The Nation Newspaper

Category: Small Business and Entreprenuership

  • ‘Import duties on raw materials, others affecting SMEs’

    Stiff import duties on critical raw materials have eroded the competitiveness of the small scale manufacturing industry, the President, Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN), Prince Saviour Iche has said.

    He said expensive imported raw materials and energy costs are not allowing small businesses to compete with much-cheaper imports.

    The AMEN chief, who spoke in Lagos, noted that high cost of raw materials and prices have retarded production drive among small businesses.

    Specifically, he said the import duty on raw materials is very high, and that it discourages local production, thereby facilitating the import of cheaper goods.

    Adding raw material costs to labour, power and others, Iche said, puts small producers on edge because of the deluge of cheap imports.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) closure of the official foreign exchange window and its recent exclusion of importers of raw materials, from the forex window, he noted, have spiked the cost of raw materials.

    According to him, some small manufacturers are hard hit because they produce with imported raw materials.

    For example, he said the cost of caustic soda has moved from N3, 000 to N8, 000.

    He said small businesses which use caustic soda and other imported raw materials may be forced to shut because of their high cost of production.

    He said local businesses have enormous potential, but require the government’s support to acquire cheaper raw materials and access markets.

    He reiterated that small businesses are the backbone of the economy, employing millions of workers.

    While small businesses have contributed significantly to the nation’s economic growth, he noted that the government has failed to meet its small business goals as businesses failed to overcome regulatory, contracting, and capital barriers. This, according to him, impedes their growth.

    Iche noted that lowering taxes would promote growth, reduce regulation encourage business formation and job creation.

    According to him, lower taxation and export incentivisation policies of countries, such as China, have helped their manufacturers  to produce cheaper products.

  • Hidden treasures of foodstuff export

    Hidden treasures of foodstuff export

    Are you a young entrepreneur looking for where to invest? You can take advantage of export opportunities in foodstuff, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Foodstuff exports offer  business opportunities. But only very few businessmen know about it.

    One of those who have taken advantage of this is the Chief Executive,VOC Royal Resources Nigeria Limited, Mr Victor Chukwuogo, who started as a wheel barrow food vendor at Oyinbo market, Lagos.

    Chukwuogo, also Chairman of Oyingbo Food Stuff Market Association, Lagos, started export business in 2008. The company processes and packages African food items, such as pumpkin

    (ugwu) for export . He never knew it was a lucrative market until a lady  introduced him into it.

    Chukwuogo told The Nation that there are opportunities in exporting farm produce. Vegetables and pepper, for example, are in high demand. Despite the numerous benefits of trading overseas, only few food small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)  export. This is due in part to business owners’ feelings that they are unable to find the right information which will enable them to develop an export strategy.

    Before venturing into food export, he said businessmen and women must understand that export is for the long haul and, carefully, consider what they want to achieve.

    He said the most successful exporters are not only patient and proactive, they are also prepared to foster relationships with overseas buyers and consumers over the long-term. They are always looking for opportunities and seeking new deals.

    Encouraging more Nigerians to explore the market, Chukwuogo said with N1 million, one could start and make a living from it.

    However, he warns that it is not always a bed of roses. This is because international trade is heavily regulated for some goods; hence, the need to be conscious of penalties for falling foul of the prescribed documentations.

    This has made Chukwuogo to  initiate a programme to train would-be exporters on the correct procedures for exporting food products. The training gives prospective exporters the tools they need to grow food export business internationally. This helps them to avoid transport and processing delays.

    Chukwuogo said Europe is a destination for exporters of food products.  The market is thriving because there are large communities of Africans in Europe and the United States, who are keen to eat their local delicacy.

    According to him, the market for food items abroad is promising. Traditional Nigerian foods, he said, are fast-moving items abroad, and smaller companies can tap into it. As the food industry continues to grow, the potential for small business, he noted is still great.

    Chukwuogo has enjoyed export success over the past 10 years. He has been able to export food stuff through packages using the aero plane. Since then, he has made a fortune and made further efforts to identify contacts in the broader food service industry in Europe. His customers include bakeries, food wholesalers and supermarkets abroad. For him, exports of prepared and packaged foods from Africa will continue to expand, with Nigeria’s reputation for food items increasing around the world.

    High demand from overseas markets for food products,  and continued demand from the domestic market, would help  small businesses in the industry improve profitability, he said. For him, there has never been a better time for small food businesses to start exporting.

    Though more food and drink businesses are waking up to the benefits of export and, in spite of increased competition in the international marketplace, demand for Nigerian food products remains high, he added.

  • Empowerment for successful businesses, jobs

    Empowerment for successful businesses, jobs

    Workforce Training Solution Limited Chief Executive Shade Olubajo not only helps people gain entrepreneurial skills and social businesses get off the ground, she also hones the skills of jobseekers to make them get employment. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Like many entrepreneurs, Ms Shade Olubajo, a United Kingdom trained expert in social care, loves creating things.

    As an entrepreneur, she had an idea of how to turn high-quality childcare into a profitable business. Her unique approach involved running an internationally certified training centre for people who want to run profitable childcare operation and social care professionals seeking jobs abroad.

    In return, she has produced qualified childcare employees for companies and individuals.  Hers is a winning formula for starters as well as their corporate clients, parents and the kids.

    She  started  training  child care professionals for well-paid jobs while in the UK.

    According to her, social care business is a lucrative business as  professionals make profits running high-quality care businesses.Upon returning home, she established  Workforce Training Solution Limited, which trains for hotel and social care professionals which has opened doors for Nigerians who want to travel abroad in search of social and health care jobs.

    Having acquired functional skills,   many of her graduates migrate abroad to get jobs or gain admission into higher institutions.

    In collaboration with City and Guilds of London, Olubajo has designed programmes for young adults to get jobs in industries in various sectors, including retail and social care. For those looking for international and local construction works, she assists them to improve their employment and skills.

    With the training, Nigerians can complete construction skills’certification scheme test for individuals and groups to enable them to work in the construction industry in the UK and Middle East.

    She notes that unemployment is a critical challenge and that she is working to help people build skills that help them find jobs and be successful in a work environment.

    After a successful pilot in Lagos, she  is  set to  roll out nationwide through delivery partners. She is ready to partner with organisations that support entrepreneurs starting and building businesses.

    She is interested in talking to employers who wish to become partners, informing the content and providing potential vacancies for participants who complete the programme.

    She plans to prepare young people, learners and clients to succeed and sustain their apprenticeships or jobs.

  • Lagos seeks councils’, businesses’ collaboration on entrepreneurship, job creation

    Lagos seeks councils’, businesses’ collaboration on entrepreneurship, job creation

    Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, has underscored the need for businesses and local governments to collaborate to tackle unemployment across the state, advocating the need for job creation as against job-seeking.

    He spoke at a stakeholders’ forum/interactive session at K. Kotun Memorial School, Surulere, Lagos at the weekend.

    Durosintimi-Etti also said the creation of the ministry was as a result of the government’s desire to address unemployment and cushion efforts of wealth creation and employment interventions through vocational centers employment opportunities.

    He said: “The Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment is more of an enabler, a link between government and the private sector in the area of unemployment reduction and ensuring that quality skills are given to the right set of people.

    “It is only through private sector collaboration that more jobs could be created in order to bridge the unemployment gaps.”

    He maintained that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has not only fulfilled his electoral promise with the establishment of the new ministry, but has also made a commitment of N25 billion into the Employment Trust Fund for employment and job creation. Working with employers, he said the ministry would create tailor-made vocational programmes to create jobs for artisans.

    In addition, to establishing five jobs and business incubation centres in Lagos, he said the centres will empower people and help them find good jobs.

    According to him, the job and innovation centres will provide resources for start-ups.When implemented, he said, the incubators would provide an environment conducive for the success of innovative entrepreneurial start-ups spearheaded by young people.

    He said the centres would help fill a void created by the education system, provide a platform to develop the cross-functional skill sets essential to the success of entrepreneurs.

    He reiterated that the government is ready to improve the environment, provide fertile ground for more sophisticated innovation, and encourage a lot more business incubators to pop up in the future.

    He said the government, working with the local government,  could set the stage for the next revolutionary businesses to emerge from the state.

    The Commissioner envisioned a new Lagos as state with a high-functioning economy focused on industry, innovation and entrepreneurship; the promotion of investor confidence; job creation; the development of infrastructure; and achieving total digital connectivity.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Fola Pandonu, said the sensitisation programme, which began in Surulere, was part of the ministry’s efforts to  equip young Nigerians with information on opportunities available to  create wealth and employment.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Ambode on Centrall Business District( CBD), Agboola Dabiri, said  the campaign would  give a new dimension to employment where more and more jobs will be generated, while it  will lead towards new businesses or innovative projects that  prove helpful in improving the economic growth of the country and career growth of the youths.

    He said the campaign would  boost entrepreneurship and job creation in Surulere, by boosting investments into the startup segment.

    Besides, the government is taking steps to deal with the skilled labour crisis in the area.

  • Hidden treasures of foodstuff export

    Hidden treasures of foodstuff export

    Are you a young entrepreneur looking for where to invest? You can take advantage of export opportunities in foodstuff, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Foodstuff exports offer  business opportunities. But only very few businessmen know about it.

    One of those who have taken advantage of this is the Chief Executive,VOC Royal Resources Nigeria Limited, Mr Victor Chukwuogo, who started as a wheel barrow food vendor at Oyinbo market, Lagos.

    Chukwuogo, also Chairman of Oyingbo Food Stuff Market Association, Lagos, started export business in 2008. The company processes and packages African food items, such as pumpkin

    (ugwu) for export . He never knew it was a lucrative market until a lady  introduced him into it.

    Chukwuogo told The Nation that there are opportunities in exporting farm produce. Vegetables and pepper, for example, are in high demand. Despite the numerous benefits of trading overseas, only few food small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)  export. This is due in part to business owners’ feelings that they are unable to find the right information which will enable them to develop an export strategy.

    Before venturing into food export, he said businessmen and women must understand that export is for the long haul and, carefully, consider what they want to achieve.

    He said the most successful exporters are not only patient and proactive, they are also prepared to foster relationships with overseas buyers and consumers over the long-term. They are always looking for opportunities and seeking new deals.

    Encouraging more Nigerians to explore the market, Chukwuogo said with N1 million, one could start and make a living from it.

    However, he warns that it is not always a bed of roses. This is because international trade is heavily regulated for some goods; hence, the need to be conscious of penalties for falling foul of the prescribed documentations.

    This has made Chukwuogo to  initiate a programme to train would-be exporters on the correct procedures for exporting food products. The training gives prospective exporters the tools they need to grow food export business internationally. This helps them to avoid transport and processing delays.

    Chukwuogo said Europe is a destination for exporters of food products.  The market is thriving because there are large communities of Africans in Europe and the United States, who are keen to eat their local delicacy.

    According to him, the market for food items abroad is promising. Traditional Nigerian foods, he said, are fast-moving items abroad, and smaller companies can tap into it. As the food industry continues to grow, the potential for small business, he noted is still great.

    Chukwuogo has enjoyed export success over the past 10 years. He has been able to export food stuff through packages using the aero plane. Since then, he has made a fortune and made further efforts to identify contacts in the broader food service industry in Europe. His customers include bakeries, food wholesalers and supermarkets abroad. For him, exports of prepared and packaged foods from Africa will continue to expand, with Nigeria’s reputation for food items increasing around the world.

    High demand from overseas markets for food products,  and continued demand from the domestic market, would help  small businesses in the industry improve profitability, he said. For him, there has never been a better time for small food businesses to start exporting.

    Though more food and drink businesses are waking up to the benefits of export and, in spite of increased competition in the international marketplace, demand for Nigerian food products remains high, he added.

  • Empowerment for successful businesses, jobs

    Empowerment for successful businesses, jobs

    Workforce Training Solution Limited Chief Executive Shade Olubajo not only helps people gain entrepreneurial skills and social businesses get off the ground, she also hones the skills of jobseekers to make them get employment. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Like many entrepreneurs, Ms Shade Olubajo, a United Kingdom trained expert in social care, loves creating things.

    As an entrepreneur, she had an idea of how to turn high-quality childcare into a profitable business. Her unique approach involved running an internationally certified training centre for people who want to run profitable childcare operation and social care professionals seeking jobs abroad.

    In return, she has produced qualified childcare employees for companies and individuals.  Hers is a winning formula for starters as well as their corporate clients, parents and the kids.

    She  started  training  child care professionals for well-paid jobs while in the UK.

    According to her, social care business is a lucrative business as  professionals make profits running high-quality care businesses.Upon returning home, she established  Workforce Training Solution Limited, which trains for hotel and social care professionals which has opened doors for Nigerians who want to travel abroad in search of social and health care jobs.

    Having acquired functional skills,   many of her graduates migrate abroad to get jobs or gain admission into higher institutions.

    In collaboration with City and Guilds of London, Olubajo has designed programmes for young adults to get jobs in industries in various sectors, including retail and social care. For those looking for international and local construction works, she assists them to improve their employment and skills.

    With the training, Nigerians can complete construction skills’certification scheme test for individuals and groups to enable them to work in the construction industry in the UK and Middle East.

    She notes that unemployment is a critical challenge and that she is working to help people build skills that help them find jobs and be successful in a work environment.

    After a successful pilot in Lagos, she  is  set to  roll out nationwide through delivery partners. She is ready to partner with organisations that support entrepreneurs starting and building businesses.

    She is interested in talking to employers who wish to become partners, informing the content and providing potential vacancies for participants who complete the programme.

    She plans to prepare young people, learners and clients to succeed and sustain their apprenticeships or jobs.

  • Lagos seeks councils’, businesses’ collaboration on entrepreneurship, job creation

    Lagos seeks councils’, businesses’ collaboration on entrepreneurship, job creation

    Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, has underscored the need for businesses and local governments to collaborate to tackle unemployment across the state, advocating the need for job creation as against job-seeking.

    He spoke at a stakeholders’ forum/interactive session at K. Kotun Memorial School, Surulere, Lagos at the weekend.

    Durosintimi-Etti also said the creation of the ministry was as a result of the government’s desire to address unemployment and cushion efforts of wealth creation and employment interventions through vocational centers employment opportunities.

    He said: “The Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment is more of an enabler, a link between government and the private sector in the area of unemployment reduction and ensuring that quality skills are given to the right set of people.

    “It is only through private sector collaboration that more jobs could be created in order to bridge the unemployment gaps.”

    He maintained that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has not only fulfilled his electoral promise with the establishment of the new ministry, but has also made a commitment of N25 billion into the Employment Trust Fund for employment and job creation. Working with employers, he said the ministry would create tailor-made vocational programmes to create jobs for artisans.

    In addition, to establishing five jobs and business incubation centres in Lagos, he said the centres will empower people and help them find good jobs.

    According to him, the job and innovation centres will provide resources for start-ups.When implemented, he said, the incubators would provide an environment conducive for the success of innovative entrepreneurial start-ups spearheaded by young people.

    He said the centres would help fill a void created by the education system, provide a platform to develop the cross-functional skill sets essential to the success of entrepreneurs.

    He reiterated that the government is ready to improve the environment, provide fertile ground for more sophisticated innovation, and encourage a lot more business incubators to pop up in the future.

    He said the government, working with the local government,  could set the stage for the next revolutionary businesses to emerge from the state.

    The Commissioner envisioned a new Lagos as state with a high-functioning economy focused on industry, innovation and entrepreneurship; the promotion of investor confidence; job creation; the development of infrastructure; and achieving total digital connectivity.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Fola Pandonu, said the sensitisation programme, which began in Surulere, was part of the ministry’s efforts to  equip young Nigerians with information on opportunities available to  create wealth and employment.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Ambode on Centrall Business District( CBD), Agboola Dabiri, said  the campaign would  give a new dimension to employment where more and more jobs will be generated, while it  will lead towards new businesses or innovative projects that  prove helpful in improving the economic growth of the country and career growth of the youths.

    He said the campaign would  boost entrepreneurship and job creation in Surulere, by boosting investments into the startup segment.

    Besides, the government is taking steps to deal with the skilled labour crisis in the area.

  • Building a successful food business

    Building a successful food business

    Highly sought Executive Officer of IbomSoups, a niche catering brand with headquarters in Lagos, Mrs Itoro Effiong-Bright, popularly called Chef, tells of how her ability to cook 60 types of meals has brought her fame and money. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    THE Executive Officer of Ibom Soups, a niche catering brand with headquarters in Lagos, Mrs  Itoro Effiong-Bright, comes from a highly successful and illustrious business lineage. With a distinguished educational background, she always  dreamed to be a banker. She wanted to be one so she could get to wear lovely suits. She bagged a degree in Banking and Finance from University of Uyo,Akwa Ibom State.

    But  in her heart, she was contending with a passion for cooking.  As she explained, while assisting with her mum in the market many years ago, she saw a gap – professionals and entrepreneurs struggling to meet up with work as well as home demands. After office hours, it was not uncommon to see men and women, young and old stop by the market in their hundreds to pick up food items for themselves and their families. She found out it was challenging for working couples to cook since they had no  time. While this was a challenge, she also saw a business opportunity  that was not explored.

    She figured out she should carve a niche  if she started a business that not only  provided  ready-to-eat pot-sized meals but also in ready-to cook ingredients, mostly of Nigerian origin.

    Though this was a burning business opportunity, after graduation, she took up employment with the biggest telecoms operator in Nigeria. While enjoying the perks of a lucrative job, Mrs  Effiong-Bright was not fulfilled. Her love for cooking  was so much. She resigned her employment to launch her catering business.

    The trade-off was an expensive one. It was like leaving certainty to the unknown.

    Mrs Itoro Effiong-Bright went through challenges, such as lack of finances, working alone and fears of how people would respond to her food.  It was after participating in Nigerian government’s entrepreneurship scheme ‘YOUWIN’ that she secured some funds to jump start her business.

    Mrs Itoro Effiong-Bright went for meals that will give her clients a satisfaction of having homemade meals. The response was instant and her customer base rose.  Her love for food, combined with detailed and thorough industry knowledge, is helping her to  deliver phenomenal experience at a price which doesn’t create a hole in the pocket. With Ibom soups,the company is rewriting  the rules of food  business where one  can now eat quality food at reasonable prices  and the  company’s business strategy is geared towards  developing brand loyalty that makes people keep coming back for more   excellent food services.

    At least 60 types of soups are prepared for the menu and delivered to the doorsteps of the clients using the fastest means of transport, and motorcycles.

    Everything on the menu is deliciously honest. The food is straight from the heart, inspired by the dark abyss of gluttony.

    Within a short period, Ibom Soups has become a behemoth in the sector, getting first place calls  to  cater for events and companies.

    The business  has also taken a big leap providing livelihood for her. Today, she has no regret dumping her highly paying telecommunications job for food business. Apart from fulfilling her dream,Mrs Effiong-Bright is delighted that she has used her passion to heal homes by teaching wives and couples how to prepare nice meals. Each day she prepares meals for people.  It means long days of waking up early to oversee food prep in the morning and late nights checking on the cleanliness of the transportation van after a shift. She ensures everything is done to enable  her  hit the road in time and speed up her service. Once the supply is done  and the pressure starts winding down, it’s time to clean up and head back to the kitchen to get ready for the next order. She has embraced the life of a peddler, which requires a level of dedication that many underestimate. There are hours of training, preparation, lifting, cleaning, and transportation.

    For her, the  quickest road to success is operating the business herself and making a full-time commitment to oversee the business.

    Being on the team gives her the opportunity to define and articulate the brand personally to her customers. Today, she describes her company as a “comfortable, sustainable” business with seven employees.

    She is a celebrated   chef and culinary coach. Her clients are professionals and ambitious entrepreneurs who are necessarily busy but do not see their busy schedules as an excuse to eat poorly prepared, unhealthy meals.

    Her words: “Our meals are not just tasty, if the endorsements of our clients are anything to go by, then our high sense of hygiene is definitely our big plus. For private orders, we would be at your doorstep with your choice of meal and for public orders, you can be sure with us, your parties will never be the same particularly when we are involved in cooking and serving your guests.” Her  website serves as a virtual gastronomic hub where people opted for and choose from a myriad range of delicacies, all from the comfort of their homes. Apart from that, it also helped people to know which culinary options to choose from by providing updated menus, reviews, ratings, and booking options. She also is on the mission to encourage intertribal marriages  teaching young women to cook meals from  any tribe in Nigeria.

    Right now, she  runs a soup school where she  teaches couples and singles how to cook healthy appetizing meals. Based on the success that the company , has had so far, Mrs Effiong-Bright through the Ibom soups company has been able to train organisations and gave speeches in women conferences. She offers specific programmes to help their food artisans. she hosts discussions and does a lot of networking and outreach.

    For her, the first steps to launching a viable food business is to develop  food items that people actually want to buy. She makes sure the food  is delicious, of course. She stressed the importance of seeking out people who will give honest, realistic feedback. She would want first-time food entrepreneurs to get to know their business slowly before dedicating all of their resources to it — for instance, by testing out their product among friends and families before even committing to a commercial kitchen. A Banking and Finance graduate of University of Uyo,she has  been opportuned to attend some business institutions, among them, Fate Foundation – Nigeria’s foremost Entrepreneurship School. Her vision  is “to be the most sought after food vendor brand for working class people within the urban areas . She has ambitious plans for the future as well. She aims to connect with more corporate organisations and expand the products and services the company  offers. She is always attending  training to help the  company develop a professional sales presentation with an improved capability statement.She has  spent years developing her  team, infrastructure, designing soups , and building capacity. With the right infrastructure in place and several game-changing pieces of business imminent, she  looks forward to growing the business while recognising that the systems and processes she has in place now may need to change as she strives to realise her goal of selling to more Nigerians with planned expansion.

  • Aquaculture enterprise: Creating farmers with vision

    Aquaculture enterprise: Creating farmers with vision

    A youthful entrepreneur, Elijah Daramola, based in Badagry,Lagos State  is making money from raising fish. The hunger to become a successful fish farmer, inspiration and diligence are the hallmarks of his success, DANIEL ESSIET reports

    For the Chief Executive, Femdal Farms and Agro-Allied Services, Femdal farms, Badagry, Elijah Daramola, farming is fascinating. The only thing is that it requires continuous hardwork and devotion without distraction. He is a well known fish farmer in the area and fish farming is his principal activity. He  is a sincere, hardworking and dedicated farmer who dreams of excelling in fisheries.He started the fish business after he was driven from the place he was doing poultry.

    It was a friend that introduced him to the area to start fish business. He took the place on lease to construct  earthen ponds for stocking the seeds and within few months the fishes grew to table size. According to him, his background in agriculture from University of Ife and exposure to the internet has helped him to grow in the  business. He  received training, which inspired him and he started learning scientific management practices. He now understood that culture of fish is a scientific process and good management is essential. In the beginning, with much difficulties and financial hardship, he managed to construct his pond with his own capital. He extended his intensive fish farming with high expected returns and visible economic uplifting.His  success story is an eye-opener to many of the farmers for adopting fish farming as  means of livelihood.

    He started small, but  today, he has  a fish farm with capacity to raise between 15,000 to 20,000 table size catfish,  hatchery that can produce about 50,000 fish fingerlings, vegetable farm and just starting a pig farm. In addition to this,he has  maintained acres of farms for the cultivation of plantain. Farmers and non-farmers are regular buyers. They keep in touch with him and other farmers in the area  for the fish stock availability.

    For him, trying something new and risk appetite are  key to success. He did   a project to produce fish feed locally which earned him a trip abroad. He tries to prepare his  own fish food, using  different formulations. His  dream is to intensify his current activities in the coming years to give it a shape of an agro-industry. He said young people can join the business to learn and earn well. He  currently helps people to start their fish ponds on one plot of land. He visits all the clients and fish farmers to monitor progress, answer questions and test-weighs the fish to assess their growth rates and thus  evaluate their pond and feeding management towards stand-alone financial viability.

    For young aspiring entrepreneurs, his  advice to them is that they should not venture into any business they are not passionate about just because others are making progress in it.

  • A farmer with a difference

    A farmer with a difference

    The Chief Executive Officer B. I. C. Farms Concepts Debo Onafowora, uses a unique method in farming. He deploys technology to grow crops in water, DANIEL ESSIET reports

    Chief  Executive, B.I.C Farms Concepts, Debo Onafowora, is an Ogun State-based entrepreneur making waves in the agro business sector.

    He started the business 10 years ago dealing on aquaculture, livestock, crops, vegetables, processing and packaging of crops and animals.

    Though he started small, he has built a successful business, which focuses on training entrepreneurs.

    He  processes and packages local products, such as ofada rice and garri.

    His story did not start in one day. Frustrated by the quality of raw grain he gets for animal feeds, Onafowora set out to develop a more efficient way of growing the cereals that are used in making animal feeds. This is how he came across hydroponic technology.

    His hydroponics technology offers farmers year round supply of nutritious green fodder, grown in just eight days. The technology has the ability to grow fodder and other crops without the soil.

    Since he started installing the hydroponics systems across the country, Onafowora has built many systems to assist farmers  looking for a cheap alternative to commercial feed.

    According to him, hydroponics is a method of growing crops using mineral nutrient solutions in water and without soil. He is a trainer in a new age fodder production that has become a popular among farmers.

    After several months of trials, he is satisfied with the skills and knowledge of how to handle the technology.

    After witnessing the success of his efforts, he decided to take a bolder move by enriching other farmers with the new skills he has acquired.

    His farm at Asero,Ogun State, grows tomatoes, lettuce, and maize  on a reservoir of nutrients in water and without soil.

    He helps farmers instal the system for N100,000. It takes between five and seven days for corn to  mature for harvest to feed their cattle. In conventional farming, it would take weeks.

    He said farmers using the system can make 10 times their investments at the end of the year.

    His farms on the road to Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,  Ogun State has become a training ground for curious farmers eager to adopt the technology. The venture has improved his financial status and is gaining him admiration from people.

    What the farmer needs is shade nets to ensure temperatures are maintained at  certain  degrees  and aluminum trays for growing the fodder. He encourages other farmer to buy appropriate seeds he intends to grow.

    Explaining th esystem, he said an hydroponic farmer also needs some water to produce the fodder.The system is efficient in water usage because the water and nutrients are repeatedly recycled.

    Plants grown hydroponically, typically tends to be 30 to 50 per cent higher than the yield of the conventionally grown plants. Farmers who want to learn the new technology enrol for a few days  training.

    He described the system as “cheap, efficient and highly productive”. Already, farmers in the Southwest have accepted the project seen as a revolutionary way of farming. This is coming at a time  land is becoming limited, thanks to population pressure and the ever-rising cost of commercial feeds that is stopping hundreds of farmers from accessing the much- needed feed.

    Onafowora is a consultant to many top organisations, including   Afe Babalola University(ABUAD),  where he is instrumental to setting up the university’s massive phase II Fish Farm, and the largest Moringa Processing Factory in West Africa, processing over seven products from the Moringa tree.

    According to Onafowora, his organisation has assisted over a thousand Nigerians to start the small business of distributing local products and also helping rice farmers in Ofada community  to find ready markets for their products.