There is no controversy about SMEs being the driving force of any economy. For a country to align with its vision for rapid economic development, focus on industrialization and the well being of its MSME sector must be of optimum priority . Over the years, the focal beam was diverted from the agricultural sector, which was the chief source of revenue for the Sub-Saharan country, to petroleum. This situation crippled advancements that could have been achieved from exportation. Nigeria is now coming to terms with the reality of gradually depleting petroleum resources and there is subsequent rekindled interest in revamping the agricultural sector to her former glory.
In a bid to improve on her economic situation, the federal government of Nigeria targets 200 million farmers in an agric intervention scheme. Other sectors of the economy are not left out too as 1.7 million businesses will be receiving financial support from the federal government.
Entrepreneur Livewire, as part of its commitment towards improving the MSME sector in Africa, is spotlighting budding and thriving businesses. We have been on the streets and had the honor of interviewing one of Nigeria’s growing agro business owner. Ifeoma Amara Onyiliofor is the CEO of Igor Agro Farms Ltd, a brand to watch out for. She gave an insight to what life is like as a Nigerian farmer and Entrepreneur, in her responses below.
What inspired you to start up as an agro-preneur?
My dad has always had farms around Lagos those days. Every plot of land he bought he ended up farming on them and he took us along, We hated it then but he kept encouraging us to go into farming even if it is not for commercial purpose. Today almost all my sibling have little farms here and there.
I would advice that what ever business you are interested in, keep researching on them. Don’t think you know it all.
Ifeoma A. Onyiliofor
The name IGOR FARMS, how did you come about it?
Igor farms was birthed from Igor Logistic Ltd which is the main comapny.
Can you share with us how you raised funds to start up your business?
I started small from my compound where I live, from there I decided to go back to my village where we had enough lands. I started with cassava plantation, then recently I added poultry. It was easy at first, my husband saw that I was really interested in this and he also invested in it.
How old is Igor farm?
Igor farms is about 3 years. There have been many ups and downs. There were times I threw in the towel saying farming isn’t for me but I still go back to it
How do you market your product? What channels and tactics have been most
Honestly this year will be my first major sales. I started small and there were so many mistakes along the line. From my cassava plantation, I process to garri for sale. I have been selling and making supplies to food stuff vendors. So I already have the market and the demand
Tell us a bit about staffing and organizational culture at Igor farms.
My farm is still a baby farm so I have like 3 staffs, my sons help out in the poultry side.
As the boss lady, how many hours a day do you put into your business?
Considering that I have a physical shop where I stay most of the time, I spend roughly 2 hours in the morning and when I come back I spend roughly 3 to 4 hours checking on my birds
What is your typical day like?
My days are just like…. I wake up, check on my birds, take my kids to school, go to my shop, if there are supplies, I do my supplies or I go marketing. Pick my kids from school take them to shop. Then back home to drop them and return to my shop
What is your favorite aspect of being an Entrepreneur?
My favorite aspect is, I plan my schedules. Which are mostly flexible
You definitely will have most satisfying moment in business, can you tell us?
Hmmmm! satisfying moment are when I did partnership on rice cultivation in Benue State and also, when I have a good understanding with farmers in other states in Nigeria, who are willing to work with me
What is your greatest fear/challenge in business and how do you manage it?
My greatest fear is waking up one day and finding my crops washed away by rain, which of course happened recently. Though is a very small farm, we had to wait and replant
What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?
I would say there is no easy business out there. There will always be challenges. It doesn’t matter how many times you fail, what matters is that each time you fail, get up and move!!!
Please advice intending entrepreneurs. What key activities should they invest their time in?
I would advice that what ever business you are interested in, keep researching on them. Don’t think you know it all.
Given a chance to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again, what would you do differently?
I would love for my farms to be in one state so I can coordinate them.
How has being in this business affected your family life?
It has really helped my family in a lot of ways. My kids can now tell the difference between a noiler and kuroiler. They are comfortable around the birds.
Okay, if you have the power, what three things would you change in your country’s current socio-economic situation?
i) Roads – is one magor factor affecting the distribution of Agro products
ii) Security – farmer should be able to go about the farming out fear of herds men. That is one reason I have not been able to visit benue state
iii) Electricity – a very big headache in our country today
Thank you Ifeoma Amara Onyiliofor for your time, we sincerely appreciate you and then hope we will get to come around sometime soon to celebrate your business expansion. All the best!
You can reach the CEO of Igor Farm on +2348034193914 for food supplies. They have the items listed below, in commercial quantity even for exports.
Address : 1 Hon Adam’s lane Ogombo, off Abraham Adesanya Ajah Lagos, Nigeria.
Rice
Honey
Irish potatoes
Yam
Garri
Palm oil
Egusi
Soyabeans
Maize
Groundnut
Eggs
And many more
- Nigerian Business License Guide - October 25, 2023
- Know Search Engine Optimization SEO - September 28, 2023
- META: Features For Businesses 2023 - September 26, 2023
