Entrepreneurship Talk (Empowerment through Entrepreneurship)
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the air in the office was electric. The doors were swung wide, inviting a stream of sunlight and a group of eager students ready to soak up knowledge on achieving financial independence. The Director of admin, Mrs Joy Nweke, welcomed them, promising a wealth of insight from the day’s capacity-building training.
The facilitator was introduced: Bar. Tomi Ogunkelu, a respected member of the ALSALS Board. Bar. Ogunkelu began by thanking the attendees and sharing her own journey. She told a personal story of her transition from a practicing lawyer to a successful entrepreneur, highlighting how she went from arguing cases to baking cakes.
She spoke passionately about the realities of owning a business—both the rewarding benefits and the potential pitfalls if not managed with care. She emphasized that anyone can start from where they are, using their existing network of family and friends as a launchpad. Bar. Ogunkelu stressed the importance of reinvesting profits back into the business, explaining that this simple step is key to increasing growth and, ultimately, boosting income. She also underscored the critical role of passion, encouraging everyone to pursue a business they genuinely care about.
To end the talk, she presented an incredible opportunity. Bar. Ogunkelu offered to personally assist three students with their business registration on the condition that they develop a solid business plan. The offer was a powerful motivator, turning her words from a theoretical lesson into a tangible challenge. It was a perfect end to a talk that left the students feeling inspired and equipped to take the first steps on their entrepreneurial journey.
Key Takeaways from the Talk
* Start from where you are: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Utilize your immediate network of family and friends to get your business off the ground.
* Reinvest your profits: Instead of spending all your earnings, put a portion back into the business to fuel its growth and increase future revenue.
* Passion is your engine: A genuine love for what you do will keep you motivated through challenges and is a cornerstone of long-term success.
