This week on Attain, Mr Oginni Tolulope, a fast rising entrepreneur in Nigeria's agricultural sector and CEO, Transfurd Limited shares his story.
And here is one story you won't want to miss... especially if you've been thinking lately of going into Agriculture or you into the Sector already.
Kindly Tell Us about yourself?
Mr Oginni is the CEO of Transfurd limited. I am from a humble family of three and from Osun State.
My focus is on food, shelter and technology.
Mr Oginni Tolulope is a certified Agric- Business Consultant, Value Chain Expert, an experienced Real Estate personnel and a Technologist who is trained, certified and recognized locally and internationally with over 8 years experience in the business world. He is a member to so many reputable Business bodies in Nigeria.
I obtained my first degree in Business Administration from Olabisi Onabanjo University ( O.O.U ) and second degree in Business Administration from University of Lagos (UNILAG ). He is a member of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Personnel Management ( CIPM ).
In line with recent Awards to himself and his company, he has been recognized by African Lead, African Harvesters, USAID, Young Entrepreneur of Nigeria(YEN) amidst others as an outstanding Entrepreneur in Business.
Tell us about your business brand?
Transfurd Limited which is a parent company to Transfurd Farms, Transfurd Homes and Properties, Transfurd Technology and Transfurd Business School has come to stay in Nigeria.
Through Transfurd Farms which is one of the subsidiary of Transfurd Limited, Job and wealth will be created for the populace and the youth in particular. Transfurd Homes and properties has come to help everyone have a personal abode on a very flexible payment structure.
His long term goal is to set up Transfurd Business School which will help change the orientation of entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneur on how best to build a sustainable business and with his plans unveil Transfurd Technology in the nearest future. Life is about to get much more better with Transfurd Limited.
What were the main challenges you faced early on in your business and entrepreneurial journey?
Lot of challenges but I will stream it down into two.
1. Nigeria Business Environment.
I must confess that this environment is not too friendly on young entrepreneur and business growth.
2. Finance.
I am not alone on this. So many young and active minds in Nigeria with lot of innovative ideas have them buried and opting for white collar jobs that is not readily available due to lack of finance
At what point did you begin to achieve success in your entrepreneurial journey and how did it happen?
Exactly July 2017, everything turned around after I was selected in Nigeria along side 39 other Entrepreneurs in Agric Business across the 36 States to attend a 5days fully funded boot camp organized by the United State of American Government ( FEED THE FUTURE , USAID AND AFTICAN LEAD ). I learnt a lot, met lot of young successful Agric business associate, we networked, share ideas and the rest are stories that lead to who I am today.
What would you consider your greatest achievement ever in your entrepreneurial journey?
Winning my first two Awards in a day still remains a memory I will not forget so soon even though I have received other bigger recognition and awards afterwards. Emerging as THE YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR 2017 and another award of excellence for my company as the MOST PROMISING AGRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2017 on the same day means so much to me as a young entrepreneur.
If you could go back in time, what are the changes you would have made in your business/ entrepreneurial journey?
Let me mention 2.
1. I wouldn't have mixed friendship with business. Friendship and Business are two different things and the issue of not separating friendship from business led to the shut down of my 1st business while in school.
2. I would have understood that alone I can do little but having a team of like minds, I can do much more. Setting up of a management team with legal structure backing everyone's stake will help the business grow beyond expectations.
What should we see you doing in the Future?
Just anticipate seeing me changing some policies from the top in order to encourage entrepreneurship, business development and access to flexible funding for start up's through Transfurd Green Foundation and also, anticipate seeing me at the fore front of the United Nation Food and Agriculture.
What's your advice to someone just starting out in business/entrepreneurship?
Those who will enjoy this country in the long run are the entrepreneurs. The earlier you start even if you have a white collar job side way the better it is for you. Entrepreneurship is hard, paid Job is hard, poverty is hard. I have choosen mine. What hard are you choosing? Try entrepreneurship, get a mentor, understand your environment and your business model canvas.
By this, huge success await you.
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