Not everyone can boast of running a successful business in Nigeria, due to the dwindling economic situation of the country.
However, for Sonia Omon-Obehi Ovuehor, founder and CEO of Sonaira Business World, she strongly believes that Nigeria offers uncommon opportunities for anyone who genuinely wants to be an entrepreneur.
Ovuehor stated further that it is not only those with rich backers or those from wealthy homes with access to unlimited funds that can found thriving businesses in Nigeria.
She cited herself as an example. “I dabbled in business when I was still in the university. All I was selling were students’ essentials such as shoes, clothes and bags. I spent months working at various jobs during the time universities shut down due to strike actions. I also worked in a couple of companies after graduation, but as soon as I felt I was ready, I kickstarted my journey of entrepreneurship.”
She also stressed that it is not out of place for businesses to have a small beginning. “I started Sonaira Business World in 2015, and for the next two years, all we did were skeletal businesses. But here we are today, we have diversified and expanded into other areas now and even gone international.”
Speaking on her motivation for diversifying Sonaira Business World into different areas and concerns instead of concentrating on one type of business, Ovuehor said, “My motivation might have come from my experiences as a child. Growing up, I watched my mom run several businesses, petty trades and even a daily paid job at times. This gave me the insight of how possible it is to make money from several sources.”