What's good, AprokoNation! Your boy Jelosimi here, dropping some real talk for all my hustlers and aspiring business moguls out there. I've been seeing a lot of chatter, both offline and online, about 'how to start a business.' It’s clear many of us are tired of the old ways and are ready to chart our own paths. And honestly, this is the right spirit, especially as we navigate 2026.
The game has changed, my people. If your business no dey online, e dey miss out big time! Gone are the days when a physical shop was enough. Now, a strong digital presence is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. Think about it: a fast, secure website is your 24/7 salesperson, accessible from anywhere. Social media creates the buzz, but your own website? That’s your owned asset, where you build real credibility and control your narrative. We're seeing more businesses integrating AI into their operations, from customer service to marketing, making things more efficient and competitive. Don't sleep on AI – it's quickly becoming the backbone of smart business.
Now, for those of you looking for where the money dey, digital entrepreneurship is booming! We're talking about the 'Creator Economy' – people building high-impact, one-person enterprises. Whether it's starting a YouTube channel (faceless or not, the opportunities are there!), diving into affiliate marketing, selling digital products like e-books and online courses, or even building a paid membership community around a niche, the avenues for residual income are plenty. And it’s not just tech; even traditional businesses are leveraging digital farming solutions or e-commerce platforms to reach a wider market.
But before you jump in, remember this: proper market research is paramount. Identify a real problem that Nigerians face, then offer a solution. What works abroad might not fly here. Our people are price-conscious but value convenience and speed. Understand your customer! And on the legal side, please, for your own good, register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The process is mostly digital now, and your Tax Identification Number (TIN) is even generated automatically upon successful CAC registration.
See, all these conversations about business, about growth, about how we move forward as a nation, they remind me of my days living in Oshodi, then Mafoluku, and later Ajao Estate. You know, in those bustling markets and vibrant streets, nobody asked about your tribe before they did business with you. Whether you were Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, or any other group, the focus was always on the transaction, the value, the hustle. We celebrated successes together, we pushed each other, and we formed partnerships that cut across every imaginary line people try to draw today. It was about competence, about who could deliver, about mutual benefit. That’s the Nigerian spirit I know, the one that built empires out of pure grit and collaboration.
This same spirit, this focus on competence and unity over divisive sentiments, is what we need to champion in our entrepreneurial journey and as a nation. When we work together, when we celebrate our collective strengths and contributions from every region – from the agricultural wealth of the North, the industrial might of the West, the crude and creative energy of the South-South, to the enterprise of the East – we build a truly prosperous Nigeria. Any politician trying to divide us along ethnic or religious lines, regardless of their party, is simply trying to distract us from the real work of economic progress. Let's engage with economic arguments for unity, create multi-regional online events to showcase successful mixed businesses, and celebrate those mixed marriages and friendships that truly represent the strength of our diversity.
So, my people, the opportunities are vast. Start small, validate your ideas, leverage digital tools, and focus on solving real problems for real Nigerians. The future is digital, and the future is collaborative. Let's build something great, together!