‘I hope to compete with Italian industries’ says graduate who turned shoe manufacturer

Please introduce yourself My name is Oyeniyan Joel Adeola, a graduate of Business Administration from Kaduna polytechnic (2012). I have a certificate in Foot Wear Manufacturing obtained from Leather, Research and Chemical Institute in Zaria in 2000. I had my Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) from Government College, Kaduna in 1994 while I obtained my […]

Please introduce yourself

My name is Oyeniyan Joel Adeola, a graduate of Business Administration from Kaduna polytechnic (2012). I have a certificate in Foot Wear Manufacturing obtained from Leather, Research and Chemical Institute in Zaria in 2000. I had my Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) from Government College, Kaduna in 1994 while I obtained my First School Leaving Certificate from Army Children School, Kaduna in 1988.
How did you come about shoe manufacturing?
I am into footwear manufacturing/production, I developed interest in footwear making based on the advice given by my father concerning skills acquisition. I was motivated by him to at least acquire a skill and I chose shoe making.
How long have you been in the business and how long did it take you to learn?
I have been in this business for the past 16 years. I started as an apprentice in 1992 when I was still in secondary school and by 1998 I was fortunate to open my own shop after acquiring the necessary skills. I learnt shoe making from the then KK Shoes at Dan-Wari street in Barnawa, Kaduna.
Why did you abandon the Business Administration certificate for foot wear productions?
In a country where testimonials do not equal testimony and certificates don’t satisfy, one cannot sacrifice what pays with what does not. As a trained Business Administrator, one is not only trained to be a manager but also to be an entrepreneur. So, I love being an entrepreneur because it pays to be one.
How much do you make from the business monthly?
The business is lucrative and for the fact that people must wear shoe and due to the dynamism in the fashion world, we study the market and produce what people want. I make about N100,000 monthly.
Who are your customers and where do you get materials for shoe making from?
My customers are basically people that are in love with customised shoes both young and old. Ninety percent of my materials are locally sourced.
What kind of shoes do you make and what do you charge for them?
I make cover shoes, sandals, slippers, casuals and customised shoes among others. Slippers can cost up to N2000. Most of my prices are determined by the choice of materials and design. I make at least ten pairs of sandals a day.
How much has the business helped you?
This business has helped me in paying my bills. It provided the money I sponsored myself with through higher institution. I am also happily married with two kids. My dreams for the business is to be an employer of labour and also make quality shoes that will compete favourably with foreign shoes from Italy, Brazil and Spain among other developed countries.
How many people work for you at the moment?
I have five boys undergoing training and I pay them a token daily in form of wages so as to encourage them.
What does it take for a starter to delve into your kind of business?
It takes interest, determination and tenacity for a starter to venture into the business of shoe making.
What other activities do you engage in apart from shoe making?
Outside shoe making, I also train corps members at the black gold orientation camp in Kaduna and after camp, I also take them on post camp training during their service year. I attend training workshops and seminars too.
What is your assessment of the unemployment rate in Nigeria and how do you think the Federal Government can tackle unemployment among youths?
The unemployment rate in Nigeria is among the highest in the world going by the number of graduates produced by our universities yearly. Entrepreneurship is the way out of the unfortunate situation of mass unemployment in Nigeria. Federal Government can tackle unemployment among youths by supporting the small and medium scale enterprises (SMSE).
What is your advice to unemployed youths who insist on white collar jobs?
My advice to the unemployed youths is that they should learn a trade; they should acquire a skill in order not to wait for jobs that are not there. Just a skill can change the story of your life for the better.