After the first peek at the creativity that resides amongst us, I’ve been encouraged to look even further. While it is undeniable that not everyone is cut out for or has the desire to pursue entrepreneurship and wade through the storms of a startup, it is also apparent that some of us do. Not only do these people have the desire, they also have the clear, strategic mind thats needed to create and sustain enterprises.

  • DINA’S TREATS

“I started the business about a year and half ago. It started as a Donuts treats company before we incorporated other appetizers i.e. samosa, spring roll, peppered gizzard, chicken, zobo punch and some dessert, hence the name “Treats”.”

Services: Catering: Smallchops and Appetizers

Madina Abdulkadir of the 2017 class, owner and operator of Dina’s Treats, stated. In a short time, Dina’s treats has undergone growth beyond what she had planned. However, it hasnt all been sweets and flowers as she said “Balancing my studies with the business initially was a tough one. The business was taking much of my time because I was operating on a daily basis. Later on, to create a balance, the business activities were shifted to specific days of the week”.

“I love business, I love making money, I love creativity and to cap it all, I love cooking a lot so I guess that’s my drive. The business wouldn’t be here without God and my most amazing partner. My inspiration comes from them”, says the resourceful young lady.

  • BEEJAY’S CUISINE (AKA BEEJAY’S KITCHEN)

Service: Catering .

The work of Bola Agbede of the 2016 class, CEO of Beejays cuisine has been correctly described as an expanding catering business. The business started with just five items on the menu; Smoothie, Pepper soup (catfish and goat meat), fruit salad, Toast sandwich and Efo riro. Now they have over 10 items and more are being added by the day as they keep expanding. The entrepreneur currently has 2 employees and dreams of their brand becoming a household name all over the world. Concerning their operations, she said.

Due to my tight schedule as a medical student, orders are taken during the week and deliveries made on weekends. It has been a pleasurable journey so far with so many lovely reviews and recommendations from customers. Financial independence, her culinary skill and love for cooking were the main motivating factors for starting up the business. She also concedes that customer satisfaction is an additional motivation for the businesss continuity and sustainability.

Services: Sales of books ward coats etc. and Educational Consultation

  • PINNACLE GROUP

Services: Sales of books ward coats etc. and Educational Consultation

Vincent Ojuro of the 2018 class is the founder and CEO of Pinnacle group. Pinnacle group comprises of Pinnacle educational consult, Pinnacle bookstore and Negodu clothings. They deal with sales of goods like books, ward coats an clothes. Pinnacle educational consult provides accommodation and organizes tutorials for admission seekers in various tertiary institutions in Nigeria. He started pinnacle group as a way of showcasing African entrepreneurship and giving a different narrative as a Nigerian.

Even though Vincent Ojuro used to have the notion to either seek employment or leave the country after he graduates, he has come to realize that nothing equates entrepreneurship because it gives him the chance to be original and create something from scratch. The enterprising young man says In the beginning, Pinnacle group had financial challenges which you would expect for a startup but we are overcoming these challenges.

Balancing entrepreneurship and medical school has not been easy but it came natural to me because from the onset I could multitask. I also have a team of individuals to whom I delegate responsibilities and they have been very helpful.”

  • THE SANDWICH FACTORY

Services: Catering; Sandwiches

This venture is the brainchild of Adesanya Tobiloba of the 2015 class. They provide meals, especially breakfast, for students and workers at affordable prices. Lisa Nichols once said, “The reason why people cant be who they want is because they are too attached to whom they used to be”.

Miss Adesanya, founder of The Sandwich Factory, is a person who is open to change and willing to work at things till they are perfect. And perfect is indeed the word for her delectable sandwiches. Her love for cooking, culinary skills and discipline has made the enterprise a resounding success

  • BECCAS CONCEPT

Services: Bag making

If you’ve been seeing different sets of beautiful backpacks made of denim and leather materials and wondering where they came from, dont look too far. Miss Adeosun Rebecca of the 2017 class is the founder of Becca’s concept, the enterprise that has beautified the backs of many UIMSAites with their well made bags. Not only does the product speak for itself but the illustrious and charming young lady who gave the business its name has also ensured an admirable quality of customer service.

Services: weaves, faux locks, crotchet etc Judith Ebengho, of the 2017 class is the CEO of Judith’s Munir. She brought durable and nice tresses and locks straight to our doorsteps with her much needed venture. As she steadily working her way into the heart of every hair lover in ABH, there is much to say about her consistency.

  • JUDITH’S MUNIR

Services: weaves, faux locks, crotchet etc

Judith Ebengho, of the 2017 class is the CEO of Judith’s Munir. She brought durable and nice tresses and locks straight to our doorsteps with her much needed venture. As she steadily working her way into the heart of every hair lover in ABH, there is much to say about her consistency.

or these entrepreneurs, finding ventures that fit with their passion and goals and using their skills to compete in today’s economy are applaudable feats, not forgetting having a paycheck at the end of the line.

Having spoken extensively to these them, I think that UIMSAites and Brownites generally deserve some accolades for our positive attitudes towards startups especially if they are one of our own.

And to all our business men and women out there, I say Make it, Keep it, Grow it!

Are you a UIMSAite? Do your have a business you wish to share to the world? Do you think you have what it takes to get featured as an entreprenuer? Send an email to uimsapress@gmail.com or contact +234 806 311 2927

BY MARIAM ADEYANJU