‘Business only survives when entrepreneurs set out the right plan’

Joseph Gabby is the Chief executive of Jonore Concept Limited, a hospitality outfit.  In this interview with Angel James, Gabby says that despite the challenges in the economy, a business can stand only when an entrepreneur sets out the right plan and does the right thing.

What was your capital when you started your business?

About  N5 million.

I know you have long-term plans. What are they? 

I plan to work harder and be unique in order to still attract those who will recognise us for who we are. We are focused. Our dream is to help  the community where we are. Seventy-five percent are still illiterate in this community, so if the opportunity is given to us, we are ready to make impact.

What are some of the challenges you have faced in your hospitality business?

Energy, roads, and communication. Communication is still poor in this country. When you place a call to reach someone and you get disconnected in the process of talking, I feel bad as a business man. I want to pick up a phone and call and know am talking and the tariff you are charging me is less.

The road is poor, totally bad.  These are the challenges we face. When people close their shops and want to relax and enjoy themselves after a long day, because of threats to life along the roads, everyone wants to dash home on time.  Yet the government will not recognise that.  They will still come for their taxes. So how do you pay your staff?

So what do you want government to do?

Well, government should help the hospitality industry to survive. The Bank of Industry is doing its best, but if you go there for funds, they tell you the credit they have is not for the hospitality industry. You go to commercial banks and the rates are too high.

So, most of us should really stand up. I just came out of a challenge with my bank, and that has taught me a lesson. The banks are there for themselves and not for the people. So if the government could just look into that, I think most of us will be happy.

 What do you have to say to the young Nigerian man who wants to become an entrepreneur like you?

As a full citizen of this country, be disciplined. Don’t lose hope; things will change.  If you can’t go to school, you can start as a mechanic or plumber. These are people we ignore here but are champions in other climes. Work hard and be determined.  For those in school, study hard and be the best.

To the entrepreneur, understand that a business can stand only when you set out the right plan and do the right thing.