The hum of eager chatter filled the hall as students from various departments settled into their seats, buzzing with anticipation. They were here for the “Entrepreneurship: The New Currency” workshop, an event organized by A Little Sleep A Little Slumber Empowerment Outreach. On the stage, the workshop’s facilitator, Barrister Tomi Ogunkelu, was still a few minutes away. To fill the time, Mrs. Joy Nweke, the organization’s Director of Admin, took the stage. With a warm smile, she began to engage the crowd.
“Good morning, everyone! I see some familiar faces,” she said, her voice clear and welcoming. “While we wait for our main facilitator, let’s get our minds working. Who here can tell me what an entrepreneur is?”
A few tentative hands went up. Mrs. Nweke pointed to a young woman in the front row.
“An entrepreneur is someone who starts a business,” the student replied.
“That’s a good start,” Mrs. Nweke said, nodding. “But it’s more than just starting a business. It’s about vision. It’s about seeing a problem and creating a solution. It’s about turning an idea into reality and taking the risk to make it happen. What makes a successful entrepreneur stand out from the rest?”
She walked around the stage, making eye contact with different students. “The key isn’t just a great idea; it’s a deep understanding of your craft. We call that specialization. If you’re a baker, you don’t just know how to mix flour and sugar; you’re an expert in different doughs and decorating techniques. This specialization makes you efficient and sets you apart from the competition.”
She paused, letting the thought sink in. “But what is it that gets you out of bed every morning to pursue that specialization? What’s the engine that drives the whole thing?”
“Ambition!” a voice from the back called out.
“Exactly,” Mrs. Nweke beamed. “Ambition is your fuel. It’s the driving force that keeps you going when things get tough.”
She then moved to a more serious topic. “Now, let’s talk about two things that can make or break a business: financial and legal literacy. I can’t stress this enough. You can have the best product in the world, but if you don’t understand your cash flow or the legal documents required to run a business, you’re building on a shaky foundation. These aren’t just ‘good-to-have’ skills; they’re essential capabilities.”
The floor was then opened for questions. A student asked about managing cash flow for a small craft business. Mrs. Nweke used her business as an example. “Think about your costs,” she said. “The price of your materials, the time you put in, and don’t forget the tiny things like electricity and transportation. Your price needs to cover all of that and still leave you with a profit. It’s about being meticulous and tracking every penny.”
Just as another student was about to ask a question, the doors at the back of the hall opened. Barrister Tomi Ogunkelu, the main facilitator, walked in with a purposeful stride, his presence immediately commanding attention. Mrs. Nweke smiled and gestured to the stage. “And now, our main event,” she announced to the students. “Let’s welcome Barrister Ogunkelu.”
