The Nation Newspaper

Tag: success

  • Improvement in crude production shows our success, says Navy

    The Navy has said improvement in the nation’s daily oil production output from 1.8 million barrels per day to 2.9 million barrels per day is an indication of its success in securing the maritime environment.

    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC) Rear Admiral Saleh Usman, spoke at the weekend while inaugurating projects executed by the Navy in Warri and Effurun.

    Rear Admiral Usman also kicked off the Medical Rhapsody, a free health care service for Ekpan community in Uvwie council, Delta State, in commemoration of the Navy’s 62nd anniversary.

    The projects include a rigging store house for shipping equipment and sports facilities, including badminton court and table tennis pavilion, at the base of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta and two staff quarters at the Navy Hospital in Effurun.

    Speaking at the Medical Rhapsody in Ekpan Secondary School, Rear Admiral Usman said besides the huge gains to Nigeria in terms of rising oil production, kidnapping and waterway robbery have reduced in the creek communities since he took office in January.

    “I resumed here in January and you can go and ask the communities how the waterways are between January and now. You can also ask the international oil companies how they are feeling today. Go and check the Internet and find out what the level of production of crude oil per barrels is today.

    “When I came here, the crude oil production per day was 1.8 million, but as we speak today, the crude oil production level per day has gone up to 2.9 million barrels per day.

    “I can also attest to the fact that since I resumed there has not been any major kidnapping incident in the river. There have been attempts but we have equally thwarted them. This is something we want to sustain and we cannot sustain it without the help of the community”, he said.

    Speaking on the Medical Rhapsody, the naval chief said the exercise was not new.

    He advised people in the area to always take good care of their health, stressing that high blood pressure is the No. 1 killer disease killing many before they are aware of it.

    Also speaking at the event, the Commander, Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu, said the projects were part of the celebration of the 62nd anniversary of the Navy.

    “On the sport facilities that we have inaugurated you all know that health is wealth and we want our men to be medically  fit to perform their duties better. This is why we built a badminton court and a table tennis table. This will enable our men take part in sporting activities after a hard day’s work. Secondly, the sport facilities are not only meant for  the Navy, it will equally serve others too”, he said.

    Responding on behalf of the Ekpan Community, the traditional head of the community, Chief Victor Otomiewo, commended the Nigerian Navy for the free medical service rendered to his people, appealing that the exercise should be conducted more frequently to enable the community fill the impact more.

     

     

  • Success in decor business

    The home decor industry is undergoing changes. A few innovative start-ups, powered by women, are leading the change. One of them is Decor Nigeria, founded by Banke Ajagunna, one time community manager of co creation hub (Cchub), DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Home furnishings is a multi-million industry and the space is attracting innovators and investors alike.

    With so many young Nigerians playing in the sector, the industry is growing with endless inspiration and access; there are a lot more choices, variety and experimentation.

    One entrepreneur taking the industry by storm is Banke Ajagunna, one time Community Manager Co-creation Hub Nigeria (CcHUB), a place where technologists, social entrepreneurs, government and technology companies, impact investors around Lagos.

    Managing a hub opened her eyes to see a clear need in the way spaces were put together and she decided to fill that gap. Interior design combines her numerous interests and skills into one passion, making it a natural progression for her.  She established Decor Nigeria to design functional spaces for corporate and individual clients.

    Her business-savvy led her to having a hefty roster of celebrity clients to kick its visibility into high gear from the start.  How did the idea come?

    She said:“Decor Nigeria was born from a need to make spaces that are functional, but are aesthetically appealing. Having worked and seen the way offices are setup in Lagos, you would see that employers put no mind to the look and feel of their office (s) and we want to change that.

    “Apart from the fact that it’s been proven that a well-designed office space improves productivity, there is also a general sense of pride in walking into a space that reflects your values as an organisation.”

    She has been in the business for about two years now. There were initial challenges. She recalled: “For instance, it’s been a struggle getting high standard locally made furniture and we’ve had to depend on sourcing our furniture from outside the country. We are now working on a premium furniture line that our clients and ‘walk-in’s can appreciate at great prices. We haven’t launched this arm of our business yet, but we hope to do it in the next quarter. Besides, she has a success story to tell as the business is self-sustaining.”

    She is proud of what she has accomplished so far. She said: “Yes- I’m grateful for how far we’ve come and we are only just scratching the surface.”

    She has five workers, including two freelancers and a handful of contractors.

    Her most satisfying moment in business

    “Every time we complete a project and get the client’s nod of approval- that is satisfaction right there.”  She made a lot of sacrifice to be a successful entrepreneur.

    “Fancy jobs of course, I had an interesting career path in the tech industry and because my area of expertise wasn’t saturated yet, this made me very attractive to employers, but I’ve had to decline so many opportunities to put my all into building this business. We are still on the path to success and I know we will get there.”

    Advice to young entrepreneurs “Get a support system, a tribe that has your back. It could be family or friends or even your colleagues. There will be tough times and you need these people to help you through,” he said.

  • Trump claims success in Syria

    President Donald Trump yesterday declared “Mission Accomplished” for a U.S.-led allied missile attack on Syria’s chemical weapons programme, but the Pentagon said the pummelling of three chemical-related facilities left enough others intact to enable the Assad government to use banned weapons against civilians if it chooses.

    However, Russia, the Syrian regime’s top ally, reacted strongly to the air strikes launched by the United States and its allies on Damascus and Homs. It warned of “consequences.”

    The U.S., U.K. and France launched a series of strikes on three locations identified as critical to Syria’s production of chemical weapons, including a scientific research centre in Damascus, and a production facility and storage facility in Homs, according to U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford.

    “A perfectly executed strike,” Trump tweeted after U.S., French and British warplanes and ships launched more than 100 missiles nearly unopposed by Syrian air defences.

    His choice of words recalled a similar claim associated with President George W. Bush following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Bush addressed sailors aboard a Navy ship in May 2003 alongside a “Mission Accomplished” banner, just weeks before it became apparent that Iraqis had organized an insurgency that tied down U.S. forces for years.

    The night time Syria assault was carefully limited to minimize civilian casualties and avoid direct conflict with Syria’s key ally, Russia, but confusion arose over the extent to which Washington warned Moscow in advance. The Pentagon said it gave no explicit warning. The U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John Huntsman, said in a video, “Before we took action, the United States communicated with” Russia to “reduce the danger of any Russian or civilian casualties.”

    Dana W. White, the chief Pentagon spokeswoman, said that to her knowledge no one in the Defence Department communicated with Moscow in advance, other than the acknowledged use of a military-to-military hotline that has routinely helped minimize the risk of U.S.-Russian collisions or confrontations in Syrian airspace. Officials said this did not include giving Russian advance notice of where or when allied airstrikes would happen. Russia has military forces, including air defences, in several areas of Syria to support President Bashar Assad in his long war against anti-government rebels.

    Russia and Iran called the use of force by the United States and its allies a “military crime” and “act of aggression.” The U.N. Security Council met to debate the strikes, but rejected a Russian resolution calling for condemnation of the “aggression” by the three Western allies.

    Trump’s U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, told the session that the president has made it clear that if Assad uses poison gas again, “the United States is locked and loaded.”

    Assad denies he has used chemical weapons, and the Trump administration has yet to present hard evidence of what it says precipitated the allied missiles attack: a chlorine gas attack on civilians in Douma on April 7. The U.S. says it suspects that sarin gas also was used.

    “Good souls will not be humiliated,” Assad tweeted, while hundreds of Syrians gathered in Damascus, the capital, where they flashed victory signs and waved flags in scenes of defiance after the early morning barrage.

    The strikes “successfully hit every target,” White told reporters at the Pentagon. The military said there were three targets: the Barzah chemical weapons research and development site in the Damascus area, a chemical weapons storage facility near Homs and a chemical weapons “bunker” a few miles from the second target.

    Although officials said the singular target was Assad’s chemical weapons capability, his air force, including helicopters he allegedly has used to drop chemical weapons on civilians, were spared. In a U.S. military action a year ago in response to a sarin gas attack, the Pentagon said missiles took out nearly 20 percent of the Syrian air force.

    The Russian embassy in U.S. wasted no time in reacting to the strikes. Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said on Twitter, “The worst apprehensions have come true. Our warnings have been left unheard.”

    “A pre-designed scenario is being implemented,” the statement continued. “Again, we are being threatened. We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences.”

     

     

     

  • CHI Rights Issue hits 100.09% success

    CHI Rights Issue hits 100.09% success

    Shareholders of foremost insurer, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance (CHI Plc), have affirmed their support for, and confidence in the operations of the organisation with a 100.09 per cent subscription of the last Rights Issue that set out to raise N500 million for business expansion.

    The company, in the first phase of its capital raise exercise, offered one new share to every six held by its existing shareholders in the 1,000,000,000 units’ rights issue, which opened on October 16 closed on November 22, last year.

    With the very successful rights issue and the resultant increase in its working capital, plans are already afoot to further expand operations and broaden its income streams. This is evidenced by the recent establishment of a Health Maintenance Organisation subsidiary (Hallmark HMO), and the deployment of a new user-friendly transaction-based website in a bid to deepen its retail footprints.

    The Basis of Allotment of the rights issue subscription, as approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), shows that there were no traded rights on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange during the offer period as 100 per cent of applications complied with the terms of the offer.

    In his reaction to the success of the offer, Managing Director/CEO of the company, Mr. Eddie Efekoha,  also the Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, called on members of staff to see the expression of confidence in the activities of the organisation by shareholders as a call for even greater dedication to duties.

    This, he said, would ensure expectations of clients were continually met through quality service delivery. He acknowledged that even greater efforts were required as the organisation grows bigger and strives to attain its vision of emerging as the first choice provider of insurance and other financial services in Nigeria.

    The CHI boss said as a company, they were able to fulfill their claim payment obligations as at when due, having successfully settled claims to the tune of over N1.7 billion which is a 29 per cent increase over the N1.3 billion paid in 2015.

    He said the company has also moved to ensure that its seamless service offerings are within the reach of our rapidly-growing clientele and potential customers by unveiling a new website – www.chiplc.com.

    “The new website has been designed to present an utmost user-friendly experience alongside hassle-free navigation and improved functionalities. It enables users, with a click, access to information on various classes of general insurance business to take decisions based on available options and forms of protection desired. With a very easy and friendly onboarding process, the website enhances the purchase of insurance products online through the aid of premium calculators. It also facilitates payments with Bank Debit Cards and online payments via specified bank accounts with several tier one and two banks.

    “Also, through a Unique Customer Dashboard available for new and existing customers of the foremost insurance firm, they can view online real-time the status of their policies, and transactions. The functionality of the new website is further evident in the provision for clients to report and lodge in their claims, send supporting claims documents by uploading pictures and relevant forms as well as track the status of their claims.

    “Built for the digital age, the website is easy to navigate and very suitable for the multi-device social networking customer. We believe that the closer insurance services are to the end users, particularly via desktops and mobile devices, the better for higher insurance penetration with the attendant positive effects on revenue growth.

    ‘’Deployment of latest technology is an integral part of the strategic plan of CHI Plc in our quest to emerge as a leader in the insurance industry,” he noted.

  • ‘Your IVF success story can help others’

    ‘Your IVF success story can help others’

    •Group creates awareness on free IVF, endometriosis

    Why is it that couples who benefit from In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) do not  acknowledge it, but would rather go to religious gatherings to testify that it was a divine intervention?

    This is one of the questions agitating the mind of Mrs Tola Ajayi, the Clinic Manager of Nordica Fertility Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Speaking to The Nation  ahead of the centre’s 10th Anniversary, Mrs Ajayi said when such beneficiaries do not  tell others about the efficiency of IVF, but would rather attribute it  to divine grace, other fertility-challenged couples, especially women, who might have passed the age of conception, woud not know about IVF.

    “That alone is misleading and fuelling wrong assumption; as such couples will keep on believing that one day, it will be their turn, rather than coming forward to explore the options of assisted reproductive therapy (ART), especially IVF,” Mrs Ajayi said.

    She, however, agreed that everything about IVF’s success is divine because God is the great power that allows the implantation to take place.

    Quoting Deuteronomy 29: 29, Mrs Ajayi said IVF is backed by God because He gave its knowledge to man. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of. So, generations yet unborn will still come, and improve on IVF.

    ‘’Likewise Psalms 115: 16 says the highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. The New Living Translation puts it that the heavens belong to the LORD, but he has given the earth to all humanity. So, all these suggest that there is nothing to be ashamed of in IVF as a practice or beneficiaries.

    ‘’Babies born through IVF are normal healthy children that can be celebrated anywhere. Not disclosing benefits of IVF as a beneficiary keeps so many other potential beneficiaries in the dark, which is not too good, as they will keep on hoping against hope of that miracle pregnancy instead of taking a proactive step to enrol for IVF.’’

    Meanwhile, Nordica Fertility Centre and Fertility Treatment Support Foundation has announced Free Fertility Treatment Programme (FTSF) for couples.

    Speaking in Lagos, a Trustee of the Foundation Dr. Abayomi Ajayi and Mr. Onuora Molokwu, an Executive Member, said this year, the foundation would give out free treatments to 20 couples, who need treatment but are unable to afford it.

    According to them, the high cost of fertility treatment has remained a challenge for many couples and this has denied them the opportunity of accessing fertility treatment and the joy of completing their families.

    Molokwu said FTSF was encouraged by the results from its previous interventions in free fertility treatment, which have resulted in over 150 couples receiving free fertility screening and treatment. He urged interested couples to visit the foundation’s website or its social media handles to get information on how to apply.

    He urged well-meaning individuals and firms to join hands with the FTSF initiative to enable more couples enjoy the joy of parenthood.

    FTSF started operations as a non-profit organisation in 2008 with a mandate to provide free fertility screening and treatment to couples with a compelling infertility story, but are financially challenged.

    Last year, the body gave five couples free treatment. Of this number, two have been confirmed to be pregnant while one is scheduled to have a pregnancy test next week.

    “This year, we are planning to do 80 free screenings, from where we will select five couples every quarter, making a total of 20 for the year that will qualify for free treatment,” Ajayi said.

    And should endometriosis be the challenge, Ajayi said help is here as Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) is offering an opportunity to create awareness that will stem the tide of silence suffering.

    Ajayi, the Founder of the Group, said: ’’ It gives me pleasure to announce our programme of events for this year. This year, we are going to make significant in-roads to expand the awareness level of this condition among people across the country.”

    He said the group was working on partnering the private and public sector organisations to help reduce the ignorance around endometriosis as it severely affects the quality of life of sufferers, including  their relationships, noting that it is a common cause of infertility.

    Ajayi descibed endometriosis as a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines or other areas in the pelvis.

    “In the past 12 years, we have championed this cause in Nigeria, and we have raised the consciousness about the condition among sufferers, medical practitioners, media and the general public. We believe this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.

    ‘’Endometriosis, as you may be aware, is a debilitating condition which affects one in 10 women. It is, however, characterised by late diagnosis as most physicians tend to miss it,” he added.

  • Peace, security behind my success, says Ugwuanyi

    Peace, security behind my success, says Ugwuanyi

    •Gburugburu Movement inaugurated

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has attributed the development strides recorded by his administration to the peace and security in the state.

    Ugwuanyi spoke at a reception in his honour by the people of Nsukka Local Government Area. The “Gburugburu Movement” was also inaugurated at the event.

    The governor urged members of Gburugburu Movement to reconcile various warring groups and individuals in their different areas, saying: “This government is for peace”.

    The governor, who stressed that Enugu is known for peace, added that it was because of this that the state is adjudged one of the safest in the country.

    He also appealed to the people to continue to pray for his administration, noting that their prayers helped to resolve the salary crisis even when some other states could not pay.

    He said: “I will continue to lead and render selfless service to you and the people with the fear of God.”

    Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area Patrick Omeje said the people are “eternally grateful” to Ugwuanyi for the good works his administration has done, especially in Nsukka, in less than two and half years.

    “These good works, visible to even the blind and audible to the deaf, have gone a long way in transforming Nsukka to a mini mega city in line with your promise when you assumed office,” he said.

    The Director-General of Gburugburu Movement, Senator Fidelis Okoro, explained that it is a support group of the governor launched to consolidate his firm footing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of 2019.

    Sen. Okoro urged the people of the council area to join the movement, noting that it is open for everybody and targeted at every nook and cranny of the state.

    He also stressed the importance of voters’ card, urging the people to go and register to be able to transfer their support and love for the governor into reality for him to continue with his good works in the state.

    Other speakers such as Senator Chukwuka Utazi; Rt. Hon. Pat Asadu; Amb. Justina Eze; Commissioner for Housing, Barr. Peter Okonkwo, etc, appreciated the peace and good governance in the state and commended the governor for his uncommon leadership style and commitment to the wellbeing of the people of the state.

     

  • Success in make-up artistry

    Some entrepreneurs are making it big in make-up artistry, Bello Adefemi, reports.

    There are many make-up artists, but very few of them possess the entrepreneurial skills to take their talent to the next level. Miss Uzoma Obi has a business to show that she’s one of the select fewHer passion has led her to master of make-up artistry, and she is set to make a difference in the industry.

    Miss Uzoma knows her onions in the beauty business. So far, the experience is rewarding. She has learned so much about make-up artistry and products, and how to behave on zset and interact with people.

    To achieve this, she has given everything to it. With experience, she knows how to pick the right make-up for red carpet looks, understand the lighting in different venues, and knows how to work well with celebrities. She has really worked hard on building trust.

    Over time, she found that the business needs a patient, creative, calm, reliable, thick-skin to criticism, warm-hearted, eager to please, confident, flexible, jovial, ability to style-step and passionate person.

    Speaking  with The Nation, she said  make-up entrepreneur will make it if the person loves  the business and is passionate about it.

    She said: “Whatever you do, do it well and work hard at it, and with hard work will come success.

    “What makes make-up business lucrative is something that attracts people. When I do make up for my clients, I improve my myself and this speaks for me and people keep patronising me.

    “One thing is, once you are good, consistent and you offer quality services to your clients, you will get to where you desire in the business.”

    She is on her way to propelling a successful modern beauty business.

    Another case is that of Be Gorg Chief Executive, Miss Tope Olawale, who explained that clients would rather negotiate ridiculously, but jump at any amount given to them by the bigger brands.

    She added: “Sometimes I am busy and some other time I’m so free that I begin to question myself, if my work is good at all.”

  • Buhari: lawyers have contributed hugely to our success

    Buhari: lawyers have contributed hugely to our success

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration would not have succeeded without lawyers’ support.

    He sought more collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), especially in ensuring respect for rule of law.

    “The NBA by its composition and philosophy remains the largest gathering of lawyers in sub-Saharan Africa, and going by its motto of promoting the rule of law, the NBA should speak on all matters of rights and privileges concerning the citizens,” he said.

    The President spoke when the NBA leadership visited him at the State House in Abuja.

    He expressed happiness with the courtesy call and praised the NBA President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), who led the delegation, for his fearless disposition in the defense of the rights of Nigerians and the enthronement of the rule of law.

    Buhari said his administration remains committed to providing security, recovering looted assets and prosecuting the ant-corruption war.

    “In doing this, we require the input of the Bar and Bench. Lawyers have been busy since this administration came in and have played critical roles in the recovery of looted assets.

    “Your support in the current initiatives of government in ensuring judicial integrity is in the best interest of government and Nigerians.

    “We must embrace the rule of law for the country to move  forward. And I thank the NBA for making huge contributions to the success of this administration,” he said.

    The President said several lawyers have been playing key roles in his administration, such as Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), Chief of Staff to the Vice-President Mr. Ade Ipaye, who were all present during the visit.

    He thanked lawyers and Nigerians for their prayers when he was sick and for their best wishes when he marked his 75th birthday.

    Buhari said his administration would not relent until security, good governance, economic and social wellbeing of citizens are guaranteed.

    According to him, the government has made great strides in tackling insurgency in the Northeast.

    He said he would not rest until issues such as Biafran agitation, crises in Taraba and conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in different parts of the country are solved.

    Buhari praised the association for setting up task forces to help in promoting peace and reconciliation in Northeast and Southsouth.

    He said if professional associations play their role and co-operate with the government, the country would benefit.

    Mahmoud restated NBA’s commitment to safeguarding the rule of law.

    He said: “Our constitution enjoins us to protect the independence of the Judiciary and also the independence of the legal profession, both of which are considered critical components of all democratic societies.”

    The NBA President praised Buhari for his successes in the Northeast, saying insurgency has been “contained”, but noted that more still needed to be done.

    “We salute your steadfast leadership and congratulate men and women of Nigerian Armed Forces for these successes. We are, of course, aware that a lot remains to be done to completely secure the region.

    “We are also aware that insurgency is a complex regional problem that requires multifaceted approach. We, therefore, wish to encourage the government to do more to secure the Northeast region,” he said.

    Mahmoud identified other flashpoints of conflict, which must be addressed, such as the situation in the Niger Delta, the lingering Biafran agitation in the Southeast, the various communal conflicts in Southern Kaduna, the Plateau, Taraba, and the recurring feud between the herdsmen and farmers across many states.

    “All these remain significant issues and have continued to undermine the peace and security in the country. We want to urge your administration to continue to do more to improve peace and security,” he said.

    Mahmoud highlighted NBA’s contribution towards addressing the issues. He recalled that in October 2016, he set up two task forces: the Niger Delta Task Force and the North-East Task Force.

    He said they were charged with coordinating the association’s intervention in the two regions with the ultimate aim of promoting peace, reconciliation rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

    “In the Northeast for instance, the justice sector has all but been destroyed for most part of Bornu State and parts of Yobe and Adamawa states.

    “We are mobilising to support the rebuilding of justice sector institutions. We are also working to support the victims of these conflicts. We have been able to attract international support to aid our intervention,” he said.

    Mahmoud commended the President on his efforts and successes in promoting good governance, fighting corruption and getting the economy out of recession.

    He said the NBA was willing to contribute towards reviving the economy.

    “We are aware much has been achieved in the two and a half years of your administration. We do not in any way underrate the enormous challenges of governance and the problems that your administration inherited.

    “We are also aware that many new initiatives have been introduced to enhance economic management, address issues of youth unemployment, extreme poverty and improve the diversification and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy.

    “The NBA has the requisite expertise among its members to contribute to policy work in all the areas of the economy and we are willing to cooperate and work with government to improve economic management in all sectors,” Mahmoud said.

    The NBA President presented a Policy Book containing specific recommendations on governance and economic management to President Buhari.

    “We are confident that the recommendations if implemented will significantly improve the economy, enhance prosperity and build more confidence in the country, especially amongst its youths, who are increasingly being frustrated by lack of opportunities,” Mahmoud said.

     

     

  • Akande:Power vital to ease of doing business success

    Akande:Power vital to ease of doing business success

    Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) former President  Dr. Nike Akande has urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate power supply, saying it is important to the ease of doing business.

    Mrs Akande spoke at the 129th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the chamber held in Lagos.

    Appraising the ease of doing business in the aftermath of recession, Mrs Akande said the recovery impact would only be appreciated when it reduces the cost of doing business, enhances productivity of investors and boosts the competitiveness of firms and sustainability of investments.

    “The provision of power remains at the heart of ease of doing business in Nigeria. We call on the government to sustain the current reforms in such critical sectors as power, agriculture, solid minerals and oil and gas,” she said.

    Mrs Akande commended the Economic Management Team and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council on its initiatives, saying it has become a platform for engagement between the government and private sector.

    She, however, warned that the Council’s efforts might not translate to much, if inconsistent power supply persists.

    She added that Executive Orders  should be fully enforced to improve the way government does business  to  improve the business environment.

    Presenting the LCCI yearly report, Mrs Akande said the outgoing year was eventful in that it re-invigorated the potency of its public policy advocacy.

    According to her, the Chamber  held programmes, which drew the government’s attention to the worries of the business community.

    Some of them, she said, are the presidential policy dialogue session, policy dialogue on the power sector, business delegations and diplomatic visits, among others.

    Mrs Akande said despite that the economy appeared crippled by a weak revenue base, high interest rates and security concerns in certain parts of the country, she was optimistic that opportunities for a rebound abound.

    “Crude oil prices are beginning to recover, foreign reserve is improving and inflation is on a steady decline. We are blessed with a huge market, abundant natural resources and an enterprising population.

    “As a chamber, we were consistent in our public advocacy and sustained our delivery of business development services to our members and the larger business community,” the former president said.

    She added that increased patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods and services would not only encourage global competitiveness of indigenous manufacturers but also boost job creation.

    She charged the chamber to continue to harp on sectorial advocacy.

    Mrs Akande said the chamber’s advocacy has  enhanced the quality of organised private sector (OPS) contributions to nation’s economic policymaking.

  • Striving to achieve success amidst odds

    Striving to achieve success amidst odds

    Most entrepreneurs with success stories have a story or two to tell. They are either faced with immediate family issues or household problems marked with conflicts with little or no love. However, they work doggedly, not minding the hurdles before them, to build business successes and thrive, especially in the face of instability. One of them is Adeshola Adepoju, House of Kaffy Chief Executive. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    Polygamous families, some believe, create great entrepreneurs. Whatever being used to verify this assertion is subject to analysis. However, the pivotal trait, which enables children from such background to achieve success is their resolve   to develop skills and resilience to become winning entrepreneur in the face of adversity.

    One of such entrepreneurs with such background, who became a success story is Lagos make-up artist, Adeshola Adepoju, who also combines fashion designing to make her story complete. Her current projects include an entrepreneurship skills school, clothing line and make up business.

    Adepoju, who studied business administration at Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State, passed through a lot of emotional trauma as a child, who grew up in a polygamous setting. She had to struggle through school because there was little emphasis on quality education.

    Her situation as a child, who grew up with no love and affection, however, did not deter her in acquiring education, after which she veered into make-up industry about six years ago. As a young girl, she was very fond of handicrafts, which kept her busy when parents were not there for her. She would arrange materials and turn them into something attractive. This ultimately made her venture into bead making and  fashion a natural path for her.

    She recalled starting the business with little or no capital. Today, the business has grown tremendously. Not only that, she has  additional hands to help her. Her philosophy of seeking knowledge has helped her a great deal. To her, there is no end to learning. What makes her work unique is her desire for beautiful beads with their natural matrixes.

    When she started, she  faced  challenges. One of which was finance. To overcome this, she had to offer her service almost free. At the end, she got referrals to make more money. She offered free  make-up training. She also showcased her works on Facebook  and Instagram.

    As determined as she was, she also was putting more efforts  to learn the craft. Along the line, she studied  how to make bags, slippers and sandals. One thing that has made her products and services successful is that they are affordable and attractive. She  also made significant strides in the makeup industry. While she works as a makeup artist, she did some businesses associated   with  beauty and fashion.

    As in any business, there is  competition. But she has identified  and discovered her niche. She has the belief that she will always succeed.

    On how she came into the business, Adepoju said she always loved fashion and makeup business. She had always loved makeup from a child and was always conscious of fashion and one looks. It was just a passion and a love.

    Adepoju is also optimistic about opportunities in the sector for young people and she is raising a lot of awareness about this.

    She said she is determined to address growing youth unemployment, through capacity building and encouraging skill acquisition in areas such as professional  makeup and headtie (gele) tying training, determined to offer young people the chance to accelerate their capacity for success.

    Consequently,  she has taken it upon herself to train aspiring young designers, covering the entire value chain of garment making, bead making and make up business, training young girls in different skills to give them the tools and the confidence they need to create their own jobs.

    During her just concluded two-week entrepreneurship training programme,  Adepoju  gave young people the skills to identify and act on economic opportunities in their communities.

    The process was not without challenges. Some participants, who  could not afford the N4000  charged for the training were allowed to participate.

    During the training, they were attentive and motivated with some of them thinking of business ideas.