STARTING A BUSINESS THAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH 1 MILLION NAIRA OR LESS.

In Nigeria now, less and less people seem to be interested in white collar jobs and even those with white collar jobs seem to have a backup business as everyone is practicing entrepreneurship! I remember doing GST 212 (Entrepreneurship studies) back in school and it really helped me to broaden my mindset, so when someone asked me what he could start with a million naira, I did some research and came up with the following; and I hope it helps you too.

1. Supermarket.

This is a thriving business in Nigeria as one cannot get enough of supermarkets in the country. People always need something, be it toothbrush or a cold drink, and a supermarket would be very handy. So, to achieve this goal, you should consider selling a wide range of things that will attract people to you. Renting a decent refrigerator, decoration, generator and inventory can be covered with a million naira or less depending on your capital.

2. Poultry farm.

Now let's be frank, who doesn't like chicken or eggs??  Everyone does and it’s also very lucrative. Starting up your farm and breeding poultry has a lot of profits in the long term. Basically, there are three types of poultry that makes wave in today’s market and they include:

a. The pullets popularly known as Layers: Layers are mainly reared for their impeccable egg production; and most lucrative but more stressful, compared to the other ones.

b. The Broiler Chicken: Broilers are reared mainly for meat production, The Broilers grow very fast and are ready for sale at 12 weeks from hatch, but they eat a lot and demand a lot of care and attention.

c. The Cockerel: This is also reared for meat production. . Cockerels grow slower and can take up to twenty four weeks before they are matured for marketing and sale. Cockerels are reliable in terms of survival and withstanding bad weathers. They are more resilient, and can absorb shocks far better than Layers and Broilers.

I have to admit that this business is down right stressful but what business isn't? You need to have appropriate information on the business before you start and also you should be very attentive to the poultry. Factors like a land 120 x 60 square metres would be good for starters, chicken cages should be gotten considering the poultry, day old chicks which cost about 250 or less and can be gotten cheaper when bought in bulk, that is 400 or more.

3. Sachet water business.

Come on! Its pure water as it’s popularly called! And it’s really the most consumed in Nigeria! To start this business, a factory should be opened near a conducive environment, register your business name, drill a borehole, Install overhead tanks (a reservoir to supply water to the distillation system), Install distillation system

Get NAFDAC registration, Automatic sealing machine (get the one that can seal about 40 sachets per minute, Nylon materials, Logo and product name printed on nylon material, manpower/labor: Operator (1) for a start, Driver (1) for a start, Motor Boys (2), Packer (2), Cleaner (1), Truck for distribution, Power Generating set- 25KVA

Running cost of between N 200,000 or thereabout minus rent for six months running. With time and dedication a lot of profit can be achieved

4. Importation of Android, Blackberry and IPhones.

Who doesn't like good phones? And considering that most people like to order, you could be the link. Start from little then build your way up, get customers, find a good importer probably from the UK. Used and new phones will work out well.

5. Catfish farming.

‘Point and kill’ or barbecue, anyone? Getting into this business, the basic knowledge should be studied. In whatever business you wish to do, adequate research should be carried out to avoid mistakes. Factors like land, constant water supply and pond construction should be considered. Know your market and what's in demand. In the country, the following catfish are found/can be reared and should be considered: Clarias nigro-digitatus, Heteroclarias, Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Heterobranchus sp (commonly found in the South Eastern part of Nigeria), Clarias spp (this specie dominates the south west) and so on. With concentration, adequate plan and a good research, this can be achieved.

6. Laundry and dry cleaning.

Due to hustle and bustle, less and less people have the time to do their laundry and this is where you come in. With a little amount, you can start up. Factors like: 12kg washing machine, 7.5kv generating plant or less, Dryer (for immediate delivery), Two pressing iron; steaming iron and ordinary iron; Two tables; one for washing and the other for ironing, Shelve(to place dry cleaned clothes), One standing industrial fan (wouldn’t you be hot after all the stress?), 1kg spraying can, Tagging gun, Buckets, brush, hangers, laundry nylon. Over time, profit will come in

7. Importation of designer clothes, shoes and bags.

Although I won’t advice you actually travel to Dubai, or any other country, personally to shop always, I suggest you can ask someone going there or purchase in wholesale online and have it shipped to you. Then you sell to high end boutiques. To do this you need to have an eye for fashion.

8. Tanker for water.

In some areas in Nigeria, water is scarce and a tanker of water costs about 5000. Consider your environment, as this works usually in the rural area and would require you getting a tanker and drivers and then sourcing for water.

9. Set up a recording studio.

There is no specific amount for this, as it depends on how big or small you wish to start. It is very lucrative, as music is a big thing now and artists will always seek for a studio. Factors like rent, music producers, sound engineers, need to be considered and would be a bonus if you are one! Interest in the music business is also necessary. To thrive well here, you need to have updated sound quality equipment to enhance the final outcome of the business.

10. Selling human hair.

Women will never get enough of this, besides it will always be in demand. Get good quality hair and even from your home you can sell this, advertise your goods, get contacts and you're set to go!

11. Selling goods online.

Find your market, what you would want, start small and sell online. Most people like online shopping. Make your site attractive as it will attract customers. Also register your business.

12. Stocks.

This should be carefully investigated before entering. A stock broker should be consulted and the profits here are not exactly immediately and it’s not an exact business. It involves taking risj=k, but like it’s said; it’s always risky to take a risk.

I hope I've been able to help, always remember that in whatever you want to do, research adequately.

New Age Producers

Nigeria is a country full of talents, and recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with an upcoming producer who has gone so far in the business but still has a whole lot more to go. I had an interesting chat with him and GEEKBEATZ, as he is called, is certainly someone the world should look out for this year.

What is your full name?

»Labar Solomon Nantip.

What is your stage name/producer name and how did you get it?

»Geekbeatz (back in secondary school my friends called me a geek because of my glasses, I guess it stuck, lol)

How did you come up with the idea of creating your own record label/becoming a producer?

»I used to drum on lockers at secondary school, I use drum To my favourite songs and also ideas I had in mind when one of my friends introduced me to "FL" a music production software, since then I started making my own beats as well as developed myself in that field.

How long have you been in the music business?

»I've been in the music game for 5years now.

 Apart from music what else do you do?

»Well I just finished school, I might start something but music is all I do right now.

I know you’re from Jos where so many musical acts like 2 face idibia, MI, Ice Prince, Jessie Jagz emerged from who are your mentors?

»My mentors from around here would include Jesse Jags, Chopstix, Internationally My mentors are Timberland and Pharrell Williams,

What artists have you worked with so far?

»I've worked with countless artistes from around Jos, I worked with Skales some time back on "Shining", also Blackah of Naija Ninjas

What artists would you love to work with?

»I'd love to work with Sound Sultan, Patoranking, Wizkid and a whole lot of other artistes.

What are the challenges you have faced so far as a young producer in Nigeria?

»As a young producer, the major challenge I, as well as other producers, have is a platform to be heard and seen.

What advice would you give to young people out there who have aspirations to be in the music business?

»I'd advice upcoming producers to up their game, try to be consistent, and most importantly to never give up on their dreams.

 Nice advice, I really look forward to more from him. He can be contacted below:

Twitter ID: Labar_Geekbeatz

Email Add: labarnantip@yahoo.com

  Some beats he has made includes:

·       FIRE-GEEKBEATZ feat PSM http://stagefixng.com/geeksessionsgeekbeatz-fire-feat-psm/

·       MAI ANGWA--GEEKBEATZ feat FROWLIQ http://www.nyatnation.com/tag/mai-angwa/

·       ADERONKE-GEEKBEATZ feat UNCLESWITCHE http://buzzentnet.com/geekbeatz-ft-uncleswitche-aderonke/

·       ME YARD-GEEKBEATZ feat Mr Komashal(psycmo) http://tooxclusive.com/downloadmp3/mista-komashal-yard/

To Hit or Not to Hit

So I was talking with my girls the other day, well more like arguing/having an interactive session about guys that beat their wives or girlfriends. First of all, a guy can't just wake up and start beating his woman unless he's been possessed by some certain demons, or has a p past history of his father beating his mother or has one issue or the other, which is why we should know who we end up marrying! Ask questions about his past, his family and so on, by asking you are never at a loss, as it will give you an insight on how your future together will look like. Because if he saw his father constantly beat his mother, he may think it’s right and will take that hand with you. Or if he was abused or molested as a child, this could also be another cause. Beatings can be lashed out because of anger or frustration on the man’s part, but, no matter what, I don't see any reason why a sane man should lay fingers on a woman. Honestly, women will talk; they've been talking right from time. Men out there should just learn how to accommodate and compromise that is why they are the head of the family.

And women even the bible in Colossians 3:18 says:

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord". The day you accepted to marry that man in the presence of your family and friends you agreed to give your all to him, and that also includes submission. He cannot be talking one and you're talking two. Something like three is bound to happen! When you're dating and your boyfriend hits you, you can easily leave him and go away but when you're married, you can't just up and leave, you might have kids to consider and you can't keep running away because it’s for better or for worse. But when it comes to a stage that he beats you daily without you provoking him, and he's taking out his frustrations and anger on you, then it’s time to make a move.

We talked about women that get beaten when they are still dating and believe that when they get married, he'll change. My dear let's be honest with ourselves, he's beating you when he hasn't met your parents or paid a single cent on your head, how will it be like when he does??? In a situation like that, prayer is the only key and leaving him would not be a bad idea. There are also women that provoke their guys because of the makeup gifts they get! Seriously why not just ask him instead of allowing him hit you then in the morning you get flashy things in return? Most women won't leave because of what society will say or because of love; because if a woman loves a man, she can stand anything.

Honestly, I still believe a man should have no reason to hit a woman, when we talk like we do and it gets too much, leave us alone. Go out, get some air and when you come back settle things. Don’t just start raising your manly hands to hit on a woman. It doesn’t say much about you being a man.

The Tale Of A Nigerian Woman

A wise man once said women under 26 unmarried or without kids is an endangered species. Funny but its actually true. In Africa, from childbirth, women are drilled about the need to find a partner, which is why it's no surprise that most undergraduates will start seeking a life partner at their penultimate years in the university and in final year, it's a 'do or die' affair, as almost all the girls in their final year will be using words like 'introduction', 'aso ebi' and so on. It gets worse as when asked 'what will you do after school?' Most answers are 'I'll get married na'. It's actually not as easy as it sounds, 'cause in their quest for feeling among and meeting up to societal demands, most young girls make rash decision and rush in and out of marriage. Most people mistake wedding for marriage,they don't think of the long term effects but only on who bakes their 3 tier cake, who takes their pre-wedding/wedding photos, if their wedding picture is on #bellanaija and so on. Finding love is a wonderful thing that should not be rushed into, because it all comes down to accepting someone else, their beliefs, ways, lifestyle and yes FAMILY. There are a lot of things to consider like: 
i. Are you spiritually compatible? Is he Catholic and you're Pentecostal? Are you of the same religion? Are you willing to change for his sake? 
ii. Do you know his long term goals? what he wishes to achieve in the future, where he sees himself in the next 3, 5,10 years? Because a man without a future or plans to have one is not yet a man, in my opinion. 
iii. Can you imagine yourself living with him? I'm not talking about your roommate you hate back in the university or your housemate that if they get on your last nerve you can change hostels or change houses, I'm talking about sharing a home! You have issues with your space or people touching your stuff, moving things, silly things like leaving the toilet seat up, laying things around have been known to break homes apart. So make sure you're willing to compromise for that special somebody. 

iv. Are your personalities compatible? Let's be frank, you both should not have the same temperament, you should be the cold to his hot, and last but not the least; 
v. Is he your friend? You should be able to tell him stuff about you,you shouldn't have to make him ask, just talk to him the way you talk to your bestie Adam or your bff Esther, it shouldn't be such a big deal!

These are just few things to consider,there are a lot more. You should not be doing it just because everybody else is doing it, after all, after the wedding everybody will leave you alone with him. We can't change the mentality of catching our fishes in our final year or during NYSC, 'cause, after all, this is Africa

The Unbelief Disease

Unbelief in oneself is a big strategy towards under-achievement if not complete failure in any endeavor one might delve into. It is like a terrible natural disease that torments an individual whenever taking a bold step towards doing something meaningful and remarkable is at hand and waiting to be accomplished.

One of the most disappointing aspect of this awful trend (unbelief) is the assurance it gives that one does not stand a chance or possess the skills to perform a given task at hand. Thus, withdrawal from a specific task most times under flimsy and self pleasing colourful excuses spring up as the pillar that gives support to the inability to break new grounds and make headway in life opportunities.

Disheartenly, unbelief in oneself as an unwelcome negative human spirit has won in the game of toying with people's future through fanning the embers of low self-esteem and unnecessary fear in people and folks alike.

Nowadays, it is never a thing of great astonishment to see an individual who is almost at the brink of accomplishing a feat allow his dreams to crack like an egg due to self delusion of "I can't do it."

This behavioral nuisance could be found among people in different spheres of life. Students and the generality of youths form the bedrock of people who have over time been afflicted with unbelief in their different abilities. It is quite normal to see a student categorically assert that he has no chance of getting a good grade in a particular course in school. Most people who have unfortunately found themselves in such a tight corner do not think of any possible chance or way of sailing through when any challenge of sort unfolds.

Unsurprisingly, with the fastness of a Cheetah the conclusion of "I can't do it" is made, perhaps, without any second thought. They feel coming out victorious in the challenge they are faced with is like turning water into wine or an attempt to make the sun shine in the middle of the night. This is sorrowful and demoralizing.

Uninterestingly, some come out in a different fashion of as long as "this particular lecturer is teaching this course, my chances of doing well is highly limited," as a result, inviting failure when it had not come their way.

Youths of our time want what is already made by some other person to be given to them on a golden platter. Sadly, that initiative, dexterity and driving spirit that sink despondency and inferiority complex seem to have evaporated out of their lives; is quite hard to see youths taking bold steps and doing note-worthy things that would be of utmost benefit to them and the society at large.

There is need for people to begin to discover and believe in themselves and who they are. This starts with thinking and self discovery of one's natural abilities coupled with the building of courage and confidence launched on the path of determination.

It is in you to believe in yourself and to have a positive mindset of always coming out successful in all life challenges and endeavors you may be confronted with. It is in you to tell yourself "you can do this" and come out tops. It is also in you to encourage others and plant the "I can do spirit" in them. This starts with you because it is in you to cure the unbelief disease in you and in others.

Written by JOHN CHUKWU

Nigeria Has Decided

                            photo credits: Nigerian Tribune

#NIGERIA HAS DECIDED. After Nigerians defied rainfall,sunshine,fustration from card readers,even sunlight as some votes were casted till late in the night on saturday and into sunday in some states. The results for the 2015 presidentia elections were finally collated yesterday. As announced by Prof Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission... "14 candidates, fielded by 14 political parties participated in the election. We'd like to announce the votes for each party" Acredited voters - 31,756,490 AA - 22, 125 ACPN - 40,311 AP - 30,673 ADC - 29,666 APA - 53,537 APC - 15,424,921 CPP - 36,300 HOPE - 7,435 KOWA - 13,076 NCP - 24, 455 PDP - 12,853,162 PPN - 24,475 UDP - 9,208 UPP - 18,220 Total valid votes - 28,587,564 Rejected votes - 844, 519 Total - 29,432,083 APC emerging the winner of the election having certified the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes in the elections closely followed by the incumbent president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,he gave a hearty congratulation speech to the APC and Nigerians as well as they made the econcluded elections peaceful,free and fair. He has indeed proven to the world that Nigeria can have a free and fair election without voilence. Come May 29, 2015, Nigeria will have a new president in the person of Gen. Mohammed Buhari and we can only hope that their motto 'change' will be for good and make Nigerians happy in their ruling.