“Nigeria doesn’t need more traders; it needs more industrialists,” says Efe Obiomah, a Marketing & PR Consultant and Trainer, as she reflects on the country’s economic challenges. Her call to action is not just a critique but a rallying cry for a shift in mindset and priorities.
Efe recalls a defining moment when she decided to leave an alumni WhatsApp group. The group was abuzz with conversations about a celebrity’s extravagant display of wealth at his mother’s funeral. While many applauded his success in supporting importers and traders, Efe took a different stance.
“I argued that Nigeria didn’t need more traders. We needed more Dangotes—people willing to build industries that could transform the economy. But my perspective wasn’t well received,” she shares.
Her belief is rooted in the idea that wealth, when reinvested into creating industries, holds the key to addressing Nigeria’s economic struggles, including the ever-weakening naira.
A Vision Realized in IzeCarb
This belief found affirmation when Osayi Izedonmwen, a like-minded visionary, shared his plans to build a calcium carbonate manufacturing plant. By February, the groundbreaking ceremony for Izedon Carbonates, known as IzeCarb, took place in Edo State. Within six months, the factory was up and running, equipped with cutting-edge technology.
What sets IzeCarb apart is its innovative “Quarry to Customer” model. The company mines high-quality dolomite and processes it into calcium carbonates, essential for industries like paints, coatings, and PVC manufacturing. With a federal government license and a clear vision, IzeCarb is helping to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported calcium carbonates while making the most of the country’s rich natural resources.
“Edo State has so much potential, and seeing IzeCarb come to life is proof that Nigeria can build industries that not only meet local demands but compete globally,” Efe says.
The Power of Strategic PR
When it came to launching IzeCarb in December, Efe played a key role in shaping the company’s public image. Her PR expertise ensured the story reached the right audience.
“Words matter. The carefully chosen keywords in the press release resonated with international trade media, sparking their interest,” she explains. “Sometimes, businesses overlook simple tools like an online press office, but IzeCarb’s success shows how powerful they can be.”
The overwhelming response was a testament to the importance of strategic messaging. Efe believes that effective PR doesn’t just tell a story—it builds credibility and opens doors to new opportunities.
A Call to Action
Efe’s message is clear: Nigeria needs to embrace industrialization to break free from its economic struggles. With over 44 identified solid minerals, according to a KPMG report, the country has untapped potential waiting to be harnessed.
“IzeCarb is just one example of what’s possible when visionaries take action. Imagine what could happen if more people reinvested their wealth into industries that create jobs and reduce imports,” Efe says.
Her hope is that more Nigerians will rise to the challenge, paving the way for a future where the country thrives on innovation and self-reliance. “It’s time to think beyond trading and start building. Nigeria’s future depends on it.”
