By Garba Abdullahi Bagwai
A Borno indigene Maryam Bulama Adamu MBA has demonstrated that women can succeed in businesses traditionally dominated by men after establishing a cleaning company that has grown from a small start-up into a business employing about only 10 staff.
The entrepreneur said she started the cleaning business three years ago with limited capital with a few staff employees.
According to her, the company has since expanded significantly and now employs almost 32 staff, while also providing her with income to support herself and her parents.
She said her experience motivated her to encourage more women to seek opportunities that would make them financially self-reliant and reduce the economic burden on their husbands.
“It is high time for women to start looking for ways to become self-reliant and contribute to the welfare of their families. Women should also look into opportunities that can help reduce the burden on their husbands,” she said.
She also urged Nigerian women not to be discouraged from pursuing legitimate businesses, stressing that there are numerous opportunities in the country.
The businesswoman cautioned women against risking their lives by travelling to other countries in search of menial jobs, where some migrants may face hardship, hatred and exploitation.
“I will never encourage Nigerian women to remain discouraged or give up on improving their quality of life through legitimate businesses,” she said.
She added that Nigerian women possess enormous potential to contribute to the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and national development.
The entrepreneur also commended the Federal Government for introducing policies and programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of women and other vulnerable groups in society.
She called for continued support for women entrepreneurs, saying that empowering women would not only improve household incomes but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.