Encomium
As 2013 is gradually winding up, business owners whose views we sought have reviewed it, expressing hopes that 2014 would have a brighter prospect.
TAYO AND TOSIN ODUNLAMI, Torge Events & Décor
Yes, it has been very good, thanks to Almighty God. Publicity through media, online presence and word of mouth has played a very big role in making this year a good one for us. We have been able to expand, grow our business and also increase our network of vendors. There has been a very good increase in clientele comprising both returning clients and new clients. This can be attributed to our commitment to giving our clients the very best.
We were able to source and get reliable staff which used to be a huge problem for us, as we now have very reliable and diligent staff working to make our job easier and less stressful.
We offer training programmes for would be event planners and decorators, and in 2012, there were a lot of inquiry for interior decoration training. So, part of our intention this year was to expand our training school to cover interior design/interior decoration as we are certified interior professionals as well. But it’s a sad thing that we couldn’t achieve it eventually.
We couldn’t achieve this due to economic situation of the country; high cost of the type of facility needed, coupled with agency fees and also bank requirements for loan plus high interest rate. All these made us put a hold on the project.
The industry is growing and people from all levels now appreciate and understand the services we provide, unlike past years. So in this coming year we intend to increase our clientele, and not just in the wedding industry, but in the corporate and other social event sectors. We also intend to achieve the interior training programme and so many other things.
SAMUEL IMONITE, Somolar Graphics
Yes, it has been rewarding and very good just that the goals of 2013 were not fully achieved. I didn’t achieve effective human management, but there are plans to adequately manage human resource. Limited time, I must tell you. I don’t really have enough time.
I am working on a lot of things, vision that will affect all areas of human endeavour.
UGO STEPHENS, Bullight Films
Business was very good in some areas I didn’t really expect. I had good increase in the number of artistes coming to study in my media academy. I did only just three productions this year unlike last year that I had seven productions.
The change in movie market, marketers complained bitterly of too much programmes and soap operas on air. So, most people prefer watching them instead of buying movies. My projection for 2014 is to expand my media art academy.
ADU BOSE, God’s Favour Schools
Yes, it has been rewarding for me. God has really helped me. I achieved all I set out for this year, even the ones I didn’t bargain for added it to me. I am working more on my career and also want to expand my business.
RINU ADEGBUJI, Rinu
God has been wonderful. It’s being good but it could have been better. This year had its ups and downs. I have been able to increase my clientele.
The only thing I couldn’t do is to structure my office. The only challenge I have is basically finance. I have so many projects, but I want to keep it low for now.
ORAKA NVYELU, Sulcata Entertainment
Of course, without any doubt, 2013 was a good year. In fact, God has blessed me beyond my expectations. I did not set out much goals but I thank God He made everything possible for me even the ones that I did not have on my mind.
My major projection for 2014 is taking entertainment to the next level.
OLAMIDE TEMITAYO, MADE Collections
When I started, it was hard getting my rhythm because most youths do the same buying and selling. The beginning was boring and it wasn’t motivating. But with the help of my friends and family, they helped with the publicity and it started coming up good in the long run.
It came out better than I expected. Only needed to calm down and believe it was what I wanted to do because I had competitors. Now, I believe I have made my mark in some parts and still working to be known more.
I planned to have an online store. I couldn’t achieve it in 2013 because I was scared of doing the same thing my competitors were doing. I was having doubts if it would work out for me like it did for them.
In 2014, I plan to have an online store and my own shop too. I plan taking my brand to the next level and make people patronize me.
TOBI AJANLEKOKO, Sprinkles and Cocktails
Yes, business was good and I thank the Almighty God. 2013 is a great year, but I did not achieve all my goals. My projection for 2014 is to be the best and to make an impact in my immediate environment.
TOYIN OYEDOLA, TeeTop Entertainment
We thank God for the grace and His blessings. Business was good to us in 2013. We expect more in 2014. We played at major shows in Lagos and beyond. We played at shows sponsored by corporate organizations like Coca-Cola, Guinness and Access Bank. We were also at Ojude Oba Festival.
I don’t think there is any we didn’t achieve. What I will say is we tried our best.
Time was responsible. Time moves fast than anyone can imagine. And as human, it is not possible to have everything achieved.
My projection for 2014 is to do more shows, to impress our clients with more better performance and to do my club tour in 2014.
LANRE AKINYEMI, Product 7 Clothings
Yes, business was good. We thank God for the many deals that came our way. At least in 2013, we became more popular, got more clients and we started clothing more celebrities.
We planned to do two fashion shows in the year but we ended up doing just one. Our sponsors couldn’t come up with the needed backing. We usually enjoy, things are a bit hard this period. I pray things come back to normal in 2014.
My projection for 2014 is to cloth more people, especially celebrities, do more fashion shows and do better wears.
IKECHUKWU OKONKWO
Yes, business was good. We had more modern ultra-sound scanning machines and other radio investigative equipment.
The returns on investment are not as profitable as it should be. It’s difficult for us to generate enough funds to do these purchases and also we have not been able to meet up with matching loan from banks for such expansion.
My projection for 2014, is to meet up with what I couldn’t meet this year and also attract better quality clients.
OLUMIDE COLUMBUS, Enzy Clothings
I would say business was fair to me in 2013. It was a mixture of good and bad but we thank God all the same.
I planned to expand my business to a particular level this year but financially I couldn’t. Hopefully 2014, would make a better year for me. My plans for 2014 are to enlarge my business and to get my brand to become prominent.
OGUNWALE GBEMISOLA, Fakozi Couture
I thank God for a good year, business wise. I had so many new clients this year. It’s been a very good year personally too. I don’t have any noteworthy complaint or challenge to talk about, God has been that good.
My plan for 2014 is to continue to come up with fresh designs, do more personal development and to take my business to a higher level.
OLAMIDE SMITH, Sweet Indulgence
Yes, business was good in 2013. We were able to reach a larger audience, both corporate and individuals. I also won an award which makes us very excited because that recognition for hard work, Baker of the year by Wed Magazine, organizers of Nigeria’s largest wedding exhibition. In all, I am grateful to God. It has been a good year. Massive expansion, we had plans to expand beyond our current capacity. Though we did expand not as anticipated. 2014 will be better by God’s grace.
The capital and staff strength required for such expansion wasn’t on ground.
In 2014, by the special grace of God, we anticipate an increase in clientele by introducing more varieties in flavour, creativity, improve customer service and customer relationship. In summary, we are raising the bar.
IKEDIUKWU OKONKWO, Medical practice
Business is basically facing a lot of challenges because of the economic crises. Though I am in the health sector, service oriented sector affects people positively and negatively. This year, business has not been boisterous as it used to be but I thank God.
The return we get for services are not because people are finding it difficult to pay for similar services.
I plan to introduce other equipment such as investigational equipment. My projection for 2014, is extending my business and getting more customers.
MR. LATIN
I would say 2013 has been very rewarding and fruitful. Although, movies have not been doing well due to the activities of pirates, we still have every reason to say thank you God.
I really appreciate what God has used me for in the year, through my foundation, save a life. I have been lives and I am still doing more. The major challenges have been funds and Nigeria’s challenges on its own which have impaired a lot of things.
The only new ways of doing things in 2014, is to be more dynamic in my approach to everything I set to achieve within the year. I believe strongly that things will turn out more successful in 2014. My foundation especially, will cut across some states, and even the shores of Nigeria.
SAIDI BALOGUN
Yes, business was good for me in 2013, but it could have been better if our government is sensitive to the plight of we entertainers by being serious and purposeful about the fight against pirates who are hell-bent in reaping where they didn’t sow. 2013 happens to be the year I premiered my much publicized and popular movie, You or I. So, Alamdulillah.
Although a lot of targets were set during the year but couldn’t be achieved due to economic problem and other challenges. I am still happy because I am alive, hale and hearty. There is no other new way of doing my things in 2014 than being more focused and hard working.
Then above all, commit whatever I embark on in the hands of God. Then concerning my expectation for next year, I am expecting a better and more fruitful 2014 by the special grace of God, in my life and career.
ELIZABETH ECHEWODO, Lizzy Stores
2013 was good in terms of business growth and opportunities. There were, however, targets we set that we couldn’t meet. For instance, we wanted to establish an outlet in Umuahia, Abia State but it didn’t work out.
There is hope in 2014, God being our helper.
ADEYOYIN ADENIKE
First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty God. I have been doing business for the past 26 years and I thank Him for bringing me this far. Talking about business, it’s not like before, so I would say for this year, we bless God. But it has not been very good.
And this is because times are changing and one needs to change with it as well. I actually thought I could expand in some areas but man proposes God disposes. For 2014, I am looking at getting trucks, bicycles to reach out to customer in every corner they maybe.
LYDIA MOSES, LM Events
2013 was good for me. We recorded a lot of successes in the area of getting more clients. We also met all our targets. We are looking forward to a better 2014 with the hope that more business opportunities would be available.
