Young Borno entrepreneur changing the narrative despite insurgency
War has terrible consequences; some of which are population reduction, famine and economic woes. Thousands have died in the hands of terror groups in the northeast region of Nigeria. Fortunately, hope is rising amidst despair, as some young entrepreneurs in Borno State have taken the bull by the horns in turning their challenges to opportunities. Daily Trust Saturday spoke to one of the entrepreneurs.
Twenty-six-year-old Halima Ibrahim, known as Hally Concept, started her business in 2015 with a capital of N10,000. Today, the business has grown tremendously that she has 40 staff working with her.
The impact of insurgency and the coronavirus pandemic have disrupted governance, economy, security, law making, food production, transportation, education and health systems throughout the world, but some young entrepreneurs in Borno State, despite the crises, are turning the tide by creating job opportunities with the determination to rewrite the story of the state.
Insurgency in northeast Nigeria had unleashed wave after wave of brutal attacks which include bombing of markets, schools, mosques and churches, as well as taking hostage and kidnapping of women, children and assassination of aid workers and innocent civilians.
With more than 6 million people living in Borno, there are big business opportunities in value chain services including ICT, food production, housing and many more. So, some youth decided to address the manpower shortage by investing in start-ups and different kinds of businesses to build the economy of the region.
These passionate young ladies and men have discovered that every circumstance presents an opportunity to turn the situation around. They believe that despite the challenges, they can return the lost glory of Borno as the economic hub of the region.
Speaking to Daily Trust Saturday on what motivated her to start confectionaries, fashion and spice blending business, Halima Ibrahim, a graduate of Civil Law from the University of Maiduguri, said cooking had been her hobby since childhood, although it was ASUU strike that pushed her into the business while she was idle at home in early 2015. Surprisingly, she has a staff strength of 40 today.
She revealed that with just N10,000 from her mum, she was able to start hair oil business and then ventured into confectionaries, fashion design, tailoring, makeup, interior decoration, event planning, perfumes, beauty products, sanitary products, bead making and training of unskilled people.
“During the ASUU strike in 2015, we were just idle at home, and since insurgency was at its peak then, we couldn’t go out. The house was too boring for me. So, I thought of something to keep myself busy with. What came to my mind was hair oil. It worked perfectly for me when I applied it on my hair so I also tested it on my siblings and cousins. Then I shared it with my cousin Halima in Abuja who in turn told her friends about it. It was at this point that I decided to go commercial.
“She and her friends started patronizing me little by little. I was motivated by the little profit I was making so I registered my business with the Cooperate Affairs Commission in 2017.”
Halima noted that for upcoming entrepreneurs, quality and honesty should not be compromised in as much branding and packaging play vital roles.
“I did my logo with my little sticker and started pasting on my hair products. Then, I went into tea blending. It was something we grew up with in the family because our grandfather was into it. We are also into catering; we produce cookies, sharwama, coconut balls, samosa, alkaki and many others.
“With the branding of our products, more people got to know about them. Sometime ago, I met with the wife of Governor el-Rufia in Kaduna. It was a great opportunity to meet her one in one. I also met Miriam Lemo and others who encouraged me, so I was very happy.
“I supply to my cousin who helps to distribute the products in Kano. In Abuja, I have a cousin, Barrister Bintu Mustapha Umara, who also helps with distribution. Even yesterday, I supplied her with tea and yaji,” she said.
Halima noted that determination, focus, consistency and diligence would help young business entrepreneurs to grow.
She has two offices and a head of kitchen who supervises the productions.
“I work as a team with my 40 staff. Everybody brings ideas on what we need to do to satisfy our clients and how to improve the quality of services, especially in the packaging, distribution and delivery sections. We have the agents and 3 Keke NAPEP used for delivery.
“If you want to succeed, you need to be focused, diligent, determined, creative and passionate. I always tell my trainees to think big. The bigger the picture, the more success you have.
“I remember when I added yaji to my line of products. People were asking how can a lawyer be selling tea and yaji. All those are in the past now because today, I’m feeding people, building capacity, touching people’s lives and that’s my passion, that’s what I wanted to do.
“One person who motivates me is my mum. She’s always stood by me. There’s also the former SPM Mr Jackie. He supports and motivates me; in short, he is my mentor.”