Consider this scenario… You and some of your friends are at a bus station and there seems to be no trace of bus. Yet, there a lot of people waiting. The number of people at the station keeps increasing and few buses are available. What comes to your mind? What do you do? Do you just stay there and complain? Or you see an opportunity to meet a need. The person that started the “Sachet Water” business saw an opportunity that many neglected and was not only ready but bold enough to take his opportunity.
These are just examples of opportunities that abound. You only need to look across your street and you would see a lot of opportunities begging for your attention. The understanding of the great opportunities that abound in [tag]Nigeria[/tag] and Africa at large always hit me strongly. And yet many people find it hard to enjoy the kind of life they so desire. However, some still live their lives to the fullest? What is the difference between these two set of people?
Those who the world term ˜lucky“ – people that enjoy the kind of lifestyle they desire – are those that are always ready for their opportunity when it comes. They have a clear picture of what they want in life, count the cost and decide to pursue their dreams and goals. So, if you are going to take your opportunity when it comes, you have to equip oneself. You need to read that book, attend that seminar and even go for that training. There is no substitute for this except hard life.
The demographics and economic trends are in favour of a blooming market in Nigeria 5 to 10 years down the line. In 2001, 4 new GSM licenses were issued to interested companies. The result is so alarming. In just 5 years, the service delivery process is already been transformed. A typical example of this is the emergency of mobile payment solution. This is the time to act and equip yourself. The truth is that if you fail to act now, you will still be where you are in 10 years and you will have yourself to blame for that ACT.
An adage says,
“don’t bite more than you can chew.“
I would rather suggest that you bite more than you can chew. It will not kill you, it will only stretch you. Believe me, you can still hold on to that JOB and still get involved in other things ([tag]businesses[/tag], NGO etc). So, don’t turn down that opportunity to make that impact our society so-desired. Many Nigerians are waiting for you to start that business. They need those services you want to render. Harness the opportunities that the society currently present and we all would be better for this.
4 Responses
Spot on and right on target!!! The Nigerian Marketplace is a large space that is evolving rapidly. The discerning heart should key into the emerging economy now in order to carve out a niche.
It is only the wise lame man that will escape destruction after hearing sounds of war
A word is enough for the wise…Keep up the good work brother.
Well said brother. There are many opportunities and there is room for everyone to grab one.
Sitting at one spot and complaining all day long (bad leader, bad economy, bad infrastructures….) will do no good. Going by the points raised in this post, those are actually opportunities in disguise 😉
Also, constantly focusing on those who are at the top of the ladder is foolishness. Remember nobody saw those guys when they were sweating it out to get to the top of the ladder. So it is counter-productive when a newbie focuses his energy on “wishing” he was up there instead of focussing on how he will move from the ground to the first rung of the ladder.
Keep saying it brother. Soonest, we will make a change. Nigeria is blessed.
Lanre & NaijaEcash,
Thanks for the comment. Nigeria is not only blessed but it presents opportunities for those who are ready. I heard the story of a young Nigerian yesterday who resigned from paid employment to start his business some few months back. He was able to get a loan from one of the banks. Today, he manages a business that is worth about a billion naira.
I will be sharing the full details of his story in subsequent post. Let’s keep the focus.