By Taibat Ummi Yakubu 

 An entrepreneur, Mrs Anike Adeniran, has advised Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship and remain steadfast in pursuing legitimate business opportunities, regardless of their starting point.

Adeniran gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja while sharing her journey from a modest business startup to a growing enterprise.

She urged young people, particularly graduates, not to be discouraged by the prevailing economic challenges but to remain resilient and explore lawful ventures capable of improving their livelihoods.

Recounting how she started her business, Adeniran said she ventured into the provisions trade with a capital of N20,000 and displayed her goods on a table in front of her residence because she could not afford to rent a shop.

According to her, the decision to go into business came after spending more than a decade as a teacher in private schools, where low earnings made it difficult to meet family responsibilities.

“I am a graduate, a wife and a mother. My teaching job was not enough because I needed to support my husband, so I resigned and ventured into business,” she said.

“I started the business a year ago with just N20,000 and no shop. I bought goods, displayed them on a table and converted part of the entrance to my house into a shop.

“Today, I have goods worth more than N300,000 and record daily sales of at least N30,000,” she added.

Adeniran encouraged youths not to allow challenges deter them from pursuing their ambitions, stressing that determination, perseverance and prudent management of resources were essential ingredients for business success.

She said her experience demonstrated that small beginnings should not be underestimated, as consistent effort and commitment could lead to significant growth.

“God encourages us not to despise little beginnings. I started with a small capital and, by God’s grace, my story has changed.

“Do not allow anyone to discourage you. You can achieve your goals if you remain focused and do not give up,” she said.