Business

By Sabiu Abdullahi, Uzair Adam, Anwar Usman, Anas Abbas, Abdullahi Algasgaini, and Ibrahim Yunusa

As the summer season deepens across northern Nigeria, small business owners in various communities—from Kano to Kaduna, Jigawa to Bauchi—are raising the alarm over dwindling customer patronage.

The Daily Reality reports that the convergence of economic hardship, seasonal farming priorities, and insecurity is squeezing their operations, with many struggling to stay afloat.

Traditionally, the onset of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, beginning in May, signals a shift in consumer behavior.

For many local residents, it marks a transition from marketplace spending to full-scale agricultural engagement.

As people move into planting and harvesting, businesses dependent on daily and seasonal purchases are increasingly left behind. This year, that impact appears to be more pronounced than usual.

Hussain Ibrahim, a businessman at Kano’s Kofar Ruwa market, told The Daily Reality that while there is interest from customers, purchasing power has significantly weakened due to inflation and soaring prices.

He stated, “Although people want to patronize us, goods have become too expensive. The money you’d use to buy a ton of rod two years ago has doubled. Most people can’t keep up with the situation.”

He also attributed the crisis to the federal government’s removal of the fuel subsidy, which has drastically increased transportation costs.

Ibrahim added that, “Before, transporting goods from Lagos to Kano used to cost N800,000. Now, it’s N1.7 million. That alone inflates prices, and customers suffer for it.”

In Jigawa State, Umar Muhammad, a foodstuff dealer in Limawa, Dutse, highlighted another unique challenge: the irregularity of local civil servant salaries.

Muhammad said, “Our peak sales occur in the first and second weeks of the month when civil servants receive their pay. By the middle of the month, we might drop from N1 million in sales to just N200,000,” he revealed.

This pattern underscores how fragile small businesses are, relying heavily on public sector salary cycles for survival.

In Kaduna’s Zaria town, fertilizer dealer Yakubu Hussaini painted a bleak picture. According to him, the price hikes from suppliers—triggered by high import costs of raw materials—have slowed down the market significantly.

“The government’s decision to import maize, wheat, and rice discouraged many farmers. Coupled with the insecurity in rural areas, farmers are abandoning their lands. All of this has crushed demand for fertilizer,” he said.

As the rainy season approaches, and started in some areas, farming activities become top priority for most residents, further reducing commercial traffic in markets. This has hit businesses that depend on footfall the hardest.

Isah Mucika, a butcher at the Kwanar Ungogo abattoir in Kano, observed, “People are more focused on clearing their farms. I had to sell my motorcycle to invest in my farmland.”

He added that goods are seen as increasingly unaffordable, leading many to limit spending to farming essentials.

The story is the same in Bauchi, where a cosmetics seller said her weekly sales have been reduced to what she used to make in just two days.

“Now, people mostly buy only what they eat. Luxuries like cosmetics are no longer a priority,” she lamented.

A mobile phone dealer echoed her frustration. “Even fairly used phones are hard to sell. People come, ask for the price, and walk away. They’d rather fix their old phones than buy new ones.”

As small businesses continue to suffer under the weight of these intersecting challenges, local chambers of commerce and community leaders are calling for increased support for local enterprises.

There is a growing campaign urging residents to buy local, highlighting the social and economic ripple effects of every purchase.

“Supporting local businesses now is more important than ever. There is a strong connection between low patronage and the coming rainy season—but our collective choices can help cushion the impact.”

According to economic expert Abdulmalik Ibrahim, the low purchasing power of residents in northern Nigeria is a major factor behind the struggles faced by small businesses during this period.

Ibrahim pointed to a range of factors fueling the situation: high inflation, devaluation of the naira, and ongoing economic challenges that have shrunk household incomes.

He noted that Nigeria’s inflation rate reached 33.20% in March 2024, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford even basic necessities.

“The devaluation of the naira has pushed up the cost of imported goods, while economic instability and high unemployment have further reduced disposable incomes,” he explained.

Ibrahim added that rising prices for essentials like food, transport, and utilities have hit low-income households the hardest, reducing their spending power and affecting small businesses.

“Insecurity in farming communities and disruptions to supply chains have also driven up food prices, making the situation even worse,” he said.

He stressed that government borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria has contributed to inflation, further straining people’s ability to purchase goods and services.

“The combined impact of these factors is creating a harsh environment for small businesses across the region,” Ibrahim concluded.

By Anas Abbas

As the joyful Sallah festival approaches, local chicken, broiler chicken, and a unique breed known as “merger” producers are expressing concerns over a significant drop in patronage, which raises worries about the future of their businesses.

Traditionally, this festive season witnesses a surge in demand for chicken as families prepare to celebrate with delicious meals. However, this year, many farmers are facing an unprecedented challenge, including the high cost of chicken feed, losses of the chickens due to hot weather conditions, and low patronage.

In an interview with The Daily Reality, Mallam Shuaibu Ismail, a seasoned chicken seller and rearer, expressed his disappointment. “In previous years, we would have sold out most of our stock by now,” he said. “This time, however, the orders have been minimal, and it’s worrying. We rely on this season to sustain our families and businesses throughout the year.”

“Due to economic hardship, people are not supporting the local chicken businesses, and the chickens have been affected by an unexpected disease,” he added.

Jamila Sulaiman, a broiler rearer, expressed, “Sallah is usually a time of joy for us. We prepare for months in advance, but this year, many customers seem hesitant to buy. We hope that as the festival gets closer, people will start to purchase more, as the chickens are dying because of the sunny weather. Yesterday morning, I found three dead,” she stated.

“If people don’t buy, we will be at great risk as the price of broiler feed approaches 26000, compared to last year N8000,” she added.

The reasons for the low patronage are varied. Some producers attribute it to the rising cost of living and inflation, which have made it difficult for families to budget for festive meals. Others believe that changing consumer preferences and increased competition from larger poultry suppliers may also be contributing factors.

Despite these challenges, local rearers remain hopeful that demand will increase as Sallah approaches. “We are optimistic that people will remember the significance of Sallah meat for their families,” said Isuhu Wada.

“Purchasing the chicken benefits us and also boosts our economy, as we will spend the money on something else.”

As the festival approaches, local chicken farmers are urging consumers to support their businesses and keep the spirit of Sallah alive through communal meals and community support.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Ahmad Salkida, founder and CEO of HumAngle Media, laments the daunting challenges entrepreneurs face in Nigeria. With several years of experience and travels across 25 countries, he describes Nigeria as one of the most challenging environments for independent businesses.

Salkida points to excessive taxation and a lack of basic amenities, arguing that the legal framework fails to distinguish between social enterprises and traditional businesses. 

“The legal and regulatory framework fails to differentiate between social enterprises and traditional businesses, with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) focused solely on meeting unrealistic revenue targets at the expense of struggling businesses.

Success relies solely on relentless hard work and prayers,” Salkida stated, lamenting the physical and mental exhaustion that often comes with achieving success in such a challenging landscape. 

Salkida emphasizes the urgent necessity for systemic reforms to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu,

Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, grapples with a troubling paradox: soaring fuel prices and a meagre minimum wage. This contradiction underscores the harsh realities confronting millions living in a resource-rich nation.

Crude oil has long anchored Nigeria’s economy, generating substantial revenue and foreign exchange. Yet, the wealth rarely trickles down to ordinary citizens. Fuel, a key derivative of crude oil, remains prohibitively expensive due to deregulated markets, subsidy removal, and limited domestic refining capacity. 

Instead of refining its crude oil, Nigeria imports refined petroleum products, driving costs and straining an already fragile economy. The ripple effects are profound. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, inflating the prices of goods and services. Farmers transporting produce to markets, artisans powering tools, and businesses reliant on generators to offset erratic electricity endure immense burdens. 

Small-scale businesses are teetering on the brink of collapse, and consumers face relentless price hikes for basic necessities. These challenges are insurmountable for an average Nigerian earning ₦30,000–₦70,000, one of the world’s lowest minimum wages. 

Despite rising inflation and a depreciating naira, wages have remained stagnant, forcing workers into painful trade-offs: skipping meals, forgoing healthcare, or withdrawing children from school to survive. Experts widely view Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports as a colossal policy failure. 

The nation’s four state-owned refineries, once symbols of industrial pride, have devolved into monuments of inefficiency. Operating at less than 20% capacity for decades, these facilities consume billions in rehabilitation efforts with no meaningful outcomes, leaving the country reliant on costly imports.

Successive administrations have promised reforms to the oil and gas sector, but the results have disappointed. Corruption and a lack of political will perpetuate a cycle of waste and economic hardship.

Recent reforms, such as subsidy removal, aim to redirect funds to infrastructure and social welfare. However, these measures have worsened the immediate plight of citizens. Fuel prices have soared, deepening poverty and sparking protests. While the affluent and corporations may weather the storm, low-income earners face a relentless battle for survival.

Addressing these challenges demands transparent and decisive leadership. Revitalising local refineries is essential to reducing dependence on imports, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy. Exploring alternative energy sources like renewables can diversify the sector and alleviate pressure on oil dependency.

Revising the minimum wage to reflect inflation and the cost of living is equally critical. This adjustment would offer workers some reprieve and restore their purchasing power.

Nigeria must also prioritise institutional reforms to ensure accountability in managing its oil wealth. A transparent, well-regulated oil and gas sector could unlock enormous potential, transforming the nation from a land of paradoxes into shared prosperity.

For Nigeria to truly harness its vast resources, it must close the gap between its wealth and the welfare of its people. Affordable fuel and a living wage remain aspirations for millions—a dream that can only be realised through bold action, sustained commitment, and genuine prioritisation of the masses over vested interests.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a PRNigeria Communication Fellow. He wrote from Jos via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman 

The Gutenberg Prints Association of Nigeria has explained that Nigeria loses over N200 billion annually on printing books overseas. 

Mr. Adekunle Adebambo, the president of the association, said this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja. 

According to Adebambo, Nigeria has the capacity to provide all the printing equipment needed in the country, which will in turn promote the much-celebrated industrialisation and growth of the nation. 

He called on the federal government and relevant authorities concerned to improve local production capacity and implement policies that would ensure a stronger and more vibrant printing industry in the country. 

“There is no year that Nigeria does not spend over to N200billion minimum in printing books abroad. 

“Most school authorities have made it mandatory for students in nursery, primary and secondary schools to buy books which mostly produced abroad. 

“We are appealing to relevant stakeholders involved to look into this issue. Because we cannot industrialise when we have opportunities and we are not utilising it.” 

The president called on the Ministry of Education to partner with Nigerian universities to establish bachelor and postgraduate degree programs in printing technology and management. 

He further added that “with government, stakeholders, and Nigerian’s support, GUPPAN believes that we can build an industry that not only serves our country’s needs but also enhances its standing on the global stage. 

“The time has come for concerted action to correct past missteps, uphold the standards set by Act 24, 2007, and restore integrity to the Nigerian printing industry. 

“We urge the media to support us in highlighting these issues as together we can ensure a future where the Nigerian printing industry stands as a pillar of professionalism, innovation and national pride,” he said. 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the briefing was organised with the theme” Industrialisation: The Role of Printing Business and Enhanced Printing Profession, Challenges and Solutions.”

By Ibrahim El-Caleel

I have noticed one thing with artisans. A good number of them hate it when you ask them about their charges before commencing work on your item, be it electrical faults, plumbing issues or any other tasks. The prefer completing the job before telling you the price.

The underlying psychology here is for them to gain leverage in negotiation. By completing the task first, they position themselves in a stronger bargaining position. They will always argue that they have already done the job and they have really suffered to do so. This leaves you at their mercy, with some even framing their service to you as a massive favour.

However it goes, they will win. If you don’t pay as much as they want to charge you, then they will leave you with a guilt feeling about shortchanging them. An empathetic person will be prompted to add more money “just to clear his or her conscience”.

This is their psychology.

However, it is all your fault. No work should begin without a clear, mutually-agreed labour cost. It is akin to an employee signing an offer letter without a specified salary. Imagine starting a job as a Medical Doctor and your offer letter simply says, “we will pay you a monthly salary by 30th of every month.” No specified figure. What if at the end of the month the hospital pays you a salary of ₦17,500 while you were expecting ₦250,000? It’s absurd.

This is why both parties should agree on very clear terms before any work begins. If you meet your mechanic in his workshop, ask him how much he will fix your car’s Stabilizer & Ball Joints. Don’t agree with his vague assurances that, “No na Oga.. we are together”. Insist on knowing his charges upfront before the work begins.

Interestingly, this reminds me of an incident with Dr Sakynah some years back. After completing her shopping at the market, she hired a wheelbarrow boy to transport her goods and he brought them. When she asked him about his charging fee? He declined mentioning a figure, but told her “ko nawa ne ki bada; Allah Ya sa musu albarka”. Meaning, “just pay any amount of money; may God bless it”. She obliged and paid him ₦20, and that’s when he began murmuring.

“What happened again?”, she asked him.

“Haba. Ai ke ma kin san ya fi haka!” (Haba. You also know that this work deserves more than what you just paid), he replied.

She asked, ‘were you not the who said I could pay anything and may God bless it?’ So she asked him again, “how much is your money?”

Without any hesitation, he replied, “₦50!” And she now gave him his money. She could have paid him N200, and the guy would be happy that the strategy is working.

This is also another strategy artisans use to charge you more than what is their actual pay. They will tell you to simply pay any amount, no problem. I don’t know why any merchant would do this. Is it possible for me to go to a kiosk and pick a large loaf of bread, and then the kiosk owner will tell me to pay any amount? It’s impossible. So why do artisans issue labour with a blank price tag?

But then it is a strategy for price discrimination. You sell the same goods or service at different prices to different consumers. A seller is happy to do this, but a buyer feels uncomfortable. Some buyers even feel like they were swindled. This is the same strategy the e-CEOs of “DM for pricing” are using. They lure you to inbox, and sell a ₦2,000 kitchen utensil to you at ₦5,000; then lure your friend to inbox and sell the same product at ₦2,400.

As a buyer, you must be smart. Most sellers are already very smart. If you are not smart as a customer, they will maximize their profit out of your meager earnings. This is why they get richer annually while you either stay flat or decline. Sapa wan finish you.

Commercial Lawyers would say, “Caveat Emptor“, or “Let the Buyer Beware.”

By Aisha M Auyo

Introduction

With the rise in the cost of living, the removal of fuel subsidies, and other factors affecting the average Nigerian, I thought about how we could do something to augment our income. A business or service that will bring more into our account, known as a side hustle, depends on our skills and capital.

In this write-up, I will start with a business idea that requires ₦10,000 or less, and I plan to progress to a more complex skill and larger capital investment.

So, what’s a side hustle? A side hustle is an additional employment opportunity unrelated to a person’s full-time job that provides supplemental income. In other words, a side hustle is a way to earn extra income in addition to a full-time job. With the extra money, it may be easier to pay bills, contribute to savings, or assist with other expenses.

The additional income could also help turn your side hustle into a growing business. Unlike a part-time job, a side hustle usually offers more freedom and more control over what a person does, when they do it, and how many hours they devote to it.

Individuals can usually pursue a side hustle that involves their passions and talents, and some may eventually make their side hustle their primary career. If you’re interested in making extra money outside of your full-time job or want to explore a new career, consider starting a side hustle.

To pursue one successfully, it is helpful to choose the type that matches your interests, skills, and professional goals. Learning more about side hustles might allow you to earn money while doing something that engages you and gaining professional experience in a new field.

Benefits of having a side hustle

1. Gaining flexibility: Individuals typically manage the time they dedicate to their side hustle, making it easier to integrate into their existing schedule as full-time employees. By controlling their schedule, they can make their side hustle accommodate other events or commitments they have while still earning additional income. This may help them gain flexibility and maintain employment in their existing role while also pursuing their passion.

2. Improving your finances: A side hustle is a way to earn additional income in addition to a full-time job. With the extra money, it may be easier to pay bills, contribute to savings, or assist with other expenses. The additional income could also help turn your side hustle into a growing business.

3. Exploring Your Passions: One advantage of a side hustle is the opportunity to pursue a career you’re passionate about. Pursuing your passions as part of a side hustle may allow you to develop your side hustle into a career. You can also develop specific skills that may help make your side hustle successful.

In this article, I’ll discuss 16 ideas for side hustles you can try with a capital of ₦10,000 or less. They are as follows:

1. Tutor/Lesson Teacher: Many families seek extra help with their children’s schoolwork. Offering tutoring services can be a successful side hustle, and helping students can be rewarding. This side hustle may accommodate a full-time job since many tutors only work before or after school hours. I advise you to find students near your area so you can walk or commute for less than 500.

2. Babysitting: With many nursing mothers going to work or other engagements daily, the need for a babysitter has risen. Also, the lack of relatives and extended family households has given rise to mothers depending on others to help with their children. You can stay at the person’s home and look after their children, or the baby could be brought to you if you live in a baby-friendly environment.

3. Cleaner: This side hustle offers a variety of options, including cleaning residential homes and commercial businesses. Additional service options could include cleaning the interior, exterior, or both aspects of buildings. You may offer as many or as few of these services as you wish, and you could charge different prices depending on the service.

4. Car wash: Offer to wash cars in your neighborhood or find a local car wash where you can assist the owners when they’re overwhelmed.

5. Technology repairer: If you have an affinity for technology, a potential side hustle could be repairing technology. This could include fixing computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets. These devices are a big part of many people’s lives for work and leisure, and some pay for repairs on these devices. You may have the option to control how these repairs come to you, such as having them sent through the mail, having clients bring them to you, or picking them up yourself.

6. Rental property manager: If you own a residential or commercial space, renting it out could be a successful side hustle. Whether you rent it out short-term or long-term, and for businesses or vacations, there are many options and potential clients. You can either advertise on your own or use real estate sites or companies that can help you reach potential renters.

7. Personal trainer: Helping others reach their fitness goals can be a very rewarding side hustle. You can maintain a schedule of clients around your availability, and you could work at a public gym or park your facility if you have one. There are certifications and licenses you may be interested in earning as you enter this job field.

8. Tailoring: If you have experience in tailoring and sewing, another side hustle could be doing alterations. This is when a customer visits a tailor to have their garments altered to fit their bodies. A common example is wedding dresses, as many brides order dresses and have tailors alter the dresses to their exact measurements.

9. Plaiting hair: If you have the skill of plaiting hair, you can do this in your free time. If customers aren’t coming, you can offer to do home service in your neighborhood or places not far from your area. Home service also allows you to meet others who might want their hair done.

10. Henna design: In this era of women wanting to look their best, henna design has come to stay. Women want to adorn themselves with this natural product. If you have the skill of either red henna, dye, Rani, or Sajem design, offer to do it at your place or provide home services. These things sell and don’t cost a lot.

11. Manicure and pedicure: Working-class women and men want to pamper themselves and look their best. So, getting their nails, feet, and toes done is something they will need. The tools for this service may not cost up to 5k. Also, home service will work just as well if one doesn’t have space.

12. Roasting corn/plantain/yam: This business is ubiquitous, yet we can’t get enough of it. Try roasting on the roadside along a busy route in your area when you are free. Buying corn, plantain, or yam for a start-up won’t cost more than 2k, then add coal and a rack for roasting.

13. Making snacks: Making small chops or snacks for events or daily for schoolchildren and workers is another way to get a steady income. Parties and social functions are always coming up. You can even offer a home service where the client buys all the ingredients, and you make the snacks for them to refrigerate.

14. Selling drinks/Zobo/kunun aya: Depending on the weather, cold drinks always sell. But with the advent of health awareness and the vices of carbonated drinks, people are opting for natural drinks. Nonetheless, one can combine natural and carbonated drinks in a bucket with ice. This will cost less than 10k.

15. Selling fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are always needed, and not everyone has the luxury of going to the market or store every day. So, bringing these to their location will always be welcome, from cucumbers, bananas, plantains, peppers, carrots, or onions. One can always get a customer needing one of these.

16. Online advertisements: If you are an internet user, you can help with social media posting or managing business accounts. You can take videos or pictures of items and advertise them, then get paid for your efforts. If you have many contacts on WhatsApp, you can advertise products and services on your status and get paid for doing so.

Which of the above businesses sounds appealing or doable to you? Is this feature helpful? In what ways? Please share your thoughts with us.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a doctoral researcher in educational psychology, a wife, a mother of three, a homemaker, a chef, and a parenting/relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.

By Salisu Uba, PhD FCIPS

I have read some devastating news over the last couple of weeks in relation to the ecosystem in Africa, some promising startups are shutting down operations. I am sure the recent events will affect any potential investments in our startups.

I want to address some concerns around two contrasting paths that often emerge: the allure of rapid growth without immediate profitability versus the steadier route of slower growth with assured profits. Let’s explore these models and the lessons they hold for startups in attracting investment.

High Growth, No Profit: the temptation of business sprinting towards expansion, capturing attention with its rapid growth but yet to turn a profit (wework case study). These ventures entice investors seeking significant returns. They prioritize scaling up, seizing market shares, and envisioning a lucrative future, often emphasizing customer acquisition over immediate profitability.

Slow Growth, Steady Profits: the assurance one perhaps, on the other side, is progressing at a more measured pace prioritising sustainable growth and consistent profitability. While not racing ahead in growth, they maintain stability, focusing on operational efficiency, nurturing loyal customers, and ensuring profitability from the outset.

Investment Magnet: the high growth appeals to investors as it favours the high-growth model due to its potential for explosive returns. African startups are promising and bustling markets, venture capitalists are scouting for opportunities everywhere, and the allure of substantial growth can overshadow concerns about immediate profits, maybe! However, sustainable profitability forms the backbone of long-term success, offering stability even in market downturns (don’t aim for what’s not realistic).

Learning from Both Models: from experience, the winning formula for our startup founders is to glean invaluable lessons from both models. By embracing the innovation of high-growth ventures and adopting prudent financial practices from profitable businesses, a potent combination can emerge. Striving for growth with an eye on achieving profitability can attract investors while ensuring long-term viability.

Striking the balance between growth and profitability is to find the equilibrium between high growth and profitability. It involves building a robust foundation for scalability while ensuring financial viability in the long run. This hybrid approach could be the linchpin to captivate venture capitalists eyeing the burgeoning African startup landscape, offering excitement and stability in equal measure.

Perhaps as we always aim to make a positive impact and make economic progress, investment is key to a successful venture. Therefore in the quest for investment opportunities, startup founders and entrepreneurs should combine the dynamism of high growth with the solidity of profitability.

Salisu is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and a member of the CIPS Education Committee in the UK. He is the founder and CEO of NarQuest Limited – a supply chain technology company based in Glasgow, UK. 

By Tijjani Ahmad, FCA

Many complain about lack of capital as the major barrier to their dream venture. This is not always true. It is just an excuse. While capital is an essential factor, it is not the only factor. Because it is relative, you will find out the complainer is referring to financial capital in the form of large amounts of capital when you ask further.

In business, many things can give you the advantage that capital “alone” can’t give. But if you have them, they can jointly stimulate your journey more than capital.

Skills: Ensure you have the know-how of any venture you are interested in. The know-how will make you be considered an expert, and people want to see expertise in whatever they want to relate with. For example, if you are interested in carpentry or the fashion industry, here is how you can start:

Know the theoretical skill: There are thousands of free courses, videos, and tips for beginners. All you need is the smartphone you use to read this. If you consistently commit 2 hours to attend the right courses and watch YouTube videos for a month or two, you will master the trade.

Learn the practical skill: You can learn this through apprenticeship. It will take time, but it will surely pay. Just prepare yourself and be ready to learn. Many people are there looking for people like you who are ready to learn. 

With basic skills earned through courses and commitment to your apprenticeship, what is between you and becoming your own boss is tools and the right attitude. 

Tools: Own the tools. I know some will ask how I can get the tools without capital. Here are the ways:

Your skills will land you your first work; with this first work, your first tools are secured. And then your second job and second tools, and the cycle will continue. 

Two years ago, I had a plumbing problem. I reached out to a plumbers shop in our neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the boss wasn’t around, but his apprentices were. I asked one of them to come and fix my tap; it could be done in less than 15 minutes. But he said I should wait for his boss. He went for another work with the tools.

To my surprise, the cost of the tools needed to come and fix my tap was not more than N2,000, and his fee was not less than N1,000. Meaning two works like mine will earn him his first tools.

Attitude: “A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.” —Patricia Neal.

Attitude influences your action, response to challenges, incentives, and rewards. Attitude is not just about being positive or negative but also about being adaptable and willing to learn and grow. It will shape how you relate with yourself, your trainers, partners and customers.

Therefore, depending on your passion, expertise, location and resources available. Here are some of the businesses you can start with zero or negligible capital:

1. Farming and animal rearing 

2. Content creation, copywriting, coaching and vlogging

3. Consultancy service and remote jobs

4. Cleaning and laundry services 

5. Gardening and landscaping 

6. Event planning and management 

7. Sports centre facilitation 

8. Mini processing, packaging, printing services, 

9. Web design and development, marketing, commission agent 

10. Fashion design, makeup art

I wish you all the best.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

314,159 dollars a Pi

One of the grand sagas that have been taking public attention is the issue of the Pi network. This project is said to be launched early in 2019. All potential subscribers need to come on board is a smartphone and data.

It depends on when one starts and how often they mine. But some pioneers (those who register for the crypto) have mined as much as 10000 Pis. However, the contentious saga that has been drawing attention was the Pi (cryptocurrency) relative value.

The value floating across as said to be the Global Consensus Value agreed by the world pioneers was a staggering 314,159 dollars. And already, many pioneers have as many as 10000 Pis. So, at this consensus, an average pioneer with 1000 Pis, the equivalent of 314,159,000 dollars, will need the services of similar camels that transported Alhaji Alhassan Dantata’s coins as the first person in 1929 to open an account with the First Bank. While a regular pioneer with as much as 10000 Pis, the equivalent of 3,141,590,000 dollars, will need the services of the Mansa Musa’s entourage like that accompanied him in 1324 for his first mecca pilgrimage.

The pioneers are determined and looking forward to this gargantuan windfall. Whether jokingly or not, some have already begun to imagine how to spend such jackpots. Many have embarked on the dream of climbing up the top social ladder by building exotic houses, expensive cars, or circumnavigating the globe for those who fancy the adventure.

Like many jackpot winners, these potential overnight billionaires continue to promise family and friends some bounties, including marrying them off, buying them houses in Asokoro, the latest iPhone, or sponsoring their pilgrimages.

While these pioneers continue to sail in their realm, their critics consider their aspirations at best as a mirage and, at worst, question their mental well being

When the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Taiwo Obindo, says that more than 60 million Nigerians are suffering from mental illnesses, the Pi critics say no wonder.

But one posing point the Pi critics raised is that instead of the pioneers assuming mining, it is actually them who are being mined. In other words, they are the cash cows, referring to the advert pool fee that the Pi initiators are generating from about 40 million users. Very plausible because in this era of social media, subscribers are gold.

On the other hand, the pioneers’ reason, too, is not a pushover. Instead, they point to the traction the Pi is getting, the global state of transition from the fiat currency, and the success of some previous cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. According to them, history is repeating itself. When Bitcoin started in 2008, everything was against its subscribers. They were seen as shadow chasers and laughed at. But when success stories began to come in, the doubting Thomas was nowhere to be found.

For those who don’t know how the current Pi value of 314159 came about, Pi is a useful mathematical constant with infinite values ranging from 3.14, 3.14, 3.141, 3.1415, 3.14159… to infinity. But, disregarding the point behind the decimal and in the ascending order, the pioneers arrived at 314159. In addition, to commemorate this mathematical constant, the official Pi lunch was on March 14, which is 3.14, the Pi first value mentioned.

In my opinion (everything considered), the expectations of the pioneers on the Pi network have reached a fever pitch, but the cryptocurrency hitting the market is on the horizon.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at ABU Zaria. He is also an activist for a better, informed society. He can be reached via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.