUCA times – Wulff-Caesar

    Over the next 4 years, he found himself able to assist his family and help his parents fulfill their lifelong dream of going to Mecca.

    After a series of bumps along the way, he found his long term home, an innovative company based in Dubai called BE. Today, he ranks among the top 15 professionals in the network marketing industry.