Encomium
BIG businessman,Evangelist Myke Ikoku has obviously made a success of his ventures. Apart from being a big player in the hospitality industry, the Imo born entrepreneur is also into real estate, import and consultancy services. In this recent chat ENCOMIUM Weekly had with him at All Season’s Hotel and Plaza, Owerri, Imo State, he lectured us on how to succeed in business. He also talked about his relationship with Governor Rochas Okorocha and the immediate past Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, family life, Ojukwu’s demise, amongst other issues.
What does it take to be successful in business?
All it takes is seriousness, prayers and commitment to the business. And you must also be there to satisfy peoples’ needs because when you satisfy them, they will come back again.
What then would you say constitute your core business values?
Humility, honesty and hard work.
Let’s narrow it down to one of your cash cows, All Season’s Hotel, what has sustained the business?
I will say our goodwill. Another factor is security. What equally attracts people to All Season’s is the comfort they get when they come here. When you want to lodge in a hotel, you look out for where you can sleep with your two eyes closed.
There is also this synergy you have with showbiz people, particularly actors and musicians. What inspired it?
We are a foremost entertainment company in this country. So, it’s natural we would be entertainment friendly. And we have tremendous goodwill in the industry. Virtually all actors, musicians and comedians are my friends. You know I also have a music label (Myke Records). I was also into entertainment when I was younger. That has given me an advantage over other businessmen. Because I’m part of them, I can feel them and operate at their level. I can as well support them.
This maybe why you allow filmmakers use your houses, particularly in Lagos to shoot movies?
Yes, I believe they should be given enough encouragement to do their business. And this is what I usually do in my little way to encourage them to succeed. That is the reason I’m always on their side. I try to be part of them because I see us as one family.
You are into this and that, why did you decide to put your eggs in more than one basket?
I think it is because of my professionalism. I am good in project management. That’s why you see most of my businesses in the real estate. I am also into electronics and electrical services. I am also into hospitality and tourism.
Let’s digress a bit, a lot of people say you are politically conscious. In fact, many said you are very active in the Rochas Okorocha government?
To be honest with you, I am only a businessman. But as a stakeholder in the state, I should be able to support the government at any point in time. I work with any government because my interest is the interest of the people. I also contribute my own quota by giving our unemployed brothers jobs. By doing so, I have discouraged them from indulging in criminal activities or other forms of social vices. And that is what I’m doing here in Imo State and anywhere my business is located.
You are addressed as an evangelist, how close are you to God?
Very close to God.
How is family life?
Family life is awesome. I have a stable home and I thank God for my lovely wife and children. I have a comfortable home and family support in everything I’m doing. There are challenges but I don’t run away from them.
So, how do you juggle family life with business?
There is no problem at all. The family is business itself. If you can’t run your home, you can’t manage your business well.
To digress a bit, there is this story that you have issues with one of your tenants (Toyin Alakiu)?
I can’t remember because I don’t manage my property. I don’t know my tenants one on one. So, if there are issues as you are insinuating, it would be handled by them.
And only recently, Nigeria lost an elder statesman, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu…
Ojukwu’s death is a big loss to the nation. And for us Ndi Igbo, we’ve lost a rallying point. I don’t know who will step into his big shoes. I know a lot of politicians of Igbo origin work for their selfish interests. They only think about their pocket. They don’t think about the people or the next generation. They don’t think about Nigerians at large.
-UCHE OLEHI
This story was first published in Encomium Weekly on Tuesday, December 27, 2011
