Egeonu, Ednet Computers  CEO, shows what Nigerian job seekers are missing

Bernard Egeonu is the chief executive of Ednet Computers Limited, a video gaming company. Egeonu believes that online shops are now redefining the way business is done, insisting that it is possible to start a tech business with zero capital. He speaks with Angel James, in this interview. 

How lucrative is the gaming business?

There are those who are game developers. There are those who actually test the game, who now verify when games are developed. They check the quality, standards, and gaming advances along with technology. I started in a very small shop but now have two shops. Money was flowing before, but now, it is a little slow due to recession.

What motivated you to go into this business?

I actually like games because the gaming world is a multi- billion dollar industry. People like relaxation; people like playing games, probably after news. Game is no longer for kids; game is for mature minds. There is sports game, fitness game, and there are games that teach you how to dance. Everything has been adapted to gaming. Companies have made their game development adapt to exercise, to keep fit and shape. That is why there are games for motion control. You don’t actually need the controller but you use your body to play  the game. So my motivation is that gaming is a multibillion- dollar industry. It keeps the young men away from unnecessary fellowship and gathering. Instead of going to a pub, mixing up with people you don’t like, you could possible buy whatever you want to drink in your house and engage yourself in games.

What was your capital when you started?

I have been in this business for 10 years at Alaba International Market in Lagos. All you need actually is the knowledge of the business, which is most important. You could start with whatever money you have but from my own side, we didn’t have that much, but I started with less than N100, 000.

So one does not need much money to start?

No, you don’t actually need much capital; all you need is sound mind and knowledge of the business.

Despite the poor state of the economy, you are still doing well. What is the secret?

Well, we are grateful for the coming of online platforms such as Jumia, Konga, Jiji ,and Kaymu, among others. Most of the e -commerce platforms have afforded us the big opportunity to reach out to buyers and sell to wider range buyers. You can have a store, advertise your products on Jiji, Konga, and they help you put them on the Internet. Their own responsibility is the promotion aspect of it. But what they actually require from you as a seller is to put quality products because they are very sensitive to the customers that actually visit their sites and want to supply correct and sound products that can stand the test of time.

Some sites don’t accept used or refurbished products but there are sites that allow sellers to list pre-owned goods. The Nigerian society is divided into classes of people. There are those who cannot afford the new products, while some people can. Some will want to rather buy the fairly used products because that is the one they can actually afford.

We actually know what the buyers want and make sure  we source the right products so that customers will see  the prices, descriptions and  pictures.

What have been your challenges?

It is not easy to access our customers in the business environment because of bad roads. People’s priority now is to pay their children’s school fees. So gaming is not even the fourth thing a family wants to buy now, except for the young people.

What can you advise young men who do not have anything doing now?

The advice is, if you are not idle in your mind, there are services people are really looking out for. Anything you have knowledge about, create a shop with one of the online platforms. If you cannot list it with Konga, Jumia, you can list it with Jiji.  In Jiji,  a customer calls you directly. Learn a particular work because even most of these platforms  advertise handiworks. Even if you are a carpenter or a tailor, place your services, show the kind of things you can do. There are people who live inside estates but they don’t know anybody within that environment.  Online has created an opportunity for people to be bosses on their own. The basic things you need  maybe computer or laptop.  Check your emails, go online to check your store and other little things.