The Nation Newspaper

Category: Small Business

  • Nasarawa killings: Insurgents may overrun Nigeria – Mark

    Senate President, David Mark, yesterday took stock of the unabating insecurity in the country and declared that insurgents may overrun the country.

    Mark who spoke at the weekend, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh in Abuja, warned that unless immediate steps were taken to arrest the worsening situation, the country may fall prey to insurgents.

    He said the challenges facing the nation calls for soul searching between and among Nigerians  in order to work out a permanent solution to the crisis.

    The situation, he noted, has degenerated to an intolerable level and exposes everybody to danger saying that the continued loss of lives and properties cannot be a way of life.

    He said the  development has become a matter of grave concern saying that unless everybody come together and resolve to tackle the security problem headlong, the perpetrators may overrun the country.

    He condemned in strong terms the attack and killing of police and other security operatives in Nasarawa state by some cultists and submitted that “nobody, no nation no matter how weak would live to accept such  heinous crime”.

    An angry Senator Mark wondered, “What is happening to us as a people is strange and condemnable. How did we degenerate to this level where every one became a brothers’ hater instead of being our brothers’ keeper?

    “The situation calls for soul searching. We must re-examine ourselves. We must look inwards.”

    He noted that there could be foreign collaborators but the foreigners would not succeed if there are no willing tools internally.

    The President of the Senate implored any aggrieved persons or groups to explore many established channels including the National Assembly to seek redress instead of resorting to violence.

    He lamented that the insecurity situation has made life uncomfortable for Nigerians and reduced sacred human life to something insignificant.

    While sympathizing with the victims of various attacks in Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa and Benue States, the Senate President urged security operatives to go back to the drawing board and restrategize for effective operation.

    He also suggested a working synergy between and among security agencies, saying that such cooperation would plug any loophole or lapses and ultimately yield better result.

    This, he added has become imperative in order to fish out the perpetrators of these crimes,stressing that culprits must be brought to book.

    Mark said: “We must remove sentiments and be able to separate issues from crimes or criminalities. Offenders must be seen to be punished to serve as a deterrent to others.”

    He stated that the siege Nigerians have been subjected to on account of the insurgencies and other violent crimes in the recent times are avoidable if “we put our houses in order.”

    “Everyone,” he pointed out, “must rise up to defend our fatherland instead of leaving security in the hands of security operatives alone.”

  • 23 mobile policemen killed in Nasarawa

    About 23 Mobile policemen and operatives of the State Security Service were killed on Tuesday night in Nasarawa State in an ambush by members of  a militia group called  Ombatse.
    Nine others were critically injured by the militia and eight out of 11 operational vehicles set ablaze by the militia in the village, which is about 10 kilometres to Lafia, the state capital.
    But many  policemen were still missing as at press time amidst fears that they might have been abducted by the militia.
    The development forced the Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura to rush to Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Wednesday in Abuja for presidential intervention.
    The state police commissioner, Abayomi Akeremale, who spoke with newsmen on the attack, said the large contingent was on a mission to raid the shrine.
    He said: “We decided at the State Security Council meeting, because of the frequent attacks on churches and mosques by this particular group, who are forcing people to swear an oath at the shrine, that we carry out an operation and arrest the perpetrators for prosecution, less it turns into a religious crisis.
    “The people; some called them Ombatse, but they call themselves cultural people; ambushed our men and opened fire”, Mr. Akeremale said.
    “The policemen were on operation to raid the place and make arrests, particularly of the chief priest, and other leaders, who  have been torturing worshipers in churches and mosques to force them to swear an oath of allegiance to Ombatse.
    He said the worshipers had tortured and compelled an inspector of police, to swear allegiance to Ombatse, but added that the officer has been freed, and returned to his duty post.
    “We are still after the persons “administering the oath forcefully on people. We will make sure we bring the perpetrators to book.”
    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Michael Ada admitted that 23 policemen and men of the SSS were killed.
    He said  eight patrol vehicles were also burnt.
    Ada said:”The casualty we confirmed is 23. They killed and burned 23 policemen and SSS. They also burnt eight patrol vehicles. But our rescue team is still in the bush, and has not return to give update.”
    On his part, Governor Almakura  confirmed that over 20 policemen and security operatives were killed.

  • Jonathan condemns Kano bomb blast

    President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned Monday’s bomb blast in Kano.

    According to a statement issued  by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rueben Abati, the President said that the barbaric incident will not deter the Federal Government from its strong-willed determination to overcome those who do not mean well for the nation.

    The Federal Government, he said, will not be stampeded, for any reason whatsoever, into abandoning its unrelenting war against terrorists in the country.

    The statement reads in parts: “President Jonathan reassured Nigerians and foreigners in the country that the Nigerian Government will continue to do all that is required to ensure the safety of lives and property, including continued collaboration with local and international partners and stakeholders to check the menace of terrorism.”

    “President Jonathan commiserated with the victims of the Kano explosions, their families and friends, and assured the Kano State government of the Federal Government’s continued support.” It stated

  • Laundry starch production, ‘a money spinner’

    Laundry starch production is a money spinner. Many Nigerians buy starch for laundry. Most consumers buy it from hawkers.Well-packaged starch in shops attract higher prices. Investing in the business is quite rewarding.

    Starch is produced from cassava. Several stages are involved in its production. These include peeling and washing of the cassava tubers; grating/pulping follows with the use of a rotary grater or a harmer mill.

    This procedure will reduce the tuber to a state whereby the starch from these tubers would be nearing extraction. To extract the starch from these tubers, water is added to the milled substance. Screening and sieving of the resulting suspension follows. This is allowed to settle for some time. Through the use of a mechanical or hydraulic press, dewatering and cake-breaking follows. The procedure is followed by drying through the pneumatic/tunnel dryer to a moisture content of about seven per cent.

    The next step is the grinding/ milling of the starch to fine particle sizes after which it is allowed to cool before being weighed and parked for sale to consumers.

    Machines and equipment required for all the stated process include peeling machine, grater, slurry tank, sieving machine, hammer mill, weighing and packaging machines. All operations can to be automated. These machines and equipment are available locally. This project will capitalise on the increasing social awareness of Nigerians, particularly those in the medium and high income earning categories, our ever- increasing population figures and finally the increasing number of laundry and dry-cleaning outfits and hotels in the country.

    Prospective investors should note that in as much as the project is viable, it is capital as well as labor intensive in nature. For this project, initial staff strength of seven will suffice. Staff strength will expand the moment the company consolidates itself in the market. In addition, the promoters should ensure that the finished products are packed in well designed and attractive labels to increase sales volumes.

    Cost of setting up this project on a small scale is estimated at N2.5 million. This amount can be scaled down or increased, depending on the financial strength of the promoters. The plant in mind is capable of producing two tonnes of finished products a day.

    Working for a minimum of 250 days in a year, the total production will be 500 tonnes, which is equivalent to 500,000 kilograms. It should be noted that finished products would be packed in grams sizes using the weighing machines. A unit, made of 250 grammes, is being considered in this analysis. This will give a total of two million units. At a wholesale price of N25/ unit, annual sales will be N50 million. A conservative pre-tax profit of 35 per cent or N17.5 million is realised in the first year of operation. The viability of this project is not in doubt considering its high turnover and envisaged profit margin.

    This project stands a good chance of attracting finance from the banks, where individuals or corporate bodies are assisted with funds ranging from N500,000 to well over N50 million.A well-packaged feasibility report is pre-requisite to securing finance for the project. This can be provided on request.

    For details on how to implement this project or any other, contact Kris-Ed Brilliant Limited, 395, Borno Way, Harbert Macauly Road, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos State. E-mail: krisedbrilliant@yahoo.com

     

  • NYSC gets land for training

    The Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)in Oyo State, Mr Olanipekun Alao, said in Ibadan that more than 50 acres of land in Iseyin Local Government Area have been acquired by corps members under the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme.

    Alao said the land was donated by the state government to boost efforts at empowering youths to be self-employed.

    The NYSC boss, who spoke at a fashion show, organised as part of the entrpreneurship programme, said corps members were involved in crop and fish farming.

    He said the programme was designed and approved by the Federal Government to educate young graduates on the need to empower themselves through acquisition of entrepreneurial skills.

    “ Oyo State NYSC took it upon itself to make the programme a reality by giving it a human face through rigorous post-orientation camp campaign by its skills acquisition facilitators.

    “ These facilitators also made the training fees for different trades affordable as they are lower than the normal training fees while students sometimes pay this fee on instalmental basis, “ he said.

    Alao commended the 12 corps members who graduated as fashion designers, saying they now had an alternative source of livelihood.

    The wife of the state governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, urged corps members in the state to make the best use of the service year.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by Mrs Sandra Kolade, the wife of the state Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, stressed the need for creativity and innovation among youths.

  • SMEDAN, Oyo, Niger partner on indigenous products

    The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) said it would partner with Oyo and Niger states to develop indigenous products.

    Head of Southwest Zone of SMEDAN, Mr Gbenga Ogundeji, said the partnership was based on the agency’s “One Local Government, One Product’’ initiative.

    He described that the initiative is a process whereby councils could be identified by the indigenous products they had comparative advantage to produce.

    According to him, the initiative is being supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

    He said research on durable industrial products in Oyo and Niger states had begun.

    Ogundeji also said SMEDAN had discovered two local governments in states where the recruitment of entrepreneurs would begin.

    “SMEDAN is working hard to ensure the implementation of the initiative in all the states.

    “At present, we are working with Oyo and Niger states to get products in which they have great capacity to produce.

    “By the time the research on each state is completed, it would provide a branding and mass production of a product of their choice and capacity by each local government,’’ he said.

    Ogundeji said: “With this, there would be more number of employed youths and business owners empowered by SMEDAN in the states.’’

    He said the partnership with the states would boost the production, processing and packaging of the goods since they were mostly agricultural products like cassava.

    Ogundeji assured that the packaging of the products would be done to meet international standards for exports.

    Director-General, SMEDAN, Mr Muhammad Umar, said the programme would revitalise the economy through the establishment of businesses in the rural areas based on comparative advantages.

     

  • Helped by his business insight

    THE journey of Frederick Nokeleme, the Managing Director, Daily Need Nigeria limited, to entrepreneurship is an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs. He wished to pursue a career in electrical engineering but faced by economic uncertainty, he decided to set up his own business.

    Over the past few years there has been an increased interest in using herbs in the preparation of many products, and this new awareness has created business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

    He started picturing the possibilities of pursuing the massive business opportunity in herbal products business.

    There are business opportunities and a big market for such products. Nigerians, who understand these herbal products, have opportunities to make money from herbal products.

    Frederick is making money from manufacturing and selling herbal antiseptics, insecticides and pesticides. By using herbs, he wants to quarantee consumers that his company’s products are free from chemical residue, heavy metals or other contaminants.

    He found out that Nigerians were losing faith in fancy name-brand herbal antiseptics, products.

    He took advantage of this and started producing herbal products, which he claims were superior to the store-bought brands. Frederick started the business in 2005.

    He ventured into it through his quest to look for something to do to earn a living. He started with less than N30,000. Today, the business is worth N5million. He has a factory in Ikorodu.

    Frederick has worked to find ways to distill the healing ingredients from the plants and herbs and put them into products that are comfortable and practical for the “rub in and go” Western way of life. Today, his contributions to the national herbal antiseptics business product line is significant.

    With him, and other small entrepreneurs, indigenous plants are now finding new uses given the renewed appreciation for natural products.

    Through his efforts, local processing has widen the variety of herb crops that may find markets.

    At the outset, he hawked the products in the market until he was able to make a breakthrough. Most of the company’s products are sold through direct marketing. He does have a fan base of buyers and he is looking for ways to connect better with markets interested in promoting sustainable products.

    These are exciting days for Frederick as he continues to explore new avenues. There are some new product lines in development, and more markets are opening up.

    He needs financial help for investment in crop driers, storage facilities and other processing equipment.

     

  • Seminar on import business coming

    Budding entrepreneur, Kakue Gbenegbara, and thefounder of www.importfromusandchina.com will be hosting a small business seminar between March 1 and 8.

    According to a statement, import set up, wholesaling and dropshipping, incoterms, contracts, mail order, direct mail, mailing lists, advertising would be discussed at the event.

    According to the statement,the seminar is intended to show Nigerians how to make money from importing from the United States and China, in Port Harcourt and Lagos.

    He said the event would provide small businesses with an opportunity to learn more about planning, marketing, and financing mini-import business.

  • An amazon in detergent business

    An amazon in detergent business

    A GRADUATE of Industrial Biology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Njideka Nwoga, started small as an entrepreneur.

    When she was working, she wanted to be her own boss. She quit her job and founded Linastar Integrated Services.

    Nwoga, an holder of MBA from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), had always been interested in a dish washing liquid business. Though the start-up capital was small, she had to save to raise the money. She bought the first raw materials for the business with N7,000. Today, the business is worth N1.5 million.

    She gathered recipes for cleansers and experimented with them. She sourced the bottles, designed labels and tested the products on friends and family members. Customers liked the products and bought them.

    Things are changing. Though she has not reached the height she dreams of, she has learnt two lessons: what being an entrepreneur is really like and the secret of success.

    The company sells dishwashing liquid, fabric conditioner and other cleaning materials.

    She is trying to acquire the right tools to make it a lot easier. She has many clients. The best-selling products are the basics-laundry and dishwashing cleaners with moisturising property, disinfectants, room sprays and cleaners.

    She hopes to develop cleaning products. But cash is a problem.

     

  • ‘I started making body cream from my kitchen’

    ‘I started making body cream from my kitchen’

    THE Chief Executive Officer, Real Future Hope Industries Limited, Prince Saviour Iche, went into body care cream business when things were rough.

    But with tenacity of purpose, he pulled through.

    He started in 2006 by hawking his products at Oyingbo market in Lagos. Initially, his friends mocked him.

    But he was adamant and hopeful that things would change with time. Today, he is enjoying the friuts of his labour.There are many outlets selling his cream. There is a growing demand for them. As a result, he plans to open more sales’ outlets.

    With a capital of N20,000, which he borrowed from a friend in Onitsha, he started making the cream from his kitchen.

    Before then, he was involved in soap making.

    With more research, he was able to produce a low–cost soap that sold fast. However, he faced the challenge of inadequate capital to expand the business and give it a competitive edge.

    He had to quit when he could not cope. Part of the challenge was that he couldn’t pay for the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) licence.

    Later, for some reasons he had to close shop, an experience he described as the darkest hour of his life. It was a major blow, he said. For a long time, he remained jobless. But necessity is the mother of invention. The light at the end of the tunnel was growing brighter. He had the idea to produce body cream.

    He started small and gradually built the business.

    Before long, Iche had established a factory and bought mixing and packaging machines to manufacture the body cream.

    Today, he is happy that small entrepreneurs are getting concessions from NAFDAC to do business.

    He employs 45 factory workers, with 5,000 marketers assisting him. He said his customers are warm and receptive to the product. He has learnt quickly that it is all about business, but relationships.

    The keys to his success? He has continued to stay focused. More importantly, he said the fear of God and sincerity with his consumers, have been his strength He tried to make sure the production is reformulated to make it safer and better. He has also re-packaged the product.

    Iche has surrounded himself with people who, he believes can be an extension of him as well as people who bring what he doesn’t have to the table in both business and his personal life.

    According to him, the economy is too sluggish in enhancing SMEs’ growth, despite the remarkable strides being made in other countries to promote the sector. While there are a growing number of SMEs, he said the environment SMEs are born into and nurtured, leaves much to be desired.

    Iche explained that the growth and development of SMEs is impeded by too many regulatory and institutional barrier, adding that this is affecting aspiring entrepreneurs.