Growing Up in Oshodi influenced My Going into Business – Jowosimi Olumide, CEO – JayPlug Gadgets

Young entrepreneur Jowosimi Olumide has taken his passion for business, the experiences he garnered while growing up in Oshodi which is known for hustling and the need to provide solutions to problems in building a thriving brand. He is the chief executive officer of JayPlug Gadgets, a mobile phone and consumer electronic retailing company.

“I have always been business-oriented, and growing up in a place like Oshodi where hustling is part of everyday life, I knew early on that I wanted to run my own business. The idea of getting into the phone retailing business came naturally because I saw the need to bring mobile phones and accessories closer to people and provide solutions to communication issues. With my business skills, I was motivated to create a store that provides quality products at affordable prices, and that’s how JayPlug Gadgets was born”, he explained.

Today, Jowosimi runs a thriving business despite the current harsh economic situations of the country.

“The economy has been tough, no doubt. People are more cautious with their spending, and the fluctuating exchange rate has made it harder to keep prices stable. But even with these challenges, we’ve been able to keep the business running smoothly. Our approach has been to continuously find ways to adapt and offer our customers value for their money. It’s not easy, but we keep pushing forward”.

Speaking about what the government can do to help young businesses at this difficult time, he says, “The government can play a big role in helping young entrepreneurs like myself. For one, the provision of grants and loans at low interest rates would go a long way in supporting small businesses. There is also a need to have more empowerment programs for young people who want to go into business. Another key area is stabilizing the foreign exchange rate so that businesses that depend on imports can plan better and avoid sudden price hikes. If the government can address these issues, it will greatly improve the business environment for us”.

The young entrepreneur whose favourite gadget is the iPhone, which he describes as a powerful tool not just for communication but also for businesses. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Lagos, and his ultimate goal is to have his brand Jay Plug dominate the African market for mobile phones and consumer electronics. It is his emphatic belief that, in business, one must be diligent, honest, and possess integrity