Eghosa Asemota Agbonifo is the CEO Etek Global and a politician from Oredo LGA of Edo state. In this interview, he speaks on his journey as an entrepreneur, family background and other sundry issues.
How did you start off Etek Global resources?
I started my business in 1999; and as at that time, I commenced with used items that I sourced from Cotonou, Togo, and Ghana, these items are usually referred to as Okrika in local parlance.
My first ever purchase was disappointing and my mother encouraged me and helped me in the sales.
I formerly registered my company in September 2008 and became a formal business entity.
 I am from Oredo LGA in Benin City where I reside with my family. I was born in Benin City Edo state on June 19, 1985. I attended Emotan primary school, Benin City between 1993-1997, I later preceded to Negbenebor international school where I obtained my Senior Secondary Certificate in 2003. To further my knowledge, in 2014, I proceeded to Benson Idahosa University and bagged a degree in Computer Science.
How can you describe the business terrain in Nigeria and Edo state where your company is located?
The business environment in Nigeria is not encouraging. To strive one must master the art of taking it from the lion’s mouth I believe with focus leadership things will adjust.
You have been doing a lot for your community; tell us how it has been so far?
I believe in giving back to my immediate environment. Because in the end, skulls and bones are still the end of humanity. What we do for humans is what will tell after we are done on earth
Tell us about your family life, how do you balance business and family especially as a politician who contested for the State House of Assembly position?
I am married to Mrs. Oshiolene Agbonifo (nee enekhaze). Blessed with three wonderful kids osamagbe, Osazemen, and Eghosasere Agbonifo.
 I do my best to balance family and business by making time available for them. My kids are growing fast and they need mommy and daddy to balance up psychologically. My election didn’t distract me from family. I believe in family structure, so I was able to balance business, politics, and family
What’s your take on the continued COVID-19 Pandemic and what do you think could be done to alleviate the sufferings of Nigeria, especially as people, continue to cry for palliative which is not forthcoming?
I issued out a statement since January that the pandemic won’t be an easy ride to fight. The reasons are, we do not have a population census to determine the numbers of our citizens. Fighting such a pandemic will be difficult because of poor data. Secondly, I see political undertones in the fight against the COVID-19 and also bottleneck.
 I will advise for the sincerity of purpose and also for the anti-graft agency to be more upright to oversee the spending and also to monitor round-tripping
When you aren’t politicking or doing business, what other hobbies do you engage in?
I enjoy playing football and lawn tennis for now. I intend to add golf to it.
Many who love traveling would say this pandemic has hindered them from doing a lot, do you also love traveling and how has it affected things?
My business entails a lot of traveling because I deal with luxury fashion brands and also sell cars. The COVID-19 outbreak has hindered a lot.
How do you unwind? Movies, music or what?
Music, not a fan of movies except when I am connecting a long-distance flight
Do you have any aspiration in contesting in the next elections and how prepared are you?
For now, I am focusing on business. I just came out of an election and you know it is never a cheap project
What turns you off?
Bad smell
Who do you respect most as a person and why?
I respect my mother. She is selfless and upright
If you are given an opportunity to change one thing in your life, what would that be?
Bring back my father
Where do you see yourself in 2023?
Building my brands and acquiring more degrees. I believe in empowering myself because when I do, it is easier to pull others along
Message to the youths and Nigerians.
Our youth must brace up for the task ahead. We are too relaxed and allow the older generations to make vital decisions for us. The youths must realize that youthfulness  itself is a talent.