08/06/2026
From the Dusty Streets of Ibadan to the World: The Entrepreneur’s Marketing Mandate
By Kunle Oshobi
I remember sitting in a makeshift office in Ibadan, Oyo State, the air thick with the smell of leather and adhesive. I was talking to ‘Tunde’, a brilliant young shoemaker. His designs were breathtaking, his craftsmanship impeccable. But his business was barely treading water.
“Tunde,” I asked, “why aren’t you shouting your story from the rooftops?” He looked at me, a genuine sense of bafflement clouding his eyes. “My shoes speak for themselves, sir,” he said, his voice quiet with pride.
That, right there, is the fundamental flaw in the traditional Nigerian business mindset, the one that holds so many entrepreneurs back. In the teeming markets of Nigeria, where competition is fierce and trust is often in short supply, your product cannot just ‘speak’. It must roar.
The Lesson: Your Brand is Not Your Product
Tunde’s mistake is a common one. Entrepreneurs pouring their hearts and souls into creating something incredible often believe that the excellence of their creation is enough. They build, but they don't market. They assume that if they make the ‘best’ thing, the world will eventually find them.
But in the noise and clutter of today’s digital and physical marketplace, silence is fatal. A brilliant product sitting quietly on a dusty shelf in Aba, or Lagos, or Kano, is just a product. To turn it into a successful business, you must breathe life into it with effective sales and marketing.
Your Action Plan:
Craft your narrative: What makes your journey unique? Why are you doing this? Where does your passion come from? Your story is your secret weapon.
Identify your audience: Who are the people whose lives you want to impact? What are their desires, frustrations, and aspirations?
Choose your channels: Where do your potential customers spend their time? Is it on Instagram, LinkedIn, or the bustling floor of a physical market? Meet them where they are.
Be consistent: Marketing is not a one-time event; it's a continuous conversation. Build trust by showing up regularly and providing value.
Final thought for my fellow Nigerians: Your talent is undeniable, your products are world-class, but the world won't know that until you tell them. Don't let your genius go unheard. It’s time to start roaring.
I want to hear from you: Have you, like Tunde, ever struggled with the marketing side of your business? What strategies have worked for you in the Nigerian context? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
The Sales Alchemist