Interview with Bade Adesemowo of bincom.net

Today, we caught up with Bade, the founder of Bincom ICT solutions and the winner of The Future Awards, Best Use of Technology 2010. He shared with us his journey so far and plans ahead.

WTN: First, congrats on your last award and recent Joomla day Nigeria, you are really an inspiration!

Bade: Thank you. The award was totally unexpected. I would say it is God oh! For Joomla Day, we truly believe in Open source, though we did not get as much support as we expected (it was the 3rd edition) , we are glad the event was successful.

WTN: Let’s meet you

Bade: My name is Bade Adesemowo. I am an ICT consultant. I presently serve as Deputy Group Head [Development] in Bincom ICT solutions. I  studied electrical engineering from Unilag. I have a few certification in various areas of IT (A+, prince2, Itil, microsoft e.t.c) . I would say I am an  open source ambassador though I work more with social media right now  . Oh and recently, I won future awards for best use of technology.

WTN: Can you share with us, your startup experience?

Bade: I always knew i would be starting a company before I left school. though the plan then was to work for about 3 years first (in then Celtel). The company literally started with a boy, his laptop , with a phone and his car trunk for office. We eventually started using my room as an office , moving the bed out during the day. Back then all we used to do was web development. But we grew very fast first as a team and then in our service areas. Lets just say God is blessing us .

WTN: Your view about business adoption of internet?

Bade: Businesses adoption of the the internet is still in its infancy stage. The level is far from the potentials possible. But I would not hesitate to say that we are growing, gradually but surely.

WTN: How is getting businesses interested in web presence generally?

Bade: It depends generally on the client. Some clients are already in search for a solution so it is easier to facilitate best use of tech for their needs. The converse are clients that you generally have to identify the issues and then proffer a solution . And then “fight” the management to implement change and some times fight their accounts to realease enough funds.

WTN: What is your view about the Nigerian Internet market?

Bade: It is growing. I mean it is easy to look around us now (LAGOS) to find people that have a version of mobile internet or the other. But then in the other areas of nigeria , Almost every body I know are always on facebook and at worst facebook mobile. But then those are the people I know. I do know statistics say that penetration is currently less than 10%.

WTN: Investors & technologist, what do you think is missing, money or innovation?

Bade: I think money is not an issue if there is innovation. However, it is considerably harder to get financing for ideas in Nigeria.  I also believe in  thinking big , starting small and growing fast.

WTN: How has growing the Joomla User group been, any updates?

Bade: Truthfully, we have not been able to do any meetings since the last Joomla Day in December 2009 . We are looking forward to having some sort of meet up sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2010. It may however be a CMS meet-up and not necessarily just joomla. These things cost us a lot in terms of resources, time and finance. We truly want to give back as much as possible to the open source community

WTN: Joomla University, what is the turnout like?

Bade: The turnout was weak at the beginning (last april) but very gradually the Joomla!Uni has grown into formidable brand. We ran a version of the beginner class with NTA lagos recently.

PS: we are starting Drupal trainings in May too .

WTN: Internet connections in Nigeria, what’s your view about it?

Bade: Our broadband is like a quarter of the speed in the UK . I think it can be better. One of the challenges is the

WTN: If you are not doing web business which business would you have been doing?

Bade: Probably communication, I studied electrical engineering, you see.

WTN: Going forward, what should we expect from your company?

Bade: Best Use of Technology I guess. We have some great plans for 2010 . Our social media arm is growing . We just finished a project for one of the leading banking brands. It should launch before you publish this. We also started a management ICT strategy and training service. Ultimately, We are growing as an organisation .

WTN: For our internet market to grow at a faster rate, what should we do as investors, technologist, entrepreneur, business and government?

WTN: I guess the challenge is competition. If more people are willing to invest (and not just in money) in this sector, other industry leaders would sit up. The truth is that these things are not difficult.. The problem is the “WILL” .

WTN: What do you have for budding entrepreneurs?

Bade: Well we are starting Bincom ICT career talk bimonthly from April 17 . It is specifically designed to answer questions of young people considering careers in ICT and maybe also budding entrepreneurs. We intend to bring industry leaders in Nigeria to give talks to their potential protegees . Basically creating a mentoring platform in ICT . This is one of our main CSR goals for 2010 . http://www.bincom.net/ict-career-talk

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Interview with ishopinlondon.com CEO

The web industry in Nigeria as continued its growth this 2010, new sites are launching everyday. Today, i interviewed the CEO of ishopinlondon.com a UK based Nigerian site that allows Nigerians to shop abroad and recieve their items anywhere in Nigeria.The site will be opened for business on the 18th February 2010.

WTN=Web Trends Nigeria

WTN: Can we meet you?

Chiemeka: Firstly, I must express our appreciation for the invitation to do this interview. My name is Chiemeka Ozumba, and as a co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of ishopinlondon.com, the challenge of developing and building this online venture into a great success falls to my lot. My background is in Public Relations and Brand Development with hands on experience in graphics designing.

WTN: Tell us about your site, ishopinlondon.com

Chiemeka:        ishopinlondon.com is basically an online shopping portal that will avail Nigerians with the golden opportunity of shopping online for authentic designer labels and high quality products from top high street shops in the United Kingdom. For household goods, electronics, tools, fashion, toys, wedding things, books and many more: Our customers can place orders for products of any quantity and value and we will deliver it to their door anywhere in Nigeria! The site is elegantly designed with a very user-friendly interface. It is really a beautiful website Nigerians will enjoy and be proud of.

WTN:     What is your expectation of the Nigerian Internet market?

Chiemeka:        Sincerely Shittu, the expectation is positive. You know that Nigerians are Internet savvy, love the good things of life and are keen for any online experience, which contributes to the fulfillment of their life aspirations. Our brand as a lifestyle brand is designed for this. We are not only providing goods and services, most importantly, we are offering an experience.

WTN.     Looking at your site, it’s a full ecommerce site, what are the hurdles and drawback you think could have helped make things faster and cheaper?

Chiemeka:        Well, in life hurdles and drawbacks are challenges and they are laden with opportunity. We see only prospects, because where there are challenges there is possibility. That is our resolute view of the situation. And we believe that at this stage in the development of ecommerce in Nigeria, more entrepreneurs need to invest in this sector to help position our country as the African leaders in ecommerce. This is what we are doing and we see ourselves as joining many like you who are keenly working towards this goal.

WTN.    Do you have a local representative?

Chiemeka:        Yes we do. We have a full-fledged office based in Ikeja Lagos State run by our General Manager in charge of our Nigerian Operations. We also have nine service points across the country ensuring that the benefits that ishopinlondon.com has for Nigerians reach them wherever they are. By the end of this quarter, according to our plans, we would have set up an additional 5 service points making our operations fully national.

WTN.    What should we expect from your site as you continue the journey?

Chiemeka:        Expect innovation! Expect excellence!! Expect great customer care!!! We will not compromise standards. We will invest in customer loyalty reward schemes because we believe that the customer deserves something extra for his or her patronage. We will support small retailers. We will encourage young startups. We will contribute significantly to the development of ecommerce in Nigeria.

WTN.     A piece of advice for budding entrepreneurs…

Chiemeka:        Dream big! Believe resolutely. Learn expansively. Plan extensively. Go for it. Do it. And never look back. Never doubt. But never be over confident! Stay the course. And as my grandfather always said: sticking to it is the victory thereof.

WTN.     What else will you like to share with our readers?

Chiemeka:        As ishopinlondon.com launches on Thursday 18^th February 2010, I will like to say to your readers that ishopinlondon.com is a people oriented enterprise. We believe in people. We invest in people. We are open to hear your views, your suggestions and even your criticisms. So that we can learn from you the best way we can serve you to your satisfaction and happiness. And you know, I cannot possibly end without saying this: After having a critical look at your website, we are impressed with the work Webtrendsng is doing, which is contributing to development of the internet as well as online ventures in Nigeria. Well-done Shittu.

WTN: Thank you very much Chiemeka.

Chiemeka: You are welcome.

Website: ishopinlondon.com
Facebook Page: ishopinlondon.com on Facebook

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YesideFashionStore.com; Nigerian Online Fashion Store

If you are live on Facebook you might as well have heard about this newly launched online fashion store. Owned by a U.K based young Nigerian couple Yeside and Martin. I fired an interview with Yeside, the CEO of the company, she relayed her passion for fashion and vision for the Nigerian customers.

By the way, this is our first interview of the year, so I say congrat to Yeside! Read below, it such an inspiration!

WTN= Web Trends Nigeria

WTN: Can we get to know you?

Yeside: My Name is Mrs Yeside Asekun. Martin and I co own www.YesideFashionStore.com and www.facebook.com/yesidefashionstores1, No 1 Online Fashion Store, Nigeria.Yeside Fashion Stores.

WTN: Take us into the world of Yeside Fashion Stores, how it started, when it started and how long you have been around?

Yeside: Yeside Fashion Stores Offers clothes and fashion accessories to the Nigeria public anywhere in Nigeria. We are committed to getting Quality fashion trends to anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria at great value for money.

WTN: What inspired you to start an online store in Nigeria?

Yeside: The need to increase volume inspired me to start an online store. I felt the internet will give me the opportunity to sell to someone in Sokoto while the warehouse was in Lagos and the more i thought about it the more i loved it. I knew there will surely be women in other parts of Nigeria who want what we  sell and will gladly shop with us if only they could see it. so i started a website but it did not take off then i moved to facebook and now we combine the two.

WTN: Do you get good response from Nigerians?

Yeside: Nigerian women are so fashion fierce even when they are running simple errands. I am so inspired. We are so fashionable and love to look good. They put all this pieces together and seal it with confidence and they always come back for more. The only thing is i will like to see more individualistic fashion you know the “i am different from you and this is my style kind of thing”!

WTN: You never worked for anybody since you left school, where did the capital to start the business come from?

Yeside: The capital came from my savings from the selling of fashion items while in school as well as from my parents and my husband…basically i raided everybody..lol.

WTN: Let’s deviate a bit, please gist us about life in Babcock University with the compulsory wearing of skirts, no meat and all the rules. 6. I miss Babcock University!

Yeside: Basically it’s a simple environment with rules that are very clear like everywhere else and if you abide by the rules you get rewarded with a degree subject to how hard you work in your academics, however if you do not abide by the rules you get punished. The rule i did not like was the no meat even though right now i am deliberately cutting down on red meat in my

WTN: You started selling clothes from when you were in Babcock University, any particular love for clothes?

Yeside: I love clothes, everything we sell i could wear and if not for my husband i probably will… Retailing fashion is just something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s my passion. I love luxury. I like dressing up but my personal style is quite individualistic and simple yet girlie girl.

WTN: How did you move from a group on Facebook to opening your own website?

Yeside: We are very fortunate to have found facebook as it has given us a terrific reach to our target market and it continues to do that as we have most of our stock at our shop on facebook where we add over 500 new items every week for pre-order at www.facebook.com/yesidefashionstores1 along with our website where we sell items already in Nigeria.

WTN: Any ATM fraud issues for customers that pay online?

Yeside: We have never had any issues with ATM Fraud, We use interswitch which is very secure they are encrypted by VeriSign which is what other international payment gateways use as well i.e. PayPal. Please pay as long as you see the pay secure sign at check out.

WTN: Any plans of expanding the online stores farther than the online base it is on now?

Yeside: The business models of a physical retail shop and an online retail shop is so different the only disadvantage of having a web shop is that it’s extremely difficult to get the emotional side of the transaction across on the internet i.e. you cannot smile to a customer who walks into your web shop so you are left very vulnerable indeed.

The internet is such a new world that you cannot really beat your chest and say this is what the future will bring unlike the physical market where you can read up history and learn from other people’s past mistakes. We have managed so far with using the trial and error tactics and focusing on consumer behaviour on the internet, but who knows what the future brings.

WTN: You are barely 30 and yet you have been able to build up a brand for yourself, how did you achieve this?

Yeside: I’ve been very fortunate and I thank God for this. Basically we are an observant company that communicates clarity of what we offer and are consistent with what we offer. We have a simple business model which gives us the ability to make long term strategic decisions rather than short term financial decisions and i believe that this is what will keep us in any of our businesses for the next 50 years or more…

WTN: Do you think Nigerians are open enough to online shopping?

Yeside: Online shopping is very convenient. In the last few years we have seen a tremendous soar in the paychecks of people with readymade jobs and that comes at a price and that is none availability of time for other things i.e. shopping. So our target market has embraced online shopping because of its strength of being convenient.

WTN: Any major challenges while starting up and presently?

Yeside: We will love for every home in Nigeria to have cheap broadband like other parts of the world, it’s a great challenge. We keep working on our supply chain, it’s a lot better than it used to be but basically the cheap broadband will be the ultimate icing on the cake. It will push our business to phenomenal heights.

WTN: How do you go about getting your goods?

Yeside: When we first started we chose price over quality and that was great and did well with the customers but now we have expanded our target market from just students to the working class young trendy women as well. So we now place convenience and quality over price thereby giving great value for money.

WTN: A lot of young Nigerians sit at home waiting to get a readymade job, Why do you think they are not trying to start up something for themselves like you did?

Yeside: I personally believe everyone has something of value they can exchange for something that is valuable to them i.e paycheck.I have nothing against getting a Job but sitting at home and not exchanging value for value can be detrimental i.e short term Hunger or even lasting poverty.

WTN: If you were to do something else other than your current business, what will you go into?

Yeside: When we studied Maslow’s hierarchy of need at school ,I was quite fascinated and because of this i learnt to invest in what people need.
We are currently into Poultry Farming and look forward to expanding in this but the ultimate icing on the cake will be Real Estate, its such a billionaire’s game that i have no idea where to start from but that is where i will love to go to.

WTN: You do home delivery too? How does that work? Do customers get that for free?

We deliver to anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria no matter how remote, though what we charge for delivery is a paltry fee compared to getting on the airplane or bus to come down to our warehouse. At the risk of repeating myself it’s incredibly convenient to shop online with us.

WTN: Is delivery limited to Lagos only?

No we are not limited to Lagos!!!

We deliver to anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria no matter how remote.

WTN: Where do you see yourself in about five years from now?

Yeside: I will love to be wearing some big shoes like Alhaji Dangote’s shoes or its equivalent.

WTN: Advice to young Nigerians out there that might want to follow your footsteps?

Yeside:. Do not doubt yourself or think you can fail despite what is happening now, just be very positive.

If there’s anything negative, avoid it.

Don’t get too stressed out about what people say or what other people think.

Be a creator of new ideas, new formulas and new ways of solving problems i.e. if Mr. A has created a broom then his customers will soon need a dustpan so you solve their problem by creating a dustpan and they in turn reward you for it.

Give to charity by blessing others, finally and most important thank the Almighty and customers all the time.

WTN: Thank you for your time Yeside!

Yeside: You are wlecome!

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Camerborn.com gets 2Million funding to launch next year

As the wave of internet startups rave through Africa, Cameroonian technopreneur Mambe Churchill  Nanje gets funding for his next startup. Camerborn.com somewhat of naijaborn.com is targeted at Cameroonians home and abroad to showcase themselves. The funding of CFA 2 million is around $4,561.23 USD which is enough to fund a startup in Africa. Mambe is the CEO of AfroVisioN Group and CTO of Naijaborn.com

I had a brief interview with Mambe just after announcing the founding on Facebook, read the excerpt below.

WTN: Web Trends Nigeria

WTN: what’s Camerborn.com all about?

Mambe: Camerborn.comis a product of SYS Networks Africa. It will be a social media ecosystem for Cameroonians at home and abroad…actually it’s a sister site of naijaborn.com

WTN: how many companies are behind this startup?

Mambe: one company runs it but it sub contracts AfroVisioN group and Qubestreet Media and entertainment for technology and media related work respectively.

WTN: Looking at it… it is a wonderful idea… how do you plan to carve a niche for it, considering competing sites like Facebook, Twitter and others?

Mambe: Camerborn.com will be for cameroonians at home and abroad. It will have highly targeted products and campaigns to the Cameroonian public something Facebook cannot do for a particular country.  Camerborn will have a REST API where Cameroonian developers will build applications targeted at Cameroonians at home and abroad and also helping them grow their business locally and internationally.

WTN: We realized you’ve just got funded; who are the funders… are they individual or corporate VC?

Mambe: The funders so far are individuals who are digging into their savings and investing into the product!

WTN: How was the fund raising process … what unique thing helped you get the funding and what was their response at first?

Mambe: The fund raising process was easy. I have done other projects with these guys and they love working with me. So when I introduced the idea to them. They realized it was a good one. And they also understand a lot in the media and internet world. So they decided to be a part of the movement.

WTN: what’s your plan on how to utilize the fund?

Mambe: we will register the company in Cameroon, pay bills. and spend some of the money on media (advertising, events, code camps) this way we can raise a camerborn.com developers group where they build apps and do their own business.

After that we will launch in all Douala and Yaoundé, then expand to launch in all university and higher institutes of learning.

WTN: How is internet usage in the universities like (in Cameroon)?

Mambe: the Internet usage in university towns in Cameroon is quite high because they have a culture of using the internet for research and studies. Also for catching with their friends that left high school and went to Europe or just talking with their loved ones!

WTN: So when do we expect the first beta version?

Mambe: First quarter of 2010 hopefully March 2010.

WTN: Thank you for your time.

Mambe: Your welcome and thanks for the opportunity.

Update: Francis Oghuma of naijaborn.com is also a co-founder of this site.

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Digital Sense Forum, Interview with the Organizer

Tomorrow is the D day for the highly anticipated Forum. All stakeholders in the IT industry is coming together to discuss internet in Nigeria. In this interview with the organizer, Mrs. Nweke said, it is meant for the startups to link-up with the who is who in the industry. So if you are a Technopreneur, make sure you keep a date at the event tomorrow at Golden Gate Restaurant in Lagos. Event details here.

Read the interview below. WTN = Web Trends Nigeria.

WTN: Can we meet you ma?

Mrs. Nweke: I am Nkemdilim Nweke (Mrs.) Executive Director (Operations) Digital Sense Africa(DSA). DSA is an initiative of Remnek  Kommunications Ventures; a group of information and communications technology, public relation analysts and consultancy firm based in Lagos, with affiliation across Africa.

WTN: Digital Sense Forum, what is it about and what should we expect?

Mrs. Nweke: The Nigeria Digital Sense Forum is an annual rallying point for Nigerian internet stakeholders in raising and addressing salient issues concerning the ICT sector with particular reference to the Internet Governance-related issues and development in Nigeria, as well as showcasing Internet-based products.

WTN: Who are who should we expect and  have they confirmed their coming?

Mrs. Nweke: In view of the fact that speakers at the forum are notable and respected people in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, you will  be seeing a group of ICT technocrats share experience, views, and their well researched stands on  the subject matter “Internet Governance: Creating Opportunities for all Nigerians.”

Considering the importance and timing of this all-embracing topic, you will be seeing the Hon. Minister of Information and Communications, Prof Dora Akunyili, who will be formally declaring the event open, The Minister of State, for information and communications, Alhaji Ikra Aliyu Bilbis. Hon. Commissioners for science and Technology, Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Hamza as (chief host), Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe will deliver the keynote address; Directors of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Managing Directors of ICT Companies, as well as ICANN the world internet agency, of course, will be represented at the Nigeria Digital Sense Forum by the Liaison officer, Ms Anne Rachel Inne.

WTN: What impact will this forum have on the internet market in Nigeria?

Mrs. Nweke: The major impact is that the forum would afford Nigeria and Nigerians to articulate a stand(s), to serve as an expose to the government on stakeholders’ expectations and roles as concern Internet governance and development in the country for global competitiveness.

The forum will have major operators and ISPs displaying internet-base products to give participants the opportunity to see what is obtainable now and the enormous potentials inherent in the present day technologies with reference to the internet and as a result of this expose more and more people will realize the importance of the internet and patronise these internet products which will in no little way grow the internet market.

WTN: What do you have in schedule for the startup community in Nigeria, Entrepreneurs?

Mrs. Nweke: The startup communities in the Nigeria internet market should explore the enormous opportunities offered by this forum, because it is basically meant for them. They are the ones we had in mind when planning this forum and we hope it will benefit optimally.

WTN:  What can you say about the Nigerian internet market?

Mrs. Nweke: It is a market that needs to be explored positively for the national growth and economic growth of the citizenry. There are lots of things people can do to earn legitimate money and at the same time promote the image of the country and themselves as well as building trust among entrepreneurs in the country. So there are opportunities,but Nigerians need to know about these opportunities so as to benefit. Information is the key this age.

WTN: Where do you see the Internet market in Nigeria in the next 5-10years?

Mrs. Nweke: I see the biggest internet market in Africa and one of the first 10 in the world in the next 10 years.

WTN: What word do you have for the general stakeholders in the industry?

Mrs. Nweke: The Nigerian internet market is fast growing because looking at where we are coming from to having about 11 million users as at the last count from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), you will agree with me that it is fast growing.

The stakeholders who I see in the generality of Nigerians should not leave things for the government alone, and beyond this, advocacy must continue to move with the pace of development for global competitiveness.

Thank you very much for taking your time to talk to us.

Mrs. Nweke:

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Webtrendsng.com Interview with Muoka Anthony

Today I will be giving you an excerpt of the interview I conducted with Anthony Muoka, a veteran Internet marketer. I met Toni some 4 years ago when I was fully into online marketing, today he has become a guru in the industry and have made millions of Naira over the years. He’s a revelation of the potential of the Internet and how applicable it is in Nigeria. This kick start a series I will be having with various business models experts in Nigeria. There are a lot of ways Nigerians are making money on the internet; I will get in touch with them all as fast as I could. Enjoy this excerpt.

WTN is Web Trends Nigeria in this interview so take note.

WTN: Toni can we know your full name please?

Toni: I’m Muoka Nnabueze Anthony

WTN: Like how many Years have you spent in the Industry?

Toni: About 6years.

WTN: Wonderful, you sure have surpassed 5 years threshold of a startup, so can you give definition of Internet Marketing and how important it is to business?

Toni: Internet marketing, or online marketing, is evolving into a broader mix of components a          company can use as a means of increasing sales – even if your business is done completely online, partly online, or completely offline. The decision to use Internet marketing as part of a company’s overall marketing strategy is strictly up to the company of course, but as a rule, Internet marketing is becoming an increasingly important part of nearly every company’s marketing mix. For online businesses, it is the only form of marketing being practiced.

WTN: I understand you are into Multilevel Marketing (MLM) can you give us a view of what it is?

Toni: MLM is a relationship business, it is about helping people build a business or focusing on your customers for your products and services using a networking marketing system plan, to reward customers for recommending  the product/service they bought/used to others and get rewarded at different levels for their effort.

WTN: Is there any different between affiliate programs and Network Marketing?

Toni: Yes, let’s look at them from each definition to get the difference, Affiliate programs, are programs where other people known as affiliates, agree to advertise for the sponsor’s site. In return, they receive commission or residual payment. This is also known as word of mouth advertising, but it is done through a network of affiliates who assist the website in getting the word out. While Network marketing is a relationship business, it is about helping people build a business or focusing on your customers for your products and services using a networking marketing  system plan, to reward customers for recommending  the product/service they bought/used to others and get rewarded at different              levels for their effort.

WTN: So, like how many MLM and Affiliates programs have you participated since you began?

Toni: There are so many of them, the ones I can remember are as follows; Goldlynks, 22usd,team2gold, AHF, Incometraveller, Clubfreedom, Canadian diamond traders, Diamondcashclub, Getawayclub ,Travel Access Club, Holidays and cash etc.

WTN: What’s your Yearly income for the past 4-5 years;

Toni: Between $5,000-$10,000

WTN: Do you operate on your name or your company name?

Toni: Yes I operate with the name of my company.
WTN: Great, so, how many staff do you employ?

Toni: Since I operate in the network marketing industry, i have only one staff(my                     secretary),the rest are my partners.

WTN: How many programs are you currently engaging in?

Toni: Just One,www.holidaysandcash.com/multibiz

WTN: Like how many people do you have in your network?

Toni: Hundreds of them.

WTN: What is your prediction of the MLM/Affiliate programs in the next 4-5years?

Toni: The MLM industry which based on human resources is fast becoming the best business venture in the future.

WTN: What word do you have for an aspiring Internet Marketers?

Toni: My advice is that aspiring internet marketers have to understand that there is no elevator to success but the staircase. Slow and steady wins the race. Just keep your focus in view.

WTN: Great! Toni, it’s a wonderful time with you. I do appreciate your time, Thank you.

Toni: You are welcome!

You can contact Toni on his website located at www.tonimuoka.com . Have you engaged in any form of network marketing or MLM or Affiliate programs? Share your experience below.

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Video Interview with ‘Gbenga Sesan; Developing Web industry in Nigeria

I caught up with ‘Gbenga Sesan on Sunday at the last ACES Nigeria meeting (of which am proud member), then we got talking on ways to develop the web industry in Nigeria. He shared is informed view on developing the industry, what businesses can do, what technopreneur can do and the future of the web in Nigeria. ‘Gbenga Sesan is one of Nigeria’s top IT personalities and we’ve profiled him as one the most influential Nigerians on the internet.

I hope you will find this video interesting; this is our first video interview in our beta platform. Aside from the answers he gave in the interview, I believe you have something to add to it as a stakeholder in the industry. Drop  comment below, let’s chart the course!

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Interview with Jobberman.com team

Below is the interview we conducted with Jobberman CEO Ayodeji Adewunmi, he took us through the mission of Jobberman and what should expect.

Jobberman.com is a newly launched job search and career development website. Powering its site with web 2.0 with a solid team to take it to the next level.

Enjoy reading….

In your on word, What is Jobberman about?

We launched our Beta on August 16, 2009. Throughout we found that the traditional methods available to us were slow, difficult, and ineffective. Meanwhile we were well aware that highly qualified candidates throughout the world interested in finding jobs in Nigeria had significant difficulty finding information on opportunities in the country. You will agree with me there are a lot of Nigerians in the Diaspora, 17 million according to a recent report in The Guardian. Jobberman would bridge the gap between opportunity and talent creating an information marketplace where job seeker and employer could find each other quickly, easily, and cost-effectively.

Jobberman is a job search and career development web site, providing next-generation recruitment solutions in Nigeria. Jobberman is the most intuitive job search engine in Nigeria and integrates the best of web 2.0 and social networking in finding the right talents, and jobs at the most competitive rates.

Can we meet the people behind jobberman.com?

Ayodeji Adewunmi
At Jobberman, Ayodeji Adewunmi guides the overall strategic orientation and business processes, a company he co-founded.  Ayodeji is an Internet strategist for 4 years, and one of the producers of the hugely successful BarCamp Nigeria.

Olalekan Olude
At Jobberman, Olalekan Olude oversees and provides directions for the company’s marketing initiatives and guides its financial management system. His role involves sales, advertising, promotions and monetization of the company. Lekan has over 3 years of program management experience. He is currently on contract with the Operations Division of Goldman Sachs & Co London Offices where he works with a diverse team of world-class technologist.

Faisal Chohan
At Jobberman, Faisal Chohan is responsible for Jobberman’s business and product development, as well as corporate strategy. Faisal is an Internet veteran. Prior to Jobberman, in 2002, he successfully launched an Internet startup, Cogilent Solutions (www.cogilent.com), which currently runs and manages the largest job hunt portal in Pakistan (an enterprise 2.0 application) called, BrightSpyre (www.BrightSpyre.com).

Opeyemi Awoyemi
At Jobberman, Opeyemi Awoyemi oversees design and development of the company’s Web and software applications, a company he co-founded. At 16, Opeyemi was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and has not looked back since then.

Who are your target audience, obviously people searching for employment or what more?
The audience are job seekers (users) and employers or recruiters (clients). We cover a wide spectrum of people looking out for opportunities from full time employment, Internships to Freelance.

There are so many job search websites in Nigeria, don’t you think this is a challenging sector to venture into?

The competition makes it interesting, makes it fun, keeps the juices flowing, and it helps us to raise the bar. Keeping up with the joneses is quite tricky, so we had rather stay ahead. One of my corollaries in business is that it’s good to have a lot of competitors because educating a market is a very expansive proposition

Looking at your recent launch, and a really to become top 100 sites in Nigeria what has been your secret so far?

I think the secret is that there is no secret. We have concentrated on listening to the pulse of the market, getting a real sense of what people are looking out there for and keeping our feet-on-the-street kind of approach. We have been very bullish capitalizing on social networks and promoting the hell out of ourselves.

How do you intend satisfying your visitors/customers as you match to the top?

Our core differentiation is providing a “Wow” customer experience – this is our greatest obsession at Jobberman. We get every single email answered in 48 hours or less and go above and beyond to make sure we are creating value. In 4 weeks, we got our first testimonial from a user that got an Investment Analyst position at Verod Capital

In summary what should we expect from jobberman.com?

One word: Value – we are busy focusing on the real problems users and clients encounter in the recruitment process

On a personal note, what is your view of our current web industry and the future?

Nigeria is a sleeping giant, no doubt, with lots of potentials in the web space. I think the most important thing to get going is to engage a vibrant community of developers, web enthusiasts and technopreneurs. In the future, almost everything will go on the web as bandwidth increase and there are more local content – it’s only a matter of time, time here, I mean 3-5 years down the horizon.

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