Celebrating the creativity and innovation of young Nigerians cannot be overemphasized. No doubt, Nigerians are one of the most innovative people in the world, when given the opportunity to thrive as they flourish despite harsh business conditions.
One of such young Nigerians is Kolapo Ogungbile, who has built a business from audio books and is looking to inspire others to follow his steps. Kolapo, a mentee on Mara Mentor, Nigeria’s largest online entrepreneurship community, dreams of building his startup, Talking bookz into the largest publisher and distributor of African authored audio books. Kolapo reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his entrepreneurial sojourn.
MM: Why did you choose to be an entrepreneur…why not a career professional?
KO: Entrepreneurship is a life calling for me. I can say I am from a family of entrepreneurs. Although, my parents are civil servants but they also own businesses. I got exposed to this at a very early age so it was easy for me to decide i want to be an entrepreneur. I see lot of opportunities around me and the best way for me to maximize these opportunities is by being an entrepreneur.
MM: How easy was it to transition from idea to business?
KO: It was not easy to transit from idea to business but the experience was worth it. I and my team member Damilola Aransiola, knew we had to have an open mind to be able to accept feedback and make the necessary tweak on the idea. Using the lean start-up methodology was also an eye opener for us while working on Talking bookz.
Passion Incubator also provided us with basic entrepreneurship training, internet and office space while working on the idea.
MM: Tell us about your business, what’s your vision for Talkingbookz?
KO: Talking Bookz is an audio book company providing access to unique African content and international best sellers. We are the first major online audio book store in Nigeria. We currently have 3000+ international best sellers on our platform with over 10 categories ranging from religious, fiction, non-fiction, business, management, motivational/self-help, children literature, biographies/memoirs and health and wellness.
Our users can download their favourite audio books directly to their mobile devices and laptops. They can listen to their audio books while commuting to work daily, travelling, relaxing or cooking. Our vision is to become the largest publisher and distributor of African authored audio books.
MM: What manner of support system do you think government/private sector can provide for young entrepreneurs?
KO: I think government should provide incubator/ accelerator centres across the country. This will foster development of entrepreneurs and businesses. Building a business is a tough journey, so such platforms will help lot of businesses across the country and reduce demise of awesome business ideas. Also, the process of business registration, accessibility to funds, bank opening and loans should also be made easier for start-ups and entrepreneurs.
MM: Your thoughts on the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria?
KO: E ntrepreneurship in Nigeria is beginning to get attention from philanthropists like Tony Elumelu. The technology ecosystem in Lagos known as Yabacon valley, which is private sector driven is also gaining momentum; government is also beginning to understand the crucial role entrepreneurship in the development so I believe the future of entrepreneurship is great and amazing business ideas will definitely come out of the shores of Nigeria that will transform Africa and the World.
MM: Thoughts on the role of mentorship to young entrepreneurs?
KO: Entrepreneurs in Nigeria do not really value mentorship, maybe they do not have access or understand the importance but Mara Mentor has been able to educate entrepreneurs and also connect them with Mentors, who are top business leaders. This has certainly transformed the way entrepreneurs think in terms of mentorship.
For more inspiring stories and resources on entrepreneurship, join the largest entrepreneurship community in Nigeria on www.mentor.mara.com or download the Mara Mentor app on Android, Apple, Blackberry, and Nokia stores. For inquiries, email: [email protected]
