By Muhammad Bashir
Dr Mrs Asma’u Isah Maibasirah, a housewife who has shown remarkable dedication in writing a comprehensive guide on business ideas, was honoured on Thursday, 26th September 2024, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, during the launch of her book, Business Geek: Innovative Incubator From Concept To Reality.
The highlight of the event was a generous donation of N50 million by the Chief Launcher, former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, Shettiman Zamfara.
Represented by Senator Tijjani Yahya Kaura, Senator Abdulaziz acknowledged the author’s efforts in producing a book that not only addresses the fundamentals of entrepreneurship but also contributes significantly to the economic development of the country.
Declaring on behalf of the Chief Launcher, Sen. Kaura said, “I won’t follow the usual approach of just announcing donations and leaving. This book is more than a project; it’s a piece that will shape the outlook of business owners and contribute to transforming the economy of our great nation.”
He commended Dr Asma’u for her dedication, despite the many responsibilities of being a housewife, and expressed hope that the book would inspire other women to pursue their ambitions.
Moved by the overwhelming presence of dignitaries from various walks of life and support, Dr Asma’u expressed her heartfelt gratitude, noting that the presence and encouragement from everyone at the launch meant more to her than words could express.
She shared how Business Geek aims to guide aspiring entrepreneurs in starting businesses with little or no capital, which she believes will help curb unemployment and create a brighter future for many Nigerians—especially the youth.
Representing the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, Mrs Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi FCIMCN, National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, conveyed the First Lady’s admiration for the author’s persistence and hard work.
Mrs Adeniyi stated, “The First Lady is truly inspired by your dedication and the effort you put into this book. This publication is not only timely, but it also aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which aims to empower Nigerians to become more self-reliant and productive.”
She however went on to encourage the author, praising her courage and perseverance in pursuing such an ambitious project, highlighting that, “You’ve done an excellent job, and this book will be a reference point for many business owners and those aspiring to start their own ventures.”
Also speaking at the event was the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who served as the Chairman of the occasion.
He highlighted the significance of the book in addressing the current economic challenges and noted that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to supporting educational and entrepreneurial initiatives.
“This book is a beacon of hope for the future of our nation. It equips our young people and business owners with the tools they need to succeed, and that’s something we all should celebrate.” CGC Adeniyi said.
During his review of the book, Professor Muhammad Aliyu Paiko, Vice Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, Niger State, described Business Geek as an insightful and well-researched guide.
He praised Dr Asma’u for her dedication and said that the book would serve as a valuable resource not just for students, but for anyone interested in starting a business or improving an existing one.
“This book is a solid contribution to the discourse on entrepreneurship and will serve as a roadmap for those who wish to navigate the complexities of business ownership,” Professor Paiko observed.