How businessowners can stay afloat Nigeria’s challenging economic waters —Ogundoyin

Chief Executive Officer of Sooyah Bistro, Mrs Olamidun Ogundoyin has said dynamism, good understanding of the market, cost efficiency, consistency in offering quality are more crucial than ever for businessowners, entrepreneurs not to down with the present challenging economy.

Ogundoyin, who is wife of the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, stated this while opening the 10th branch of Sooyah Bistro, a Suya spot, in Nigeria, on Ring Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

She noted that businessowners must adopt a variety of measures, exemplify creativity, always offer better and newer options to customers to be able to beat competition and cope with the very challenging economic climate.

Ogundoyin said: “The Nigerian economy is challenging but overtime with experience, we have been able to understand the market, how you need to change quickly to accommodate what is going on.

“We do reduction in prices, promotions, and we have options that are more affordable. We have a variety of different menu items that are cost effective.”

“As much as there is competition, it does not focus on quality assurance. There is a drive for newer, better options, so business owners must be known for offering better quality.

“Also, entrepreneurs should just start somewhere, start small. I started Sooyah Bistro with nothing. I started it with literally N10,000 to N20,000 worth of Suya. We started a spa, supermarket in Lagos, and as we were selling outside, we go back inside with the same money to buy more stock.”

Asked about the drive behind the establishment of Sooyah Bistro in 2018, she said: “The drive behind this vision is to do things differently from the statusquo. When I entered the business, Suya as we know is typically served the exact same way as the corner side malam for decades. So, I wanted to come and bring in a twist, an innovation.

“What other ways can we eat Suya? Can we put it in burgers, sharwama, sandwishes and find creative ways to really enjoy the authentic and traditional cuisine in expanding the menu and improving the service delivery?

“In five, ten years, Sooyah Bistro will expand nationally. We are going to be a catalyst for that growth. We are going to fast track that growth for the next five, ten years. We also plan to expand outside Nigeria to the Washington D.C. We want to be a globally recognized brand that takes Nigerian cuisine abroad and be the biggest, fastest growing Nigerian brand.”

The Oyo State Commissioner For Energy, SeunAshamu who performed the official opening ceremony of the Ibadan branch, praised the Sooyah Bistro founder for exemplifying the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic development.

Ashamisaid: “Sooyah Bistro’s expansion to Ibadan is a testament to the enabling business environment and the growth potentials of our dear state. As Commissioner for Energy, I recognize the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic development.

“I encourage Sooyah Bistro to continue providing excellent services and creating opportunities for our citizens. I also urge the management to explore ways to partner with our government to promote tourism and economic growth in Oyo State.”

The Oyo Speaker, HonourableAdeboOgundoyin, in his remarks, praised his wife for the hard work and dedication consistently being put into building the Sooyah Bistro brand.

Ogundoyinsaid: “Today, we celebrate not just the opening of a new branch but the realization of a vision to bring people together through good food and warm hospitality.

“Sooyah Bistro’s commitment to quality and excellence is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our state forward. I commend the team for their tireless efforts and congratulate them on this achievement.”

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