An erudite scholar and entrepreneurial per excellence, Dr. Timothy Chimhurumnaya Ogboruche is a man of many part, one encounter with him wired you to another realm as revealed in this no hold barred encounter with him:
As an entrepreneur, what do you think should be our priority in the country now?
In my years of experience as an entrepreneur, some paramount priorities out of the mirage of necessities for the success of budding entrepreneurs would be : good governance, a stable/predictable economic climate and availability of social amenities. With these, one can thrive in Nigeria.
How did you start your entrepreneurial journey and what are the challenges on your way then?
I was introduced to entrepreneurship by my mum who was well versed in different types of trades and she ensured that as young children, we partook in running those business. From hawking to soap making to jute bag weaving, the list is endless. That marked the beginning of the journey. Through my university days, I was able to create multiple streams of income to help augument the little cash sent for my bills in school. The formal start however was when I came to Lagos shortly after my youth service and started the journey to where we are today. Some of the challenges encountered include: Unpredictable economic climate, lack of social amenities which lead to huge overhead costs that eats deep into the profit of the business amongst others.
Do you think our environment is still conducive for business to thrive?
I think that Nigeria is a country of resilient hardworkers who if given the right environment can make businesses to flourish and invariably, the country better. Therefore, there is room for improvement in putting things in place that will ensure a better business enabling environment.
What do you want the government to do to reshape our economy?
Ensure good governance, create a stable/predictable economic climate and provide social amenities. These will lay a good foundation and prevent capital flight which will in turn reshape the economy.
You are once a super gospel music star, why did you suspend it and did it affect of your ‘calling’?
Well, I decided to step behind the scene and focus on using my resources, influence and experience in supporting talents to take the gospel through music to the needs of the earth. I still sing but not as an artiste anymore.
What is your advice for young individuals who are planning to go into business?
Be sure about your intention, have a business plan, put structure in place for everything and stick to it, be frugal with money and watch your expenses like a hawk, hire few necessary hands, train them and partner with them for progress. Take accounting and book keeping very seriously at every level, aspire to get better everyday and keep acquiring new knowledge in your chosen area of endeavour.
Do you intend to venture into politics because of so many projects you are doing in your community in Abia State?
Well, I have no such intent to run for office but I am passionate about serving my community and affecting my environment positively, therefore if given the opportunity to serve in a capacity that will bring growth and development I will not hesitate to put my best foot forward.
- What is your candid assessment of the music industry generally and are you really comfortable with what artistes are producing in terms of qualities in the country?
Technology has made the world fit right in the palm of your hand.This has affected the music scene positively as there is now more interest in exploring various styles,quality and genres of music. All in all, I will say that artistes are more adventurous now with music and it’s interesting to see the growth emanating from this.
As a well traveled personality, how would you compare Nigerian gospel music with it’s counterparts across the globe?
Gospel music is a message. It’s interesting to see this message expressed in various forms across the globe. Nigeria definitely is a voice in shaping the sound of the present and the future.
