ORÍKÌ Group Launches Premier Training Institute, Franchising Opportunity

Mary Nnah

Leading wellness and spa company, ORÍKÌ Group, has officially opened its world-class academy, the ORÍKÌ Training Institute (OTI), and unveiled franchising opportunities to support existing and intending industry practitioners across Africa.

The launch, which commemorates the sixth anniversary of the ORÍKÌ Group, held physically in Lagos recently was also hosted virtually with attendees from across the world.

Gracing the event were distinguished guests and speakers, including the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; and SSA to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Among the private sector experts and industry leaders present were Chiagozie Nwizu, Executive Director, Africa Franchise Institute (AFI); Dr. Dere Awosika, Chairman, Access Bank; Elaine Okeke Martin, President Spa and Wellness Association Africa; and Teju Abisoye, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. All COVID-19 protocols were fully adhered to at the event.

According to the pace-setting spa and wellness group, franchisees will leverage ORÍKÌ’s solid business model, established brand appeal, expansive distribution network, broad product line, and innovative technological solutions to strategically position themselves in the spa and wellness industry whether as newcomers or existing players.

Furthermore, the OTI which is the first-of-its-kind indigenous training institute will offer comprehensive training and upskilling programs that will equip participants with the right knowledge to be their own boss.

“OTI will train thousands of individuals who want to start careers in the spa and wellness industry, thousands of mobile franchisees who will join the home service team and pamper individuals in their homes and offices, and management teams of ORÍKÌ spa Franchisees,” said Joycee Awosika, Founder, and CEO of ORÍKÌ Group, adding that “we are contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, and 8″.

ORÍKÌ is also on a mission to make entrepreneurs money through the franchise. The wellness industry is a lucrative one. The World Economic Forum has estimated that 40 per cent of the jobs created post-COVID will be in care.

In the next five years, the hope is for 1000 ORÍKÌ franchisees between physical locations and mobile franchisees Oriki is set to empower people and make money in this $128 Billion industry.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi emphasised the ministry’s commitment to supporting MSMEs in the country and future franchises.

He commended ORÍKÌ global institute for not only identifying this immense opportunity but also investing in it and supporting the market entry of upcoming entrepreneurs, adding, “this benefits their company but more importantly aids in creating employment”.

Also at the event, Dr. Dere Awosika highlighted the critical roles that SMEs play in the Nigerian economy and reiterated Access Bank’s commitment to supporting franchisees and working alongside ORÍKÌ.

“Franchising helps SMEs because it has been proven in Nigeria, just as in other countries, that businesses operating the franchise model have the least failure rate because they are proven businesses”, Awosika said.

The highlight of the launch was the ribbon-cutting ceremony by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu to mark the grand opening of the ORÍKÌ Training Institute.