Funmi Omoyele, the CEO of PEC Events and Services and the Convener of The African Balloon Conference (AfBC) is one of the young entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Her passion for youth empowerment drives the recent organization of African Balloon conference to expose the youth and Nigeria’s entrepreneurs into opportunities in balloon industry.
What prompted this conference?
The AfBC came out of the need to strengthen the balloons industry in Nigeria and Africa like we have in the developed nations and create global visibility.
It was also for the need to enlighten people about the enormous opportunities that are available, how to tap into them and grow their businesses, hence creating more job opportunities for our teeming youth.
We want to create a platform where players and stakeholders in the industry can engage, share ideas and collaborate to move the industry forward.
We are trying to create a win-win environment, where those that are struggling can get help; the successful can help others get clarity as to how to navigate in the balloon business to boost the value chain.
What are the prospects in this industry?
From statistics, the amount of money spent on events every month in Lagos alone is about N36bn and every event that is being done, 80 per cent has to do with balloons. We have children’s party, adult parties, bridal showers, baby showers, house warming, all sorts of events. This is the end of the year and people have one reason or the other to throw party.
How will this deepen the entrepreneurship drive of Nigeria?
The conference will open people’s eyes to the possibilities and furnish them with the skills required to thrive there in. People can actually step into the business with little or no capital after being trained and earn a living for themselves. They can also train and employ others, thereby contributing to the economy through the value chain.
Participants will be showed the value chain {decoration, art, sales of products, manufacturing of balloons etc} and how they can tap into them. All these actions and economic activities will definitely contribute to the economy and the GDP.
We can have people start producing and exporting, instead of being import dependent every time. New entrepreneurs can emerge from it.
Why do you focus on Africa and not Nigeria alone?
The vision is to energize the balloon industry on the continent. As we all know, whatever happens in Nigeria has ripples effect on the rest of Africa, so if we can make it work here, the effect will spread to the other parts of the continent. And because we are energetic, we can always export our expertise to other Africa countries.
How would you describe the balloon business?
There are different types, different kinds, different shapes, different colours and qualities of balloons. Balloons are very broad, the balloon industry has a long value chain, where anyone can plug in to create value and earn money.
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