A 21 year old lady, Modinat Idowu Onabanjo from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, is a budding entrepreneur, who believes that, “truly, Nigeria is a big market, but with a proviso,” asserting that, “as big as it is as a market, it isn’t for everybody but only for hardworking people with sellable ideas.”
In an encounter with our correspondent in Lagos weekend, the cheerful, humble and ever smiling pretty upcoming business tycoon told her story.
Briefly, what are you called?
I am Miss Onabanjo, Madinat Idowu. I am from Ijebu-Ode in Ijebu Ode local Government of Ogun State, south-west, Nigeria. I am 21 years old. I am single and not in a hurry to dabble into marriage yet.
Is there any other thing more to your introduction?
Yes Sir. I’m a budding entrepreneur. I believe success comes only after hard work. Currently, I’m an undergraduate student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), capital city of Ogun State. I am studying Plant Biochemistry and Crop Production.
Why did you choose that as a course of study?
I chose that discipline because it tallies with my career goal. My ambition in life is to become a force to reckon with in food processing business in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
What are the hobbies you have chosen as vocation to make money as a student?
At present, I process and sell packaged local foods like Powdered Pap (Ogi) Dates Powder (Dabinu), Iru Powder (Locust Beans), Palm Oil (Epo Pupa), Ofada rice and more to come in future.
My brand’s name is MIDEY FOODS.
I am also into buying and selling of women fashion wares such as fancy hijab, abaya, ear rings, wrist watches, turbans and jelilbab ( Islamic women outer garment).
What motivated you into dabbling into all the vocations you have mentioned?
During my JSS3 days in DE EXPERT PRIVATE COLLEGE we had an excursion to PARDEE FOOD NIG LIMITED the makers of PARLEE G, the CEO, a white man, explained to us how to process food, value addition and earn more while doing so/ He also encouraged us to look into the food industry in the nearest future. I developed keen interest in his speech and it motivated me to become a FOOD TECHNOLOGIST and also own a FOOD PROCESSING company to my name.
His speech motivated me to think out of the box and try to solve one of the challenges being faced by Nigerian food processors
How profitable is the venture?
Not too bad, you know half a loaf is far better than none at all. I am paying some bills and moving around comfortably. It gets me gainfully engaged during my free periods.
When are we to expect the wedding bell to toll?
Marriage comes naturally in human’s life. So, when Almighty Allah says it’s time, I will announce it and also invite you. (Giggles).
Can we know the type of man you would love to have in your life?
Do you mean type of man of my dream? Okay, I prefer a conscious Muslim, an innovative business partner, goal oriented, domestic in nature and also God fearing.
