‘To succeed as an entrepreneur, you must do something new’

Micheal Kehinde Ojo is the chief executive officer of Black Knight Protection. He is a security expert with vast experience in entrepreneurship. In this interview with JOSEPHINE OKOJIE, Ojo reveals what inspired him to establish a security business and what the government should do to address some challenges in the country.

Tell me a little about yourself

My name is Micheal Kehinde Olarewaju Ojo. I have Bachelor of Science degree (Bsc) in Marketing Statistics from North Middlesex University. In 2011 when I moved back to Nigeria I established a security company that is focused on events security. We provide security in three levels– event security, bodyguards and consultancy.

When did you start this business?

I started my business in 2011 and the business has grown. The company is now almost five years old. Now we have expanded into other kinds of security whereby we provide security for hotels, banks and residential apartments.

What inspired you to move into the business?

I was inspired to go security business because of the perception people have about Nigeria and even Nigerians themselves that are in the Diaspora. I wanted to change the fear and the negative perception that Nigerians are Kidnappers and that there is no security in the country. I had friends who were Nigerians but did not want to comeback because of the issue of security. I realised that there was a big need in the area of personal security in the country.

To start with, I decided to go into protocol security by taking training on security and I am now Security Industry Authority (SIA) certified. With my skills in SIA, I train my team with international to gain standard exposure and equip them with necessary skills. In 2011 I returned to the country and established my security business called Black Knight Protection Company. The firm provides bodyguards and escorts for Nigerians and foreigners who need special security.

What was your initial start-up capital and how would you say the business has grown since starting?

I started my business with about N10 million and the business is now worth over a N120 million. The business has grown tremendously since we started, such that we have even diversified into other kinds of security business.

What are the challenges you have faced since starting your business?

The biggest challenge I have faced since running my security business is lack of data and information of Nigerians. In the United Kingdom where I received my security training, there is a data base called Crime Report Bureau (CRB), where you can get every piece of information you need about anybody in the country with just a phone call while seated in your office. The case is different in Nigeria. There is no central system in Nigeria in which there is a data base of Nigerians that you can get information about people and even your staff because it is a security business. We say we are 170 million, but we cannot validate the identity of Nigerians. The government needs to create a data base security system for Nigerians just like what the banks are doing with the Bank verification Number (BVN). The government also needs to invest massively on Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. This will help reduce crime rate and provide necessary information needed by security operatives. Another major problem is the state of infrastructure in the country. Businesses fail to succeed because of the high cost of running a business and lack of key infrastructure like power and good roads. The recent scarcity of fuel was also a big problem for businesses. We have to queue for hours to get fuel for the vehicles we use in escorting our clients.

Do you work with the Nigerian police?

Yes. We are currently working with the Nigerian Police. We have five police stations we are working with currently. Whenever we have an event or an important personnel coming into the country, we offer them special arm of security, which provides able-bodied men that are security experts from our firm with escorts from the police. We have strong allies and relationship with the Nigerian Police. In the United Kingdom before you run a security business you must be SIA certified. I train my team with the experience I obtained from SIA and this is the advantage we have over our competitors. Security business is not about getting able-bodied men but equipping them with the psychology of security to be able to study the environment on how to have awareness about their environment.

Do you have employees?

Yes, I do, and our staff strength has grown tremendously. They are in two categories. We have freelance staff and the regular staff. Currently, I have 60 regular staff and about 25 freelance personnel. Our freelance personnel are called when we need them.

Who are your target clients?

My target audience includes the dignitaries, politicians, celebrities, expatriates, and professionals.

What is your advice to other entrepreneurs, especially young ones that want to venture into your kind of business?

I mentor quite a number of youths and I tell them that for you to succeed as an entrepreneur, you have to bring something that is new and unique in your line of business, which will make you competitive even with those that are already in the business.