The Premier University of Ibadan has always proven to be the First and the Best University in Nigeria not only in terms of Academics but also in other aspects.
Credit to OgaBoss @tolu_peters on IG, UE Came stormed a picture of Aina Tolulope's Visit to the Executive Governor of Oyo State's Office with SU Pres. Ojo Nifemi and S.S.G, Oyo State on Monday 24th Oct. 2016 during the Students' Union Week "Ivory Kwanzaa" Carnival where "MyGari" was endorsed by both the SSG, Oyo State and the Students' Union Pres. Ojo Nifemi.
Unibadan Efiwe met with Aina Tolulope, a Final Year Student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan and also the Chief Executive Officer of "MyGari" a product of TolulopeFoods which is a well packaged garri.
"Mygari" is crunchy, dirtfree and well processed packaged to spur on the love for gari amongst Nigerians for consumption without any health challenge fear.
Read Full Interview with UI Studentpreneur/CEO "MyGari", Aina Tolulope as She talks about her Cassava Farming, Family, her product " MyGari" and lots more below:
Can We Meet You?
My name is Aina Tolulope, a Final Year Student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, University Of Ibadan and I'm the C.E.O of MyGari, a product of TolulopeFoods.
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| L-R UISU Pres. Ojo Nifemi, SSG, Oyo State and Aina Tolulope pictured together |
Credit to OgaBoss @tolu_peters on IG, UE Came across a picture of your Visit to the Executive Governor of Oyo State's Office with SU Pres. Ojo Nifemi and S.S.G, Oyo State today, Can you tell us more about your Visit?
We paid a courtesy visit to the Secretariat in company with the Students' Union since we part of the supporters of the Student Union Week, spoke to the SSG about the product and the already established relevance of youth involvement in agriculture.
What's the name of the Product you spoke to the SSG about if I May Ask?
The brand name is Mygari, a product by Tolulope Foods which is packaged gari.
Tell Us about your new product "Mygari'?
Mygari is a well processed gari that is packaged.
Most people are of the opinion that gari causes some health issues such as poor sight, cough, but majority do not know that this is due to a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid still present in the not well processed garri.
Mygari is crunchy, dirtfree and well processed packaged to spur on the love for gari amongst Nigerians for consumption without any health challenge fear.
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| UISU Pres. Ojo Nfemi Endorse "MyGari" |
How did you start Cassava Farming?
As an agricultural student, the potentials of cassava and cassava based products are enormous.
I got interested in cassava during my practical year training program at the University of Ibadan and since then, efforts have been made towards consciously expanding the brand.
So How do You get the cassava you harvest for the production of "Mygari"?
I buy cassava from farmers but I own some hectares of land for cultivation of cassava too.
Where's your harvested cassava processed into "Mygari"
We recently pulled out the sample packs of the product and we are creating awareness.
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| SSG, Oyo State endorses "MyGari" |
Since when have you being in the Farming Business?
I started last year October.
Do you have a Garri Factory?
Yes, launched it this year and currently setting up a packaging plant here in Ibadan.
It's a student brand and I'm in my finals, more efforts would be put in by the end of the year, would be testing some improved variety on the farm by the next growing season and the processing plant would be improved upon on the farm likewise.
Also, We are seeking and calling out to investors.
Is there a business plan for "Mygari"?
Yes, there is.
After your graduation, do you intend going fully into farming?
Absolutely. I've started already, only building on it and improving it daily. I intend to go fully into cultivation and processing of cassava.
Is "Mygari" the only products of Tolulope Foods?
For now, it is just "Mygari".
With this experience, how do you see Agriculture?
Agriculture is nature, agriculture is life, have you seen any man that can do without food? I have many reasons to believe Oil is not the way to go, and agriculture comes natural to me.
What inspires you?
The strive to do what people regard as unattractive and make it attractive.
What are the strategies in place for "Mygari" since there are other competitors in the market?
There is always a market for every good brand and that is our focus, we work on ensuring the quality is in check and we market to our target market.
By the way, mygari sells in lagos, its just newly expanding into Ibadan.
What are the steps you are taking on making sure "Mygari" is made available Nationwide?
We Continue doing the best in terms of quality, networking and marketing.
Is "Mygari" made available only for the rich?
"Mygari" is very affordable, competitive with market gari.
Is "Mygari" harvesting, processing and marketing done by you alone?
Nope, i have a team.
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| Meet "MyGari" Team dabbing with Aina Tolulope |
Where do you see yourself and "Mygari" as a brand in the next 3 Years?
An household name and product on the lips of many Nigerians.
What are the challenges you face?
Capital for expansion is the major challenge as an SME.
What's your favorite quote?
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things i cannot change, the courage to change things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
Is your family into farming business?
Not at all.
Is your parent in support of your Cassava farming?
Yes, they are fully in support of my Cassava farming.
What advice do you have for youths who are aspiring to venture into Cassava Farming?
If you keep on listening to discouraging words, you would never move forward, identify your passion, build on it and expand it.
Read More Interviews Of Unibadan Efiwe, Click HERE
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