SELF STARTERS NIGERIA

The slogan “Trash to Treasure” seems to be a common phrase related largely to waste and environmental management, but this creatively amazing Nigerian lady has taken it literally to another level with proof that indeed there is wealth littering our Nigerian streets and clogging our drainages. Life is all about perspective and for Nigerian Interior Designer and Furniture maker –Marvis Marshal-Idio, what people abandon as trash for her is viewed as materials for her indigenous artistic furniture pieces. Marvis’ passion for creativity and design of living spaces influenced her bagging a masters in Interior Design from the Florence Design Academy in Italy, where she emerged as one of the top students in her class, and upon her return to Nigeria, she started experimenting with locally sourced materials including trash such as metal and plastic scraps, used tires etc, which have a longer lasting capacity when used as re-enforcement for some of her works. Her career objective is to create ...

In his continued quest to provide a platform for the promotion of Made in Nigeria products in order to boost Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the country, Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has informed of his plan to launch 'Made in Nigeria Challenge' in January 2017. Saraki, in a statement signed by Bamikole Omisore, his special assistant on New Media, stated that the 'Made in Nigeria Challenge' initiative will afford entrepreneurs in the country opportunity to connect manufacturers that produce alternatives to imported products. The initiative, the Senate President stated, will not only assist upcoming entrepreneurs but open door of opportunities for established local manufacturers to compete in international markets. "On 2nd of January 2017, my office will launch #MadeInNigeria challenge to connect investors to manufacturers that produce alternatives to imported products, since inception of the 8th Senate, we have championed and encouraged the...

Aminu Bakori is a Software Developer, Programmer and CEO of Friendstie Concepts; a technology company that designs and builds custom computer software and online services for individuals and businesses around the world. Even though computing started many years ago,  Aminu started coding in senior secondary school; about 8years ago. He started coding when the now defunct Liberty Reserve was one of the only ways of buying web hosting services. When he started programming, a yearning for change drove him to try, fail and rise again in several business endeavours. After the death of a social network he started, Friendstie Social Network, Aminu vowed that the failures would not deter him. Therefore, he kept working hard until Friendstie Concepts the software company had a solid footing. The company is currently registered as a business in Nigeria. According to Aminu, minimizing costs for clients and creating value are the major driving forces behind his software solutions and busine...

A 23-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur, Chris Kwekowe turned down a job offer to work as a software engineer at Microsoft, owned by the richest man in the world, Bill Gates, in order to begin his own start-up in Lagos. The Lagos State University computer science graduate proudly revealed this to Bill Gates during a television interview for Africa’s brightest young entrepreneurs in August 2016. Kwekowe, who won the 2015 Anzisha Prize which came with a $25,000 cheque, said he rejected the offer to build up his own startup, Slatecube– a website aimed at helping other young Nigerians find jobs. “When I told him, Gates was intrigued and he smiled. After the programme, all the directors were like, ‘Dude, you mean you actually turned down a job at Microsoft and had the guts to tell Bill Gates?’ Kwekowe founded Slatecube with his brother Emerald, 20, in October 2014. The pair funded their efforts by freelancing as web designers and running a software solutions fir...

Lawrence Afere is an organic farmer and founder of Springboard Nigeria, a social enterprise that uses organic farming to create meaningful and responsible work for rural and semi urban youth in Ondo State. He speaks to Punch's Kemi Lanre-Aremu about his preference for farming. What schools did you attend? I had my secondary school education at Parker International High School, Akure. I studied Business Management at Covenant University, Ota. I also studied Business and Social Entrepreneurship at North Western University, USA; Kanthari International Institute, India, and Do School, Germany. I also studied a course on leadership at the International Institute for Global Leadership, USA. Why did you decide not to utilise your business management degree? In 2003, I studied Business Management with the intention to graduate and get a high-paying job. My life changed on November 17, 2006, and this change was triggered by a report in the newspaper about the plight of over 30 million u...

Nigerian entrepreneurs are worth admiring and see what could be possible if you look inward and see the numerous opportunities that exist in Nigeria. Why won’t you? After all the window of opportunities in Nigeria is still wide open for any strong willed Nigeria to write his/her name in gold with genuine business achievement in the country. Look at the following names of big time Nigerian entrepreneurs and see how possible it is to start and run good business in Nigeria. See the names of great Nigerian entrepreneurs who have done the same, proving that wealth truly exist in this country and can only be achieve when you cultivate the true entrepreneurship spirit today. List Of Some Nigerian Entrepreneurs These Nigerian entrepreneurs are some of the finest in country who have defied all odds to create wealth through resilience and entrepreneurship skills. These entrepreneurs are among the bests in their respective industry. 20. Obinna Ekezie – CEO, Wakanow.com (Travel And ...

The United Bank for Africa is offering students in universities across Nigeria the opportunity to become its ambassadors in their various campuses. Through its Campus Ambassadors Program, UBA aims to connect with young people who are passionate about its brand and make them part of its drive to become more youth-focused and dynamic. UBA will be selecting 10 campus ambassadors who will be spreading the word about its products and services in their universities for a year. They will learn about UBA’s innovative products, come up with smart ways of reaching people on campus with information about its services, host fun events and act as feelers for the bank, collecting information on campus trends and helping the bank understand the unique environments of each campus. The overall aim of all this is to increase the bank’s sales and raise its profile and brand image as perceived by students in Nigeria’s universities. Campus ambassadors could benefit from the UBA’s p...

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR WILSON’S LEMONADE Can you tell us briefly what Wilson’s lemonade is all about? •Wilson’s lemonade is about all-natural, never from concentrate goodness. We were tired of the fizzy, artificially flavored and from-concentrate stuff everyone was calling ‘juice’ here. We figured maybe other people were tired of that stuff too. So we set out to provide freshly squeezed, real fruit based drinks. We’ve been humbled by the response we’ve been receiving to date. What inspired you to start the company Wilson’s lemonade? •We started the business with the idea of providing a real juice alternative to the from-concentrate, artificially colored and flavored concoctions that were mostly available. We started with less than N2000—which was used to buy a plastic hand juicer and a bag of oranges. From fresh squeezed orange juice, to smoothies and then fresh squeezed lemonade, we were glad to be of service and ex...

Choosing a business idea is easy; anyone can do it. Choosing the ‘right’ idea is often the tricky part. A business idea is like a shoe. If an entrepreneur with the wrong foot size tries to take it on, it may end up a horrible experience. Most times, new businesses fail because the ideas and entrepreneurs behind them are the wrong fit. This article provides you with a checklist of five basic rules you should use to test that great business idea you’ve been considering. 1. Does the business idea stir up a passion in you? Humans are creatures of emotion, more so in the world of business. Our mind is a complex machine that can be brought to amazing action by strong feelings. Passion is the defining quality of entrepreneurship that breeds positivity, ambition and perseverance – the critical nutrients that will nurture any business idea to become a remarkable success. Most people start a business and focus too much on the money that can be made. While we insist ...

The desire of most entrepreneurs is not just to make a fortune, but it is also to become notable. Here are 10 ways to becoming a notable e ntrepreneur: 1. Set-Out to Solve a Major Problem in the Society The cheapest way of becoming famous as an entrepreneur is to proffer a solution to a major problem / challenge in the society. There is hardly anybody who has solved a major challenge in our world that was not rewarded with fame and fortune. Bill Gates solved a problem in the IT world and he was rewarded with fame and fortune, Henry Ford solved a problem in the Automobile industry and he was rewarded with fame and fortune, Steve Jobs solved a problem in the ICT industry and he was also rewarded with fame and fortune, this can also apply to you as you look towards becoming famous as a entrepreneur, then you look for a pressing problem in your community or even the world and proffer a solution to it. 2. Engage in Community Social Responsibility Programs Business owners are now aw...

Timing is everything, they say. And when it comes to starting a business, your timing can make the difference between success and failure. But when is the ideal time to launch a new venture? And are there times when you’re better off waiting to dive in? What’s the Right Time to Start a Business? Waiting for the stars to align may keep you from your dreams of starting a business indefinitely. Read as Gbemisola Oke, 23, Chief Executive Officer of Decorhubng.com, an online firm for home fittings and furnishings, spoke to FOLASHADE ADEBAYO of PUNCH NEWSPAPER on her experience in business When did you start dreaming of being an entrepreneur? Since I was a child, I have always dabbled in one business or the other. Although at the age of six, I wouldn’t say I knew what the word entrepreneur meant. However, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. I made necklaces and attempted to create my own signature perfume ‘scent’ (I can’t say that was my finest busine...

This Story Will Inspire Your Entrepreneurial Drive!!! A Beautiful Nigerian lady Michelle Ekure, was born into the family of Mr. Ekure in Eku Delta State.In order to defy joblessness, Michelle, a graduate of the department of International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Benin(UNIBEN), ventured into shoemaking, designing patterns and building shoes herself. Michelle, in an interview with Lukmon of Wazobia Global Times USA, explained how the journey into shoemaking started for her. Read excerpts from the interview below: Lukmon: So Why shoemaking? Michelle : My inspiration is from God, I never knew I would be a shoemaker. I graduated from the University six years ago, after which I looked for for job, but to know avail. At sometimes I got employed by a company in Lagos, but the boss was owing too much so I left. On how it started, there is this other company I buy sandals in Lagos and resell. They sell nice shoes, so one day I thought to myself that I can tell this peop...

LIB is recruiting.... Linda Ikeji Media is looking to hire the following: Front desk officer/receptionist, TV presenters, editors, producers, content developers, cameramen, entertainment/music/crime writers, Radio hosts, sound engineers, HR, Accountant, Administrative staff, customer care, marketers and IT professionals. If you think you can fit in any of these roles or even qualified for them, please send CV to contactus@lindaikejimedia.com or lindaikejimedia@gmail.com.

If you have ever dreamed of being a top radio or television personality, and you want proper and relevant training, then you want to be a part of The City Media Academy ; a three week intensive training programme, with emphasis on practical training and modern skills, conducted in a media house. T he City Media Academy is the brainchild of Orpheus Communications, the firm behind your number one Lifestyle station: City 105.1 FM. The academy is open to anyone interested in a media career, with a minimum of a secondary school education. Participants will be exposed to all that is required of a modern day media practitioner, including: • Presenting • Voice training • Production • Social media optimization • marketing and much more... But then it gets even better, The city Media Academy is extremely affordable and even better, City 105.1 FM will be offering employment to the best student at the end of the inaugural session. So now that you are intere...

Diamond Bank Building Entrepreneurs Today (BET 6) Programme 2016 for Nigerian Entrepreneurs (Three Million Naira Grant) As a small business owner operating in the Education, Health and Agriculture sectors, you now have the opportunity to expand your business by being a part of the Diamond Bank sponsored business and financial training programme at the Enterprise Development Center. Top 50 entries will be selected to participate in the BET Program (Season 6)and top 5 get N3Million seed capital for their businesses. #letsbuildourown. Building Entrepreneurs Today (BET) Programme is one of Diamond Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives aimed at generating interest in entrepreneurship. SIGN UP HERE: http:// diamondbankbet6 .com/ signup Since 2010, Diamond Bank have partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University in training and nurturing micro, small and medium scale businesses under the BET programme. AWARD Currently in its sixt...

Employment as a matter of fact, is a business transaction where you sell your knowledge and ability to an organization for an agreed sum of money called salary; payable every month-end or as agreed. The employer is the buyer, the employee is the seller, the salary is the price and the knowledge, skills and abilities is the product or better still, service in consideration. The industry is the market. As an employee, the longer you are in your industry, the more valuable you can become. If you're a good ‘brand' your value will continue to appreciate and the demand for you will increase. More different employers, will come after you and try to purchase your skills - offering you higher compensation, salaries and perks. But you see, like every other set up, the labour market is dynamic, ever changing, always vibrant. New skills, knowledge, abilities and capacities are required every season hence, the preferences and needs of employers continue to change. The fact that you'...

Entrepreneurship isn’t  just about making profit or making people believe that they need what they actually do not need, it is about solving human problems in a smart, innovative way thereby making the world a better place. A company which refuses to create innovative solutions to human problems may die gradually but will die eventually. The dazzling story of the former Konga business analyst, Sheriff Shittu who is also a home decoration zealot exemplifies our definition of the word ‘Enterpreneurship’ . Sheriff Shittu, vast in crafting outstanding furniture designs started showroom.ng after he encountered the problem of recruiting furniture fabricants that can accurately replicate his erstwhile furniture acquisitions while moving to his new Lekki home. Showroom.ng which started exactly 30 days after the idea was conceived serves as an organized market place for furniture makers and buyers. Showroom.ng provides a regular supply of customers for the makers while ...

Are You an Aspiring Entrepreneur? Register Now for Bank of Industry’s YES Programme to get Support of up to N5 Million to Start Your Business The Youth Entrepreneurship Support Programme (YES-Programme) organised by the Bank of Industry is now open for young aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 35. In a bid to address youth unemployment in Nigeria, the BOI has developed the YES Programme where youths with viable ideas can stand a chance to be empowered. This is the second round of the initiative, which comprises both online and classroom training programmes aimed at equipping successful participants withskills required for entrepreneurship and business management.To be eligible for the Competition you must satisfy the following criteria: 1. The applicant must be a Nigerian. 2. Must have a viable business idea within the 40 identified clusters that is operated, or will operate in Nigeria. Visit www.boi.ng /apply/register for clarifications. 3. Must be within the...

First of all, I want you to consider the possibility of inevitable experiences turning out to be something good. The most important thing is that you should avoid having a bad experience wherever you can help it. This can only be possible if you take your time to properly look at your decision making process. However, if you happen to be a victim of a bad experience, you may gain one or two things from the benefits listed below. While this can be applied to any sphere of life, we are concentrating on businesses as well as finance. 1. You Get To Know Tricks That Others Do Not Know A bad experience is still an experience and the fact that it is bad drives the lessons into you. One of the lessons is the power to know and recognize the signs whenever it comes around. You may be a victim, but you are now a stronger, observant and more astute victim. You may be able to tell from a mile off when such an experience wants to rear its head again. This in effect equips you and gives you adde...

We all know what it looks like when people are passionate about something. It could be food or fashion or technology, the “what” doesn’t matter — the passion behind it does. The energy found in a passionate person and the way they impact the world leaves us all changed, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize at the time. It sits as a temporary moment and in a flash, it is gone. Later, we remember that moment and the feeling it stirred within us. We recall the way the person’s eyes lit up whenever they were vulnerable and honest with theirpassion and were willing to share it with us. We felt their excitement. We were drawn into their being. We tasted their power and allowed it to fill our hearts and souls. Sometimes, without appreciating it at the time, our reality is changed… just because of their passions and how it impacts all of us. Here’s how they do it: 1. They are problem solvers. Passionate people don’t waste time on bla...

THE NEXT TITAN; Nigeria’s business reality TV Show designed to ignite an entrepreneurial spirit of audacity, tenacity, creativity and drive of young Nigerians. THE NEXT TITAN is a 10 week Nigerian Entrepreneurial Reality TV show designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians. The TV Reality Show which is in its third season gives an opportunity to young talented Nigerians who have great, innovative and unbeatable business ideas, to compete against one another in real-life entrepreneurial challenges in a bid to ultimately win Five Million Naira and a Brand New Car to start their new business or to support their existing business. The show is designed as entertainment with thrilling and exciting format but its primary purpose is to change the mind-set of the people by awakening the entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerians thereby accepting responsibility of being masters of their own destinies. 16 final  contestants will have very real street smarts in order to...

Twenty-nine-year-old Chief Executive Officer of Wisdom Gate Radio, an online radio, Olawale Lawal, in this interview, he speaks on his passion for the mass media What is Wisdom Gate Radio all about? Wisdom Gate Radio is primarily an online gospel radio station that broadcasts to 110 countries of the world, 24/7 via www.wigradio.com . WiGTV is an offshoot of WiGRadio and it started some couple of weeks ago. It is an online gospel television that presently operates on demand until we build enough capacity to run fully fledged online programmes. WiG Properties is a real estate business that deals with sales of lands and properties while Wisdom Gate Communications is into printing and publishing of books. The real estate company started a year ago. I bought my first plot of land as a 200 level undergraduate with a deposit payment of N50, 000 and over time, completed it before graduation. I used my scholarship money; there is a student endowment fund paid to students on first class grade...