Nigerian fashion designer and founder of Vodi Group, Seyi Vodi, has shared his entrepreneurial journey, revealing that he started his business with his N3,600 monthly National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allowance. Speaking at the unveiling of a N4.2bn empowerment package in Kwara State, Vodi urged beneficiaries to embrace discipline, patience, and prudent financial management to achieve sustainable business growth.
The empowerment package, initiated by former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki-Gambari, comprises N1bn in cash and about N3.2bn worth of equipment and other items, including 150 vehicles and modern sewing machines. The intervention aims to support residents in improving their livelihoods and establishing sustainable businesses.
Vodi recounted how he began trading while serving as a corps member, using his modest monthly allowance to identify business opportunities and gradually build an enterprise. He travelled to Aba market in Abia State to purchase men’s boxers, which he subsequently resold to fellow corps members at a profit, teaching him the importance of identifying opportunities and starting small.
According to Vodi, his journey to business success was neither immediate nor effortless, taking over 26 years of hard work, discipline, and gradual expansion to build his business to its present level. He cautioned beneficiaries against diverting empowerment funds and equipment to luxury consumption, emphasizing the need for prudence and strategic reinvestment.
Vodi advocated for skills-based empowerment, arguing that providing beneficiaries with vocational tools and equipment could deliver more sustainable results than distributing cash without assessing their needs and business capacities. Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, also urged beneficiaries to embrace patience, discipline, and delayed gratification to achieve the objectives of the intervention.
Ambassador Seriki-Gambari stated that the empowerment programme was motivated by his desire to give back to society and create opportunities for people to improve their economic circumstances. He emphasized that people who had attained financial success should use their resources to improve the lives of others.
The intervention is not the first time Seriki has undertaken a major programme to support residents, and it is hoped that the gesture will not be his last. The programme aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- Seyi Vodi started his business with N3,600 NYSC allowance and urges beneficiaries to be disciplined and patient.
- The N4.2bn empowerment package includes cash, equipment, and vehicles to support residents in improving their livelihoods.
- Vodi advocates for skills-based empowerment, emphasizing the need for vocational tools and equipment for sustainable results.
