David Oga: Caterer who grew his business to N43m in 6 yrs

David Oga is the founder of Oga Taste, a start-up that provides catering and event services in Lagos and its environs. Oga Taste is a subsidiary of Pioneers Entertainment Limited owned by David.

He was inspired to set up his entertainment business out of his desire to be financially independent and successful.

He started his entrepreneurship journey during his secondary education, unlike many of his mates who hardly knew their left from their right at that time.

“My entrepreneurship trait started far back from secondary school, while I was in St. Gregory College, Ikoyi. I developed the love for organising events, parties, birthday and soirée,” he said.

“For most of my friends then, it was just fun, but I was totally in it not just for the fun but for the money that would be made. After then, I moved on to printing and sales of shirts and invitations cards for people all in a bid to raise extra funds. With all the skills accumulated, I established Pioneers Entertainment,” David said.

The Political Science graduate started his business with N15, 000, an amount he spent on registering it then at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). With referral from family and friends, he was able to break even and make profits from events. Since starting, his business has grown tremendously and it is now worth about N43 million in assets and cash.

The business currently has 13 full-time staff members that carry out various duties for the successful running of the businesses.

The young entrepreneur purchases his raw commodities from local markets in Lagos and also sources directly from farmers.

The political scientist-turned-caterer has not had it all rosy. He contends with the pessimistic attitudes of potential clients and stereotyping in business.

“Being a young entrepreneur is not easy. Most people employ stereotypes; they believe it is almost impossible for a young man to have a catering business, hence people tend to almost initially look down on the brand,” the young entrepreneur said.

He said the business has been able to address the issue partially by providing excellent services to clients, who in turn recommend them to other prospective customers.

He also said that lack of adequate finance and epileptic power supply in the country are big challenges confronting businesses in the country.

David called on the government to provide single-digit interest rate loans for youths who have great business ideas, saying that young people can only play active roles in nation- building when they are adequately equipped to drive their business ideas.

Speaking on his expansion plans, the young entrepreneur said that he hopes to expand the business across Nigeria and the African continent.

He told Start-Up-Digest that despite high competition in the industry, his business has been able to survive because of innovation and creativity his team have introduced.

On his advice to other young entrepreneurs, David said, “We all chose this path for one reason or the other and for whatever reason it is, I urge that you strive to be the best in whatever field you find yourself and be consistent in whatever you do.”

“People will lay down their lives just to see you fail, but you owe it to yourself to be a success story. Impossibility should never be in your diary,” he added.

Josephine Okojie