The Chief Executive, Akin Jobs Limited, Mr. Wole Famuyiwa, has carved a niche for himself in delivery. His entrepreneurial passion and drive are reference points for young Nigerians seeking to become successful business owners, writes Fatimah Soremekun.
Mr. Wole Famuyiwa, Chief Executive, Akin Jobs Limited, is gradually building a thriving delivery services busniess from scratch. From using bikes to deliver items to Nigerians, he has become the toast of Nigerians seeking fast and efficient delivery services.
Famuyiwa, a graduate of Political Science from University of Lagos, took advantage of the huge demand for fast, efficient and reliable delivery services and he is gradually building an empire around the vocation.
He said although there were already a couple of delivery services outfits. Complaints over bad services were many hence he decided to fill that vacuum. He quickly assembled a few energetic employees to help him meet the increasing orders for delivery services.
Today, by sheer dint of hard work and perseverance, Akin Jobs Limited is a success story. Already, the firm has established many branches to cater for its ever increasing clientel. Some of the subsidiaries under it include 1- stop Logistics, Style Playground, Hey Foodie and Blendwithimah.
Famuyiwa manages 1-stop Logistics that dispatches, picks-and-delivers for individuals or companies.
He started the business with his saving, his family and friends.
Narating how he started, Akin said: “We started with two bikes, which cost about N500,000. Let’s just say its around N600,000 because we had to buy helmets, boots, to secure the box with bikes and register it with the local government. With roughly 600,000 we were able to start the company.”
Apparently to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs, Famuyiwa told The Nation that from his experience, delivery business does not require much money. He said: “Logistics doesn’t really need a lot of funding.With less than a million naira, you can set up a logistics firm. You don’t have to have a lot of cash. With one or two bikes you can start. It depends on your expertise, which is the key thing. You have to be sure you have the expertise and the knowledge.”
Encouraged by his initial success, Famuyiwa has expanded his logistics business to include printing .
Despite the current economic situation, he maintained that there is market for logistics business in Nigeria particularly Lagos. Perhaps, to back his claim, he said: “From what we have invested in the company, we have break even, because since we started this company, I have not used my personal cash to settle salaries or any other bill. The company has been running itself. It’s a very viable business; all you have to do is to offer good customer services.”
He said that his winning strategy was his ability to offer effective and efficient services to his clients. “Be honest with your clients; they appreciate when you are straight with them. Most companies don’t do that because they want to make more money which in turn causes a lot of confusion and poor delivery. This leads to an unsatisfied customer which may affect business,” he counselled
While admitting that the business is highly rewarding, Famuyiwa said it demands commitment and time. “You must maintain a very flexible schedule.Just follow your passion, don’t go for the business because of the love of money,” he advised.