The Nation Newspaper

Category: Small Business and Entreprenuership

  • Entrepreneur’s success with tiger nuts

    Entrepreneur’s success with tiger nuts

    Tiger nuts, according to experts, boost fertility in men and women. For Omoye Olaye, a Lagos-based female entrepreneur, producing natural drinks from these nuts marked the beginning of a successful business endeavour, reports DANIEL ESSIET.

    It the heart of any successful business is a great idea. This is what is giving a Lagos- based entrepreneur, Miss. Omoye Olaye, the big leverage  after  realising the medicinal value tiger nuts  have. She has taken advantage of this to produce tiger nuts-based products.

    Tiger nuts are delicious little nutrient-filled nuts that any entrepreneur can easily snack on while they’re at their desk, or munch on while on-the-go. She started  in February, this year, N8000.  Today, the business is a growing success.

    The business is worth more than N100, 000. The product is rising in popularity. She   started her business with just two people. Now, she has many people working for her in distribution and sales.

    Her lifestyle has changed too. She sees it as the culmination of all the hard work she has put in. Today, she has overcome the initial hurdles startups face and owns a chain of products. But she began as a broadcaster.  Having grown up in a family of entrepreneurs, Omoye always loved to do her own thing. Working in the marketing communications industry for years gave her the confidence to start on her own.

    Though her company,specialised in marketing and advertising, her venture in food processing is the money spinner.The company has been in retail full swing since early this year.

    With a background in broadcasting and public relations, and   plenty of sales experience and industry knowledge, Omoye  is bulldozing her  way  to care a niche in the already crowded market.

    Her goal is to bring  her products to physical retail that would win at trial. In order to accomplish this, she is working on packaging that would really pop on shelf in order to break through the sea of choices shoppers are confronted with in-store.

    The company also plans to take advantage of its direct-to-consumer model to support in-store sales. She is determined to build a multi-channel brand driven by consumer data and fast innovation, but  is focusing on direct-to-consumer channels, which she  presents great advantage in terms of discovery, convenience and personalization.

    To boost her products line, Olaye  is   creating rich,  natural drinks, flours  and  simple  snacks. She wants people to eat healthy flour and natural drinks.

    She sources all the ingredients carefully to offer a unique gastronomical experience.  The market is growing, as the trend for organic drink is on the rise.  For her, the word is never to lose self-confidence.

  • Tech operator eyes packaging houses

    Tech operator eyes packaging houses

    Tech startups have emerged with solutions to boost agriculture and reduce disruptions in the food supply chain. Beyond creating a portal, Chief Executive, Easyshop, Mrs Saudat Salami, is set to create packaging houses that buy produce from growers through a contract and then re-sell in the open market. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    One promising area for tech entrepreneurs is developing applications and portals to ensure agro-entrepreneurs reach their customers all year-round.

    They have the support of high-tech farms popping up around the country.  One of them is the Chief Executive, Easyshop, Mrs Saudat Salami, who already  has   established an online portal to link buyers and sellers of farm produce. Drawn by the opportunity and enticed by growing consumer demand and a shortage of quality produce, Mrs  Salami  and existing players are   bringing in innovations. At the same time, more investors are now flocking to the sector.

    The idea is driven by observed inefficiencies across the supply chain—from low yields to inadequate storage facilities.

    A certified Microsoft trainer with background in web programming, Mrs Salami   started her online grocery shopping business  to provide a service to make it easy for working women to go about their business without worrying about shopping. She set up the online fresh grocery delivery service to help working women meet up on their domestic responsibilities without putting stress on their careers.

    Easyshop considers the cultural responsibilities of the Nigerian woman at the home front and has put in place a multiplatform service which makes balancing work and home life easier to achieve.She started with retailing fresh farm produce bought at Mile12 and other markets.

    She said her  supplies are delivered  fresh  to working women  after  they  would have been cleaned, adding however that she doesn’t  cook  for them.  She only prepares and packages them in a form  that makes it easier for them to cook.

    At the moment, buyers  and farmers are getting contacted via online form on their website and a lot really goes into it. But she has  realised that successful online farm shops are not stand-alone retail businesses. They  are successful if they have good suppliers. Therefore, sustainable online farm shops are  an extension of the farming enterprise.

    She said establishing  a solid supply  business  to boost  the  online shop is critical if  one  wants  to  get more   value for each transaction and grow the  business. This has thrown up huge opportunities for entrepreneurs in storage and  distribution.

    She is opening packaging houses for farmers to store their produce for some time. This ensures food security, while farmers get a better price for their produce than if it is sold right after harvest.

    She intends to set up a packing house in major areas of Lagos where she will be receiving produce from farmers. They   will pay the farmers at a price based on what it sells for at the end of the chain.

    The idea behind it is to promote food safety standard in the agricultural value chain. Packing house for her would help to reduce food scarcity as well as create job opportunities.

    In a way, she  believes it would  help move food around, and  reduce waste in the value chain.As part of its operations, the organisation meets farmers in rural areas to get supplies. She hopes to expand further into  the hinterland to buy the foods.

  • Conference seeks ways to boost entrepreneurship

    Successful entrepreneurs s are slated to bring their savvy and innovative business practices to the Founders  Conference billed for  Lagos, in October. The  conference is  aimed at creating an annual platform for collaboration, innovation and networking between entrepreneurs and the world. It enables entrepreneurs to build networks, enrich knowledge, and connect mentors as well as investors to pitch their business ideas on the given platform.

    A statement from the  organisers, Venture Starters Company Limited, a start-up training and business mentorship organization  said this   year’s  conference will feature some of Nigeria’s most innovative; tech-driven business founders and internet entrepreneurs alongside a number of respected entrepreneurship instructors.These include  Founder, Iroko TV, Jason Njoku; Founder/CEO, Wecyclers,BilikissAdebiyi-Abiola; Convener and Founder Venture Starter Company,Bunmi Jembola; Founder, Printivo.com and and Urbanbaze,OluyomiOjo and Founder, SmartBCamp,JohnObidi.The keynote address  will  be made  by the Academic Director of the Owner-Manager Programme of the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos- Dr (Mrs) Henrietta Onwuegbuzie.

    She is expected to give an overview the initiatives taken by LBS  to boost entrepreneurship .

    The  speakers, are  expected  to  provide fresh ideas and real-world applications that business owners can immediately apply to exponentially grow their companies, while staying abreast of the changing dynamics of today’s business world.

    The conference will   analyze the current needs of the entrepreneurship ecosystem to ensure a profound transformation from the current business culture within the Nigerian  community towards a system at par with mainstream entrepreneurs at national and global level.

    Expected to attend the conference are engaged business professionals looking for new ways to provide innovative solutions to problems facing entrepreneurs with their businesses on a daily basis.

    Other highlights of the conference include helping  participants raise round one startup funds for 50 select big prospects founders, having  25 selected entrepreneurs pitch their businesses directly to the entire audience including selected investors.

    The conference will feature presentation of awards to top ten most innovative startup founders.

    The  event will  feature the official launch of a book on entrepreneurial guidance for the start-up founder titled “The Ignition- A Validated Path to Start-up Success” Book Launch- by Bunmi Jembola.

  • Opportunity for food-based micro entrepreneurs

    Opportunity for food-based micro entrepreneurs

    A powerful local food campaign is growing in Lagos State. It is aimed at bringing about a better way of appreciating rural agric entrepreneurship by food companies, large and small grocers and residents through farmers’ markets. Daniel Essiet reports.

    A local food campaign is being promoted by the Lagos State Government in patnership with the private sector to make it easier for Lagosians to buy fresh produce cheap anywhere across the state. This is because many households are struggling with poverty and  there are a few opportunities to earn the much needed cash to meet essential needs.

    The campaign involves the establishment of farmers’markets at major locations of the state to ensure that cheap food gets to those who need it most and at affordable price. It is a collaboration between the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and the private sector.

    Leading this crusade is the Chairman, Best Foods Global, Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, who  believes that the move by the state to establish  a network of farmers’ markets  that deliver consistently high quality produce on-time and at competitive prices,  will create more opportunities for farmers and stimulate green  revolution.

    Ijewere, who also coordinates the National Agribusiness Group (NABG),  said creating opportunities to advance economic security for emerging food-based micro entrepreneurs, is an effective strategy to build self-sufficiency and alleviate poverty.  Specifically, he said  linking beginner farmers and producers to produce distribution networks and new markets offers affordable, sustainable economic solutions for low-income food producers.

    His Best Foods Global  is already  managing the  Eko Farmers’ Market at Ajah on behalf of the state and the goal is to ensure that residents  buy produce at the mart at the same price they can get them at Mile 12 market.  Ijewere said it was time to offer economic empowerment opportunities to  rural farmers around Lekki –Ajah axis – through access to new markets  to small-scale, disadvantaged food-based micro entrepreneurs.

    He explained that his organisation was using its existing infrastructure at the Eko farmers’ mart in Ajah to develop a successful local food hub. The effort, according to him, would bring together local farmers, buyers and fresher-produced food into the area.

    According  to him,  there are small food production enterprises that need access to farmers’ markets  to successfully grow, survive, and succeed. This kind of marketing arrangements, he maintained,  offers service to such  entrepreneurs.

    At Eko farmers’ mart,  young food entrepreneurs and women who will supply and display produce, he said, are  grouped into cooperatives. They will be supported to work from their farms, while his group offers transportation to move the produce from the farm gate. This, he noted, will save time and money. He  said  the association  helps   micro-enterprise owners to develop food-based businesses  that evolve into  self-sufficient, income-generating ventures.

    Ijewere said his organisation was determined to train farmers and food entrepreneurs, and link them to markets through the development of a new food hub in Ibeju area of the state.

    Eko Farmers’ Mart Manager,  Ajah, Mrs Olubukola Nwaneri  said the place provides fresh produce and local farmers opportunities to showcase their produce.

    According to her, the mart has developed a marketing cooperative for farmers and installed cold storage facilities to aggregate fresh produce and increase market opportunities.

    Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Shakirudeen Olayiwole Onasanya,  who was represented by Director, Fisheries , Mrs Olatokunbo Ibironke Emokpae,  said the farmers’ marts were established out of the need to create more opportunities for farmers and food entrepreneurs.

    He said there are three farmers’ marts in Lagos. They include Alausa, Surulere and Ajah. The four one, he said, will soon open in Festac Town.

    According to him, the marts give farmers an opportunity to secure a livelihood, and consumers to access fresh produce.

    He  said the state’s approach focuses on strengthening value-based food supply chains or food value chains.

    According to him, Lagos State was working to capitalise on its agricultural resources for growth, while identifying gaps in infrastructure and market opportunities to meet increasing demand for healthy food.

  • Providing youths with business, skills, training

    Providing youths with business, skills, training

    The growing youth population brings with it a high number of social and economic challenges. The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment is, however, taking steps in partnership with some private organisations to boost youths’ entrepreneurial and employability skills. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    In a rapidly changing, hyper-connected world, the information communication technology (ICT) industry is driving economic growth, innovation and job creation. The ICT world is also where the jobs are.

    But many Nigerians have limited access to these new technologies. This has been a major concern for the Lagos Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment as it tried to implement strategies to address youth unemployment across the five divisions in the state.

    At the flag-off of the ICT training programme for unemployed youths in the state, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, expressed concerns over stubbornly high levels of unemployment largely caused by lack of ICT  skills.

    His concern is that too few graduates are entering the job market with the right qualifications to match market demands.

    According to him, the demand for ICT is surging and it makes sense to train unemployed, vulnerable young people in an industry that is thriving. For young entrepreneurs, he said  technology skills and access to technology  will improve productivity, lower costs and advance businesses into higher value-added activities, thus enhancing their market competitiveness.

    He said the ministry was determined to support young people in finding work by providing training that will foster work-readiness, talent and entrepreneurial spirit.

    According to Durosinmi-Etti,  the state  has launched an eleven-week Lagos Study Programme in partnership with Etisalat, Sterling Bank, Google, Andela, Microsoft and Audax  Solutions to produce software developers and digital marketers.

    Five hundred graduates are targeted to be trained across the five divisions of the state. He said young people would be offered entrepreneurship training to give them self-reliance skills in business planning and management, as well as hands-on experience.

    He said 40 successful graduates of the programme would be admitted as Andela Fellows and guaranteed  employment.

    The state Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abdul Ahmed Mustapha said the  state’s vision is  to expand opportunities and unlock potential through retooling of knowledge and skills.

    According to him, promoting youth employment and employability requires integrated efforts that include actions in the areas of education, skills development, job supply and support for young low-income entrepreneurs, particularly in the knowledge intensive sectors.

    The training programme, Mustapha, explained, teaches unemployed and underemployed youths the basics of entrepreneurship with practical hands-on experience in the use of computer technology.

    Access to ICT  business training, according to him, would  enable young people to better qualify for a job and understand how to run their own business successfully.

    Managing Director, Audax Solutions Limited, Mr Emeka Onyenwe  explained that the training was aimed at helping young graduates  explore  opportunities in the software and the digital industry.

    According to him, the training would enable participants  become competent in software  development  methodologies and get the chance to work on a variety of platforms.

    He  explained that they are going to be  working alongside some of the best senior developers and product specialists in the industry.

    The Head of Branding, Sterling Bank, Mrs Peju Ibekwe  said the  bank was excited to be part of the historic project.

    According to her, the Lagos Study Programme was highly laudable as it was one of the novel initiatives to stamp the nation’s evolution and growth in the ICT space. She said it again empowered the youth to run their own businesses and be gainfully employed wherever they chose to be. She  said education and empowerment are major focus of Sterling Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

    She listed some of the projects executed in the empowerment space to include ‘Meet the Executive’, a business plan competition, which availed participants grants of about N12 million to grow or establish their businesses. The participants with viable business ideas and plans, she added,  got the opportunity to pitch these ideas before the bank’s executives to stand a chance of getting significant financial support for their businesses.

  • Church promotes entrepreneurship

    NO fewer than 200 Lagos residents in Ikotun, last Saturday, attended a business forum sponsored by the Kingdom Light Ministries (KLM).

    Its founder and Senior Pastor Samson Makinwa said the event was aimed at assisting Nigerians, in spite of their religions. He added that most of the participants were moslems and that only seven per cent were  members of his at the event.

    Makinwa, a notable entrepreneur, said he discovered that many Nigerians wanted to do business, but did not know how to go about it and that was why he set up the monthly programme entitled: ‘’Business class with Samson Makinwa’’, to teach them business tips.

    Guest speaker, Mr Moses Siloko Siasia, praised Makinwa’s efforts, urging him not to rest on his oars as the programme would help to refocus youths in assessing their businesses.

    Siasia, who is Chairman, Nigerian Young Professional, Forum (NYPF), said his group partners some financial institutions to assist entrepreneurs to access capital, and that he was happy to be associated with KLM and the participants. He pledged his assistance to them.

    He said one of the solutions to unemployment is the creation of jobs by youths, regretting that our political leaders do not pay attention to the small and medium scale enterprises (SMSs) sub-sector. In Japan and China, he said, there was more attention on SMEs. ‘’But here no one is concerned with SMEs. You can use them to build societies because they pay taxes,’’ he added.

    Siasia  who is Chairman/CEO, Mosilo Group, continued: “SMEs are the way to go and will help to tackle unemployment. Many people have entrepreneurial spirit, but lack the finance.’’ He promised to support the participants. He, however, urged them to form a team which they would submit their proposals. The team would scrutinise them before Siasia’s team would work on them and send to the banks for approvals.

    Siasia said there are two forms of assistance – grants, which are free and loans, which are repaid with interests.

    On how to get a loan, he said an applicant must have a bankable business plan, hunger for information, and be connected to the right source, among others. He also said an applicant must exhibit the following features: sincerity, trust and focus.

  • Empowering artisans, tradesmen

    Empowering artisans, tradesmen

    The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the private sector and organised labour, has set for itself an ambitious target of creating jobs and reducing poverty through massive investment in infrastructure and skills development. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    The Lagos State Government has unveiled a new growth path anchored on massive investment in infrastructure and skills development  for the purpose of creating jobs and reducing poverty.

    The initiative, in collaboration with the private sector and organised labour, hopes to build the capacities of artisans and tradesmen through incubation and training.

    Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the capacity building for tradesmen & artisans in Lagos State, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment (MWC&E), Mr. Abdul-Ahmed Mustapha, said the programme is supported by a N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF).

    While noting that the state government  places broad-based economic empowerment in a growth and employment framework., Mustapha said that focusing on job creation, entrepreneurship and the promotion of small and medium enterprises can boost inclusive and sustainable industrial development across the state.

    He stated that accelerating industrialisation requires a focus on job creation and entrepreneurship, and that  these are key aspects to fully capture the potential of the state’s dynamic workforce and boost inclusive sustainable development.

    With a population of about 20 million and its status as a mega city, Mustapha noted that tradesmen and artisans can be developed to form the foundation for stronger and competitive industries.

    He added that the shortage of artisans in the country is an obstacle to economic growth; that  a capability building programme for  artisans and tradesmen would create jobs and spur economic growth.

    Mustapha, however, hinted that the state government may no longer allow individuals to parade themselves as artisans if they are not qualified and certified by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).

    He listed artisans who would need such certification to include  hairdressers, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, fitters,  turners and welders, among others.

    The permanent secretary, however, pointed out that technical and vocational education and training is an area where the government and the private sector should invest since it has direct impact on incomes and economic growth.

    Samuel Ajayi of Service City.com said the State Government has created an online platform for artisans and tradesmen to register and sell their services.

    He said the platform connects artisans with residents in need of reliable, secure, hassle-free and high quality service with service providers who are trusted, experienced and verified.

    With this platform, he said the government is determined to promote adherence to relevant industry codes and standards in all activities and projects executed by service providers.

    While identifying some key challenges  facing artisans as  poor access to markets and  market-related information, Ajayi said the platform provides a transparent and traceable tradesmen and artisans sourcing services for Lagos residents.

    The Programme Coordinator, LASTVEB, Mr. Abubakar Adebisi, stressed that it is vital that artisans equip themselves with the skills needed by the marketplace so  they can take advantage of opportunities that will help reduce poverty and  spur economic growth.

    According to him, re-training to meet new opportunities is critical considering the fact that shortage of  skilled artisans has, for instance, led to influx of specialised welders from Benin Republic into Nigeria.

    Adebisi expressed optimism that  after completing the eight weeks intensive training programme,  beneficiaries will acquire capacities to provide services.

    The President, Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA), Alhaji Nurudeen Buhari, thanked the Lagos State Government for continuous training of members.

    He   assured of LASCOTA’s commitment in helping the present administration meet its set goals.

  • Passion for photography

    Passion for photography

    University campuses are becoming breeding grounds for budding entrepreneurs. A Mass Communications undergraduate of Caleb University, Lagos, Mr. Okpara Henry Chidozie, has carved a niche for himself in photography, which he combines with his studies. TIMILEHIN BABATOPE reports.

    e is off to a good start in the world of busniess. Even before completing his course of study in the university, Henry has managed to transform his passion for photography into a full scale business venture.

    He is one of the most sought-after photographers on campus, a business he has combined effortlessly with his studies.  With proceeds from the busniess, the budding entrepreneur has been able to afford his tuition fee as well as earn for himself a decent social life.

    Even before Henry gained  admission into the university, his creativity and independent-mindedness have never been in doubt.  He has always been at home doing things that involved learning creative and applied business skills.

    He said he only needed to latch on a vocation that fits in with the  demands of his course. That was how photography came into the picture. What, perhaps, further encouraged him to throw his hat into the photography ring was his realisation while in his primary school days that there was strong demand for the service.

    Hear him: “I started photography when I was in primary school, but not as a business. It was in strong demand then. But it was when I got into the university that I thought of a skill I could develop  before graduating that photography popped up. Besides,  I realised that getting a paid job is no londer easy”

    The student entrepreneur also told The Nation that  he was encouraged by the fact  that photography was easier because it required minimal investment to start off.

    Henry said, for instance, that  he  started the business by taking a snap for N500; noting, however, that one of the initial challenges was competition with other photographers.

    His words: “A lot of people in my school are into photography and it has been a major challenge to me.” To beat the competition, Henry said as soon as he started out on campus, he took advantage of the various workshops  and programmes that the university offered.

    He also moves around the school programmes to provide digital photos. This often means that there is no need to hire an external – and often expensive – photographer for publicity shots.

    The result of such strategic move is instant. “For a semester I make up to N20,000 naira,”an obviously elated student cum commercial photographer told The Nation, adding that with the proceeds, he affords most things money can buy while on campus.

    As a professional photographer, Henry’s services  are sought by students, groups and corporates for weddings and other gigs on camnpus. He takes photographs during dress rehearsals and creates eye-catching displays for students to purchase.

    Although he has built a large claintele in and around the campus, the bulk of of his growing customer base comes from the university community.

    Gradually, but steadily, Henry is becoming more and more involved in live event photography. And his exploits, naturally, has earned him the admiration of his peers  most of who have started experimenting with  various startups in abid to survive.

    His advice to unemployed youths: “Everyone has a talent; it is how you make the world see the talent that matters. It is better to use the talent God has given to you”

  • Creating wealth through cooperatives

    Creating wealth through cooperatives

    Creating wealth and eradicating poverty require the painstaking building of new entrepreneurs through cooperatives. The President, Project Fix Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Kowontan, is leading a movement in this direction. Daniel Essiet reports.

    According to development experts, entrepreneurs and business enterprises create wealth, not government; government only provides the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and create wealth.

    The President, Project Fix Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mr. Olusegun  Kowontan,  believes that when this happens, it will be easier to lift people out of poverty through wealth creation cooperatives.

    He noted that by spreading risk and pooling resources,  co-operatives will offer people with little individual wealth a way to start their own businesses and build assets.

    To this end, he said Project Fix Nigeria has launched a  cooperative for Nigerians who believe in  eradicating poverty and hunger. He said people can participate either as partner farmers or absentee farmers.

    Olusegun explained that the goal of the initiative is two-fold: to fulfill the protein requirements of the people at a low cost and to create livelihood opportunities for farmers and retirees.

    According to him, there  is a real and urgent need for farmers and  entrepreneurs  to gain access to alternative livelihoods given the long gestation periods for arable  crops and fruit trees to yield fruits or become harvestable, compared to fish farming, for instance, that takes a shorter time.

    Olusegun said his organisation is promoting reshwater fish culture and cage culture that will explore freshwater and brackish water bodies in Lagos State for fish farming.

    The project, he said, also focuses on integrated farming utilising the resources of public and private ponds and backwaters.

    The system, according to him, is highly profitable and the yield is about three times more, with relatively low costs compared to land based fish farming.

    While cooperative farming is desirable for full scale fish cage farming, he said it requires large capital.  And to overcome this challenge, he said his organisation is opening an opportunity for small investors to participate in the project.

    He explained that the biggest challenge for fish farmers is adequate water and this will not be a problem for cage culture.

    He said entrepreneurs have to be empowered if the government is to make a head at reducing poverty.

    This is because they introduce innovations and business ventures that generate profits and spur investment and growth.

  • Making a living from barbing

    Making a living from barbing

    A young graduate of Enugu State University, Emeka James, has taken on the big salons and rewritten the rules of barbing.TIMILEHIN BABATOPE reports.

    Stories of perseverance by young entrepreneurs who overcame severe obstacles to achieve heights of success have always fascinated Emeka James, a young graduate of  Enugu State University. They inspired him and inflamed his passion. He wished to be one.

    Though a huge market exists for businesses in his abode in Ajao Estate, Lagos State, only few new entrants survive.

    James thought of self-employment. An area that appealed to him was how to cash in on young men who want to look good.

    He decided to set up a barber’s shop that gives unique haircut to men. Today, what started as a small shop has become an attraction for not only young people, but also adults looking for corporate looks.

    To call the place an hot spot would be an understatement as the estate is lined with high-end barbershops, as well as restaurants and boutiques that are patronised by a rich clientele. When people enter his salon, they find a big flat panel TV, lots of foreign magazines, and Nigerian newspapers in the waiting area. Some people come into the shop only to read newspapers and watch Tv. Yet, he does not restrict them.

    When it’s time for them to take the chair, he appeals to them he would give them a clean finishing. At the salon, the haircut’s great, the atmosphere serene, conversation almost convivial.

    He believes in providing the best value for boys and men and with standard haircut service. With music playing in the background, James is always busy.

    With him were assistants, attending to male customers. Though he said he stumbled into barbing, he took the challenge. At the beginning it was challenging: “First of all is power supply that has been a challenge to every business. Secondly, traffic congestion affects businesses and sometimes the harassment from the local government.”

    Today, the business is a huge success and all this is because of his entrepreneurial skills. But how did he get the idea to start the business?

    His words: ‘’From when I was small, I have been dreaming of doing a business.

    “To put the business on a good footing, I spent  about N1.2million both in rent and everything inside. This is because Ajao Estate is a gleaming hub of businesses and trade and a transforming small industrial hub.

    ‘’As the area evolved from an economy-based warehousing activity, residents are welcoming businesses and supply of specific skills needed to make it competitive.This is driving rents with rapid resident growth and standard housing.”How much is the business worth now? He was not very expressive:

    “In a business like this, you can’t put true value because it requires investing on items we use inside and all that.  If you talk of how we are getting and retaining customers, we will say we thank God. On the whole, it is difficult to put value on this business.”

    His advice to youths: “The only advice I will give them is that they believe in themselves and don’t look upon the government for immediate support. They should ‘hustle’ and not depend on the government; nothing is too small to start with.”

    In the next five years, he hopes to  make the salon a household name not only in Lagos, but also in Nigeria.