What do you think is responsible for the exodus of Nigeria’s best brain to the foreign countries and how can it be checked?
Lack of infrastructure, adequate policies and a very weak judiciary and policing system to create an adequate environment for business and social life. There has to be restored confidence from foreign investors, our power situation has to improve, government has to enact policies to attract foreign investors and protect their rights and also adhere to agreements. With proper security, improved road network and regular power supply, Nigeria stands a very good chance competing with western economies
What is your assessment of the Ijaw National Congress and other socio-cultural groups?
The INC has come a long way. However there is still a long way to go. The lack of private investment in these social cultural groups has left them at the mercies of governments which makes. It impossible for them to be fair voices and checks to the ills of governments in regions where they operate. The INC, for example, needs to have a purse devoid of government. And also a seat on the table of government and decision making to enable them serve as a fourth force in addition to the legislature, judiciary and executive. I am passionate about government giving social cultural groups some kind of legal backing to check the excesses of other forms of government
Years after the implementation of resources control in the Niger Delta region, how would you assess the impact on the people?
Resource control may have been a good idea in an ideal society. However, governments in the areas where there has been agitation for resource control haven’t shown faithfulness in managing the current resource they have. It would be a disaster to allow them control their resources at this point. However, a gradual approach to resource control should be adopted.
Can you highlight the success of the UNGA and of what benefits to AASME in Nigeria?
The United Nations General Assembly gives the world and indeed Africa an opportunity for robust interactions and for AASME. As Vice President diaspora and opportunity to interact with individuals and corporate bodies with interest in the numerous investment opportunities in Africa. AAASME has always desired to set up a database of credible and viable SMEs across Africa. A database that would make it is easy for would be investors to communicate and interact with SMEs across Africa. By the click of a button, any investor can choose any area of investment, view startup opportunities, interact and make a choice on who and where to go. This would be the first of its kind in Africa. SMEs would be regularly screened and the data base updated monthly to promote growth in Africa. My office is currently on an information drive to connect businesses in diaspora with counterparts in Africa. AASME is aimed to be the most credible and updated vehicle to bring this connection. Upon my assumption into office as vice president, i set up an extensive research team that is made up of captains of industries in the diaspora to come up with a working document on the challenges in connection the diaspora with Africa business to ensure steady and speedy growth. This has led to the immediate need for a data base. AASME President Dr Ebiekure Eradiri has been very supportive in my quest to bring about this desired connection. I encourage every business in Africa to reach out to AAASME within the coming weeks to get register as a viable and credible SME. This registration is absolutely free but would require an extensive background check.
What can you say about access to fund for entrepreneurs and SMEs operators in Nigeria?
Nigeria SMEs have a very poor chance of growth. The major issue is financing. Access to finances has been hijacked by certain individuals who have made it impossible for small businesses to access and benefit. Also, the cost of doing business in Nigeria is extremely high due to the erratic power availability and road network for the production and distribution of goods and services. Nigeria needs to set up a very strong financial institution to serve the needs of SMEs. What is obtainable now in Nigeria does not support SME, they cannot meet the terms and conditions of these loans to start or grow their businesses. The private sector of huge manufacturers has made it impossible for small businesses to grow, and this is a sad reality. We have a greedy private sector and a nonchalant government. From commodities, health care, infrastructure, we do not have active and growing SMEs. Its either you are big or non existent. Nigeria cannot growth this way. AAASME aimed to be the game changer. We are not Nigeria, we are Africa and gladly we have a president of Nigerian origin. Change is coming and there is no stopping it.
How best do you think Nigeria grow its economies?
African leaders have shown deep ignorance in the growth potentials and benefits of SMEs. Poverty is getting worse because of the nonchalant attitude towards investment in the sector. The time is right to invest in institutions to promote small businesses. Training is one thing, but there also has to be mentorship. As vice president of AAASME for diaspora that has been a major challenge for me, but gladly my vast experience as an entrepreneur and a successful one at that gives me the necessary tools to impact knowledge.
What are your expectations from the federal government as far as the growth of SMEs is concerned?
Nigeria does not currently have any credible SMEs financial support institution. What they have are loan sharks. I really do not want to talk about it. It is very traumatic considering how many great ideas and startups that can never see the light of day. The growth of Nigeria’s economy must come in this order: End or reduce corruption, ?building and sustaining infrastructures that make investment possible, set up a strong judiciary to act as a check to defaulters and saboteurs. There has to be dire consequences to act as a deterrent, ?embark on marketing the new Nigeria with tangible proofs of change, educate, empower and protect SMEs from the greed of large corporations and de-tribalize beneficiaries of government support. This is a good start, and we can be sure of growth thereafter.
How do you view the total reliance on oil and gas to Nigerian economy?
Oil is the blessing that has become a curse to Nigeria. While he was Minister for Technology, Prof Turner Isoun asked that i embark on a tour of the eastern part of Nigeria and report. I have never seen a people so blessed and talented than the people of eastern Nigeria. Honestly, my question at that time was what do they need Nigeria for? Those guys are amazing. I do not want to promote ethnic sentiments but if the security situation improves in the east, I shall be the first person to invest in the east. I am from the southern part of Nigeria, Delta state in particular, and I am an Ijaw man, and also the financial secretary of INC of the Americas, the umbrella body that governs Ijaw affairs in America. I am by this privileged position privy to certain information about growth in this area.
The east is years ahead in development strides and an investment haven. All they need is to create a secured environment. I am ready to back up my statements with an investment of $58,000 to SMEs I have already identified. I am a believer in the growth process. A product of Gods mercies and foresight. I know that God who has never let me down shall continue to elevate my trajectory. Every society must operate on principles that are enshrined in God’s work. America is a testament to the fact that charity, integrity, selflessness, hard work, peace and patience are necessary for growth. Amazingly those are the fruits of the spirit as described by the Bible.
How do you intend to replicate your contribution to the US GDP growth in Nigeria?
I have long desired to come home and invest my knowledge into housing scheme. I am at the final stage of arrangements with the government of a South-South state to offer free training in building technology to 3,000 youth freely.
Skills such as plumbing, electrical and AC systems would be taught to youths in this region. This is my core plan give them a fair chance to compete with their pairs in the western region of Nigeria. My company spotless in minutes, shall also donate equipment to the best students. This equipment ranges from power tools to educational materials. Also, we shall offer training in financial management of SMEs to willing and dedicated participants. Already in Bayelsa state, our feed the hungry project has catered for over 800 persons in IDP camps. The medical intervention program that i sponsored has paid for medical intervention for over 70 persons and still ongoing.