From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Young and established entrepreneurs in Kwara State, have been encouraged to embrace social media, technology, and strategic customer engagement as vital tools for expanding their businesses in a competitive market.
The call was made on Wednesday at the “Innovate to Expand” summit, organised by Drea Speaks Consult in Ilorin, which brought together business owners from sectors including banking, telecommunications, catering, event planning, fashion, and design.
Convener of the summit, Mr. Dare Kolawole, stated that consistent growth is non-negotiable for any serious business, stressing that many entrepreneurs are held back by poor digital presence and weak customer service systems.
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“Growth is like blood running through the veins of any business. If your business is not growing, it’s not alive,” he said.
Mr. Kolawole urged business owners to study customer behavior, noting that understanding the different types of customers, aggressive, assertive, and passionate can help entrepreneurs better manage relationships and drive repeat patronage.
“An aggressive customer may be angry for no reason. Don’t take it personally. Learn to respond calmly. An assertive customer wants details, while a passionate one is your easiest sale,” he explained.
He also stressed the importance of consistency and appreciation in brand building, saying, “Social media is a free tool that works, but only if you use it consistently. In today’s world, technology is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.”
Another speaker at the summit, Hajia Oladunni Kafilah, also known as Awero Billions of the Ilorin Packaging Hub, said marketing remains the lifeblood of any successful business.
“It is not the best products that sell, it’s the most marketed ones. You don’t think with the money in your pocket but the future in mind,” she told the participants.
She advised entrepreneurs to align their branding and rebranding strategies with the evolving needs of their target markets, noting that many businesses fail due to neglecting marketing at crucial stages.
Sharing her personal journey, Hajarah Jibril, Creative Director of Hajjewels House of Styles, encouraged entrepreneurs to remain innovative and passionate, regardless of their starting point.
“There were times I had nothing but a machine and little knowledge, but passion kept me going,” she recalled, adding that “sometimes, the people who can afford your work haven’t seen it yet. That’s why you must keep posting and show your process.”
She underscored the value of behind-the-scenes content and consistent brand identity as trust-building tools in the digital age.
The event also featured a practical session on accessing funding, with Mr. Michael Okolie, from the Bank of Industry, explaining how small businesses can benefit from financial and non-financial support offered by development finance institutions.
“Sometimes, people don’t even need the money, they need guidance,” he noted, urging business owners to formalise their operations by getting registered and investment-ready.
In a post-event chat with journalists, Mr. Kolawole said many business owners struggle because they fail to adapt to new trends and meet rising customer expectations.
“Young and old entrepreneurs must learn to harness social media, technology, invoicing, and networking. These are not just buzzwords—they are essential for business success,” he said.
He called on government agencies to partner with initiatives like the summit to equip entrepreneurs and civil servants with the tools needed to grow sustainable brands and drive economic development.
