Nigeria is a country blessed with creative and skillful hands that see greater opportunities in the contemporary world of entrepreneurship. Among these skillful hands is Favour Oluma, a 20-year old entrepreneur who hails from Agatu local government of Benue state. In this interview with AROGBONLO ISRAEL, the Benue-born shared her thoughts on how she started the business of upcycling used tyres into household furniture following the loss of her parents in 2012 and 2020 respectively.
Tell us little about yourself
My name is Favour Oluma. I am Idoma by tribe from Agatu local government of Benue state. I was born on the 11th of March 2000 and was brought up in Gwagwalada, Abuja.I graduated from Federal Government Girl’s College, Keana, Nassarawa. Am currently in my third year studying Soil Science and Land Management in Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger state. Am the first female child in my family. I have four elder brothers and a younger sister. I lost my mum in the year 2012 and lost my dad June 2020. Life hasn’t been easy since the death of my mom (cries).
What inspired you into this line of business?
My biggest inspiration has been my aunt who made me realises that, I have the ability to great imagination and that if I can imagine any great thing, I can achieve it. If I can dream it, I can become it because our hearts have no limits.
So, how did you summon the courage?
I managed to summon courage anytime I think of the responsibilities I have.
What actually motivated your passion for entrepreneurship?
I started this business because I have always had a strong passion to do great things and challenging things.
We heard the popular American rapper Meek Mill gave you verbal support recently. How true is the news?
It’s very true. He actually retweeted my works.
Tell us more about your conversation with him
We didn’t have any conversation per se. I tried sending a message but his DM is not opening. However, my expectation from him is that he helps me financially. I feel him helping financially will go a very long waybecause I just started the business few months agoI don’t even have a workshop yet. Still working from home.
What are your challenges in the business?
I’ve had a lot of challenges and one of them is the fact that so many people told me it’s something I can’t do, it’s a man’s job but I managed to do my first project because I had passion and believed myself. I just derive joy while working. My second challenge is financial constraint. I’ve been working from home because I don’t really have a place for my workshop and that’s really inconvenience for me and my family. I really have a lot of designs to explore but don’t have the funds to do translate them into reality.
Where do you see your business in the next five years from now?
In the next five years, I see my brand well known and I see myself empowering the youths and contributing to the national development of my country (Nigeria).
What advice would you give female folk who consider going into this line of business?
My encouragement to other young girls and women is that, whatever your hands find doing, make the best out of it. Don’t you dare put your life in a box! Don’t you dare decide to settle for mediocrity! Don’t you dare give up on your dreams! Don’t you dare give up on your life!
