Founder, Parliamo Bambini ltd, Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti (left); Founder/CEO Kid Entrepreneurs, Bowale Agboade; Winner of the most innovative idea at Kid Entrepreneurs Business Fair, CEO Fashion House, Alexandra West; Founder, Parliamo Bambini ltd, Olamide Olatunbosun and the Mother of the Winner, Cynthia West during the Kid Entrepreneurs Business Fair in Lagos yesterday… PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN
To help children sharpen their entrepreneurship skills and encourage them in business, a non-governmental organisation, Kid Entrepreneurs, yesterday, held a business fair for children in Lagos to showcase their creativity.
Speaking at the event held at Filmhouse Imax Cinemas, Lekki, founder of Kid Entrepreneurs, Bowale Agboade, said the organisation is using the platform to encourage children, who have such skills as baking, cooking and sewing, among other talents, to develop and make money from them, rather than allowing such to waste.
She said the aim is to develop such skills as creativity, innovation, teamwork, and self-confidence in children, which schools don’t teach them.She explained that 80 children participated at the fair, where they displayed various wares and food items for sale.
At the event, Alexandra West, a nine-year-old, grade four student clinched the N20, 000 prize money for the Most Innovative Idea. Speaking on her child’s achievement, Mrs. Cynthia West, a businesswoman, said her daughter is very creative and has her total support.
Excited by the volume of sales recorded at the fair, the mother encouraged other children to start using their talents and creativities, as well as embrace handiwork. She also charged parents to keep supporting and encouraging their children in all their endeavours.
Some of the items available for sale include clothes, drawings, juices, cupcakes, cookies, plants, organic body products, and other accessories. The children did their best to attract customers with their sales skills, good customer service and the zeal to sell.The Guardian spoke to some of the children, who said they made the products they sold at the fair.
Ayomikun Tewe, owner of Frooti Island, a smoothie drink stand, is a 10-year-old grade 6 student.
How did you come about your drink recipe?
It is a combination of different fruits, which I produced myself. I just thought of doing something like this. I thought of making a drink with different fruits put together and I was able to do it.
Did you learn it from someone?
No, I did not learn it from anyone. I researched it myself and then made the drink. I started it two months ago.
What is your view on entrepreneurship for children?
I would say it helps to show that children can start anything at a young age.
Sheldon Joe-Udofia, a nine-year-old grade five student is owner of The One K Shop.
How do you feel being part of those selling at the fair?
I feel happy and I am grateful to God that I am here. It is a great experience for my family and I.
How do you see entrepreneurship?
I like it. I learnt a lot of things. It is a lovely experience for me. When I grow up, I will like to be a full time entrepreneur and employer of labour.
What are some of the items you are selling?
Fidget spinners, angry bird fans and balloons. All of them are under N1, 000.
Kiki Gusto, 10-year-old is a JSS 1 students and owner of Kaiow’s Creation.
How do you feel selling your products here?
I feel good because I know that at the end of the day, I am going to make profit, which will be able to cover all the things I bought and the workmanship.
You bought your products?
I did not actually buy them like they are now. Rather, I bought normal slippers and I decorated them, so that they are more beautiful. I did all this by myself.
How was the experience like decorating them?
It was a bit stressful. I had to do it from morning till night. And I had to continue the next day.
How much do you sell your slippers?
N2, 000, N2, 500 and N3, 000
Samantha Ossuetta is 10-year-old and is in grade 6. Together with her nine-year-old sister, Stephanie, they are the owners of Ajiko Brand.
What products are you selling?
Our products are hair packers, skirts, and jackets.
Did you buy or made them yourself?
No, we made them ourselves.
How did you do that?
Our mum paid for a tailor, whom we worked with to make the clothes. She implemented our ideas and help made the dresses to our specifications.
What would you like to say to other children about entrepreneurship?
It is very encouraging for young people to have their own businesses, because you do not know what may happen in the future. Nobody knows the future only God does. So, it is always good to have a back up. And that is the entrepreneurship.
Iretomiwa Oyebanjo, a nine-year-old, is in grade six. She is the owner of Ire’s Bands and Beads.
How do you feel to be called an entrepreneur?
Now I can sell beads. Before, I used to tell my mum that I wanted to sell it in front of our house. Now, I have the opportunity to sell beads and home decors. I am glad that I have that opportunity.
How do you see kid entrepreneurs?
It is a great idea, because children can start learning at tender age, and when they grow up, it would not be hard for them to become full-blown entrepreneurs and start selling things.
What is your advice for other children?
They should follow their dream and make it become a reality.
Alexandra West, nine-year-old is a grade four student. She is the brain behind Lexy Fashion House. She also emerged winner of the Most innovative Idea at the fair.
What are you selling?
I sell Ankara print glasses, Ankara print slippers, headbands and T-shirts. It is for everyone.
How did you get them?
I bought them myself. I was the one that chose the colours and materials.
How did you come up with all these products?
I was thinking about the things I could do. I found out that people have not yet started doing all these things much and I wanted something unique.
How long have you been doing it?
For one year. I do it anytime I am back from school. I do not allow it to disturb my education.
How would you describe the fair?
It is an opportunity to sell and make some money for myself. This is fun, and it has a lot of advantages for us as children, because you get to learn and make money.
Raheemah Mohammed, 11-year-old is in JSS 2. She is the CEO of R.A.I.S.H Designs, Apparels and More.
What are you selling?
We are selling slippers, pouches, make-up bags, clothes and paintings.
Did you make the paintings?
Yes. I got my inspirations from looking at designs from other people and I created my own.
What do you think about children becoming entrepreneurs?
I think parents should support their children more in this direction. My parents supported me and I think other children should also enjoy such support from their parents. I am very proud to be among the entrepreneurs and I hope to make up N60, 000.
Tomisin George, a six-year-old, is in class 3. She is an artist and brought some of her works to the fair.
What did you learn at the Kid Entrepreneurs Summer Camp?
The summer camp was fine. We stayed there for two weeks. I learnt how to paint and how to do different drawings. I started with colour pencils, but later I moved to real paint.
When did you start painting?
I started in January. I love painting.
What do you like about kid entrepreneurship?
I like the fact that kids make things and make money to buy anything they want.
Hello, my name is Nathaniel Ayobami . I'm a 22 year old student Nigeria .
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