The essence of life is to serve humanity -Oyewole
Seun Oyewole is the founder and CEO of Errand dot ng. He talks to BABATUNDE TUGBOBO about his business and other issues
Wwhat is your background?
I am currently pursuing a PhD in entrepreneurship at Babcock University, Ogun State; where I explore business growth strategies for SMEs in Lagos.
I am also an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria. I hold MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State; and an M.Phil in Business Administration from Babcock University.
Before that, I completed a bachelor's degree in economics from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
Did you have any corporate work experience before venturing into the logistics industry?
Yes, I had. I started my career as an accountant in 2002 at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (Trade and Credit Society). In 2008, I worked at Development Finance and Investment Company, Imo State, before joining Access Bank (formerly Intercontinental Bank), where I worked as an executive trainee in the business development unit from 2009 to 2012. Then , I worked as Head, Human Resources and Administration, Boff and Company Insurance Brokers Limited from 2012 to 2015.
As Founder and CEO of Errand Dot Ng Limited, Exponential Impact Development Center Limited and Comfy Interiors Limited, I am currently working full time leading the teams in these organisations. I'm an alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Foundation, and I'm currently a mentor there; training the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
What made you get into the logistics industry?
I imagined the future needs of businesses in Nigeria and the world in general, especially in logistics. E-commerce in Nigeria was new at that time, but I knew it was going to "blow up" and there would be a need to move goods from one point to another as soon as possible.
How much was your start-up capital and how did you raise it?
My initial capital was around $10,000. I got the initial capital as one of the winners of the first edition of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Foundation; as well as family and friends.
What major challenges did you face when starting the business?
There were many; having to deal with various government agencies, especially when trying to do things the right way, to bring employees with the right mindset to work; as well as funding issues.
Do you think there needs to be better regulation in the logistics industry?
Absolutely, yes. There are so many illegal operators (unlicensed individuals and companies) in the logistics space. But the good news is that the Mail and Logistics Regulatory Department, a branch of NIPOST, has been making concerted efforts, especially in Lagos, to clean up the sector for some time. However, there is still much to do.
How do you deal with the problem of insecurity when delivering goods?
We do this by educating our passengers and drivers to always meet their customers in public or open places. Additionally, we do not encourage cash transactions. Even more, we take insurance very seriously, especially in a country like ours, where there are a lot of uncertainties.
With the proliferation of logistics companies in the country, what should people pay attention to when patronizing one?
They need to pay attention to structure and process.
What motivates you?
I am passionate about service to humanity; powered by compassion.
Some people seem to have lost hope in Nigeria. Do you think the country deserves to be celebrated?
I can understand the feelings of many Nigerians. However, the fact that we are still together as a sovereign nation is something to celebrate, despite the problems the nation is facing.
What personal qualities helped you reach this stage in your career?
I think I'm still in the growth stage. I'm not where I should be yet, even though I'm not where I was. Nonetheless, some of the qualities that have helped me in my entrepreneurial odyssey include resilience, growth mindset versus fixed mindset, focus, continuous learning, long t.. .
Seun Oyewole is the founder and CEO of Errand dot ng. He talks to BABATUNDE TUGBOBO about his business and other issues
Wwhat is your background?
I am currently pursuing a PhD in entrepreneurship at Babcock University, Ogun State; where I explore business growth strategies for SMEs in Lagos.
I am also an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria. I hold MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State; and an M.Phil in Business Administration from Babcock University.
Before that, I completed a bachelor's degree in economics from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
Did you have any corporate work experience before venturing into the logistics industry?
Yes, I had. I started my career as an accountant in 2002 at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (Trade and Credit Society). In 2008, I worked at Development Finance and Investment Company, Imo State, before joining Access Bank (formerly Intercontinental Bank), where I worked as an executive trainee in the business development unit from 2009 to 2012. Then , I worked as Head, Human Resources and Administration, Boff and Company Insurance Brokers Limited from 2012 to 2015.
As Founder and CEO of Errand Dot Ng Limited, Exponential Impact Development Center Limited and Comfy Interiors Limited, I am currently working full time leading the teams in these organisations. I'm an alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Foundation, and I'm currently a mentor there; training the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
What made you get into the logistics industry?
I imagined the future needs of businesses in Nigeria and the world in general, especially in logistics. E-commerce in Nigeria was new at that time, but I knew it was going to "blow up" and there would be a need to move goods from one point to another as soon as possible.
How much was your start-up capital and how did you raise it?
My initial capital was around $10,000. I got the initial capital as one of the winners of the first edition of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Foundation; as well as family and friends.
What major challenges did you face when starting the business?
There were many; having to deal with various government agencies, especially when trying to do things the right way, to bring employees with the right mindset to work; as well as funding issues.
Do you think there needs to be better regulation in the logistics industry?
Absolutely, yes. There are so many illegal operators (unlicensed individuals and companies) in the logistics space. But the good news is that the Mail and Logistics Regulatory Department, a branch of NIPOST, has been making concerted efforts, especially in Lagos, to clean up the sector for some time. However, there is still much to do.
How do you deal with the problem of insecurity when delivering goods?
We do this by educating our passengers and drivers to always meet their customers in public or open places. Additionally, we do not encourage cash transactions. Even more, we take insurance very seriously, especially in a country like ours, where there are a lot of uncertainties.
With the proliferation of logistics companies in the country, what should people pay attention to when patronizing one?
They need to pay attention to structure and process.
What motivates you?
I am passionate about service to humanity; powered by compassion.
Some people seem to have lost hope in Nigeria. Do you think the country deserves to be celebrated?
I can understand the feelings of many Nigerians. However, the fact that we are still together as a sovereign nation is something to celebrate, despite the problems the nation is facing.
What personal qualities helped you reach this stage in your career?
I think I'm still in the growth stage. I'm not where I should be yet, even though I'm not where I was. Nonetheless, some of the qualities that have helped me in my entrepreneurial odyssey include resilience, growth mindset versus fixed mindset, focus, continuous learning, long t.. .
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