10 Successful Entrepreneurs to Follow in Nigeria
Starting a business requires effort, determination, and a lot of hard work. That’s why it’s essential to learn from those who have already been down the road. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 successful entrepreneurs to follow in Nigeria and learn about what contributed to their remarkable achievements.
1. Mark Essien
Mark Essien is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Hotels.ng, which is one of the largest hotel booking sites in Nigeria. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering and an MBA from the Norwegian School of Business. Mark is also a developer and has worked with leading technology companies such as Siemens and Daimler. His passion for technology and tourism inspired him to create a platform that connects hotels with guests.
2. Sim Shagaya
Sim Shagaya is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Konga, which is an online marketplace in Nigeria. He holds a degree in Economics from George Washington University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. He has also worked with leading companies such as Google and Innoventures. His passion for technology and innovation led him to create Konga, which has grown to become one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Nigeria.
3. Linda Ikeji
Linda Ikeji is a Nigerian blogger and entrepreneur. She is best known for her blog, Linda Ikeji’s Blog, which is one of the most popular news and entertainment websites in Nigeria. She started her blog in 2006 and has since grown it into a media empire. Linda is also a successful investor and has invested in several Nigerian start-ups. Her passion for media and entrepreneurship inspired her to create a platform that connects people with the latest news and entertainment.
4. Jason Njoku
Jason Njoku is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of iROKO TV, which is one of the largest online streaming platforms in Africa. He holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Manchester and an MBA from the Cass Business School. He has also worked with leading companies such as Siemens and Shell. His passion for media and technology led him to create iROKO TV, which has revolutionized the entertainment industry in Nigeria and Africa.
5. Ifeanyi Ubah
Ifeanyi Ubah is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Capital Oil and Gas, which is one of the largest petroleum marketing companies in Nigeria. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Enugu State University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from California Southern University. He has also invested in several other businesses in Nigeria, including the Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club. His passion for business and entrepreneurship led him to create Capital Oil and Gas, which has grown to become one of the most successful companies in Nigeria.
6. Tara Fela-Durotoye
Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of House of Tara International, which is one of the leading beauty and makeup brands in Nigeria. She holds a degree in Law from the Lagos State University and has also earned a Professional Makeup Diploma from the prestigious London Academy of Freelance Makeup. Her passion for beauty and entrepreneurship inspired her to create House of Tara International, which has grown to become one of the most successful businesses in Nigeria.
7. Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of the Dangote Group, which is one of the largest conglomerates in Africa. He is also the richest person in Africa and has been ranked as one of the top 100 most powerful people in the world by Forbes. He holds a degree in Business Studies from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, and has also earned an honorary degree from the University of Ibadan. His passion for business and investment led him to create the Dangote Group, which has diversified into several industries, including cement, sugar, flour, and more.
8. Dele Momodu
Dele Momodu is a Nigerian journalist, publisher, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Ovation International, which is one of the most popular luxury lifestyle magazines in Nigeria. He holds a degree in Yoruba and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. His passion for journalism and entrepreneurship led him to create Ovation International, which has expanded to include other media ventures, including television and newspapers.
9. Folorunso Alakija
Folorunso Alakija is a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder of Famfa Oil Limited, which is one of the largest oil exploration companies in Nigeria. She holds a degree in Secretarial Studies from Pitman’s Central College, London, and has also earned a Diploma in Fashion Designing from the American College, London. Her passion for business and philanthropy led her to create Famfa Oil Limited, which has contributed to several social and economic development projects in Nigeria.
10. Tony Elumelu
Tony Elumelu is a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs. He holds a degree in Economics from Ambrose Alli University and an MBA from the University of Lagos. He has also worked with leading companies such as Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank. His passion for entrepreneurship and philanthropy led him to create the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has provided funding and mentorship to hundreds of successful African entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, entrepreneurship is a formidable journey that requires effort, planning, and hard work. However, we can gain valuable insights from successful entrepreneurs like those mentioned above, whose passion and dedication have led to remarkable achievements. By following in their footsteps, we can make our own mark in the world of business and entrepreneurship.
