No more a girl entrepreneur

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July 18, 2014 by Akeem Lasisi

   

 

Awosika and her husband, Mr. Abiodun Awosika, at the event

Seasoned entrepreneur, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, unveils a new book to celebrate her 25th year in the business world, AKEEM LASISI writes

Several reality shows have come on air in Nigeria in recent times. While most of them tended towards entertainment, one was particularly unique. That is ‘The Entrepreneur’, which gave funds to participants that had viable ideas – after the judging panel must have thoroughly scrutinised the fellow’s business plan.

One of the judges is veteran entrepreneur, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, whose contribution to the programme was often incisive. The way she drilled the candidates, trying to make them prove how practical and realistic his or idea was, convinced many that she has a lot of experience in business and investment.

All eyes were again on Awosika recently when she presented a book in Lagos. Titled The Girl Entrepreneurs, the book was written and presented as part of the events that marked the 25th anniversary of her launching into entrepreneurship. Having set out at age 27, Awosika could indeed be called a girl investor that time, since most graduates of the age would still be busy roaming the street for jobs.

Also a motivational speaker, Awosika, who founded the Chair Centre, shared ideas on business development at a recent Fidelity Bank SME forum on radio. But it was at the book presentation that the essence of the woman as an entrepreneur came to light as various dignitaries paid tributes to her. Among such were the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN); his wife, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure; Mrs. Yewande Zaccheus; seasoned scholar, Dr. Doyin Salami; Dr. Nadu Denzoye from Telnet; Mrs. Toks Abiru of FBN; Mrs. Fola Laoye form Hygeia; and Mr. Oye Odukale of Leadway Assurance.

After Zacchehus welcomed the guests, the programme progressed into a discourse themed, ‘Built to Last – The Nigerian Experience’, after which “The Girl Entrepreneurs’ was presented by Fashola, who collected 1,000 copies on behalf of the government.

In another segment, veteran businessmen spoke on the need for entrepreneurs to build a business legacy that would outlive them. Here, Salami said only a few companies are still standing 20 years after their founder’s death. He said there was need for inter-generational transfer of success and its maintenance in every business.

Salami added, “80 per cent of businesses fall within 18 months of establishment, only 29 per cent are still standing 10 years after and just 20 per cent are still alive after 20 years.”

He noted that there was the need for entrepreneurs to be concerned about the longevity of their businesses, adding that it is only by so doing that they can contribute meaningfully to the society. Besides, he identified the environment as one major reason why businesses fall. To be competent requires you to be innovative and understand what you are doing, he said.

Reflecting on her journey in business, Awosika said she had aspirations like every young person that graduated in the 80s to embrace banking as a career. But her career trajectory changed when she secured a job in a furnishing company. And within three and half months she discovered that she loved the business, the creativity, industry and interaction with people. She dabbled into it, today the rest is history and her company has become a reference point of power of vision.

She said, “It is a much better landscape now for a young person to go into entrepreneurship in any form. There is a lot more support from the financial sector. Back then, nobody in their wildest imagination would dream of giving money to a young woman to start business.

“I started this business a week after my 26th birthday and I have spent the best part of my life on it. Some years back, I told myself that if I die, this business must not die with me, so I tried to get myself out of the company so that it can move on and be relevant without me.

“Today we are 25 years and I am glad that the company is relevant without me. Many companies do not exist after 25 years; this was why I decided to bring the issue to a national discourse.”