How Esther’s agro business grew from N50, 000 to N3m

Esther Olanike is the CEO of Trinity Crown Science Laboratory and Entrepreneurship Service, a firm that provides science and agro-allied trainings to Nigerians willing to go into farming or laboratory services.
A graduated of Science Laboratory Technology from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Esther is currently based in Oyo State. She has been in the business for five years. Her business, which she started with N50,000, is now worth M3 million.
“We process agro produce like cassava into garri, flour and chips. This cannot be done without a workforce. My capital was 500,000 when I started. I used the money to buy raw materials and pay staff. I have always had interest in agriculture and my field of study now compliments it more,” she said.
Speaking on the potential in agro business, Esther said that, generally, agriculture has the potential for self- sustainability in terms of poverty eradication. She believes agriculture can provide a regular source of income for Nigerians and can always be relied upon as a major job creator which holds bright hopes for future generations.
“Agro processing can only be done by employing labour in the production process, either skilled or unskilled. So the processing company will recruit labourers for the production process and pay them for their services. Presently, my permanent staff members are only five and they do mostly administrative jobs,” she said.
“My challenge has been insufficient capital and high interest rate on loans when you borrow from banks. I believe as a nation, we need to cut down the interest rate to support agro businesses,” she stated.
“You just have to put in more efforts in order to pay back,” she said.
On her long-term plans, she said she would be happy to join the league of best agro processing companies in Nigeria and, internationally.
“I believe that nothing will hinder us from getting there,” she said..
She stressed the need for the government to create an enabling environment to grow small businesses.
She said if high-impact start-ups are assisted by the government, there will be more meaningful economic impact.
“Government can assist businesses by creating the right environment for SMEs. This will definitely diversify the economy by creating sustainable source of income and employment. This will also grow the local market and put local players ahead in the global market,” she said.
“The government is trying its best, but if I am sincere, they are not channelling resources to small businesses. Their focus is mainly on the political class who are only after money. If the banks can lend to small businesses and the government provides a guarantee, there will be multiplier effects on economy,” Esther explained.
He advised that people should find out their natural abilities and make money from them.
“There is a hidden skill bestowed in every individual. That’s what you can explore to make a living,” she admonished.

ANGEL JAMES