Alhaja Riswat Oyinlola Adeola Ameringun is not new in the business sub-sector in Ibadan. She plays big in the business of wine and assorted drinks in Ibadan. In fact, she is a major distributor to many drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) manufacturers. Having learnt the nitty-gritty of business from her mum by helping her to hawk provisions at the popular at Agbeni Market, Ibadan and owing to her proficiency and hard work, Ameringun has built the business she started sometime in 1979 into an enviable level. Before her present position as Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Ameringun has served as Iyaloja of former Molete Market now Adedibu Market, where her store is located. She was also the former Iyaloja of Ibadan South West Local Government.
In this interview with City People’s Correspondent, DARE ADENIRAN, Alhaja Ameringun opens up on life as Iyaloja of Ibadanland. How she has made it so big in business and controversy surrounding the post of Iyaloja, the incident that led to the removal of the former Iyaloja, Chief Mrs. Labake Lawal. As well as many other issues. Excerpt. .
How did business start for you?
I learnt the nitty-gritty of business from my mum. She was running a provision store at Agbeni and I used to go there every weekend to help her hawk. Despite the fact that I was going to school then, my mother insisted that I must learn haggling being the last born of the family.
So when did you start your own business and what kind of business are you into?
That was when I got married in 1979. Since then, I have not looked back because I have been well equipped with necessary experience. My first business was a Medicine Store and a few bottle of wine. But later, when I realised that many people were going into the business I went fully into wine selling. And today I am a distributor to many companies; Grand Oak, Nigeria Distiller, Nigerian Breweries and Co. Because they know that I am trustworthy, they also give me credit facilities and that has been part of the reasons for my breakthrough in business.
What would you say had helped you to have made it so big in business?
As I said, everything that my mother was doing as a businesswoman, I observed . So, when I started my business, I put those things into practice. What I have also discovered is that whatever business one is running, one must have a saving culture. My mum then was involved in daily contributions and all of that. This I have been doing too and it has really helped me.
When did you make your first N1 million as a businesswoman?
You know, I have to pay back companies that have given me credit facilities. So, what I normally do was whenever I want to pay back, I use to pay little amount of money into my own account; such as ten thousand or twenty thousand naira. In 2009 when I wanted to do wedding for my son, I had to go and check my balance in the bank. You won’t believe that I find over 2 million Naira in the account, I was more than happy.
You said your mum insisted you must learn business. Do you recommend that for your children too?
I have five children, four of them are graduates already. There is only one that is still in school. But with their level of education, I make sure they learn one trade or the other. Because even if you are a salary earner you must have something to supplement it.
Recently you were made the Iyaloja of Ibadanland by the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji (Aje Ogungunniso 1). Tell us about the role of an Iyaloja?
Iyaloja is the head of all businesswomen. Iyaloja is to see to the activities and happenings in markets. She must see to the development of each market and at the same time welfare of all members of the association. That is why we intermittently meet to know what is happening in all markets.
What are your plans to take the association to next level as new Iyaloja of Ibadan land?
Well, there is noting more than to make sure we develop both individually and as an association. Earlier, there was no cooperative society in Ibadan Joint Traders before now, we have introduced it when we came on board. So that our members would not have to borrow high-interest loans. We have also worked to make sure we benefit from the Federal government N50 thousand loan initiative (free) for market women. We have distributed the forms across markets. Apart from that, we have met with the leaders of NURTW in the state to reduce fares for traders, to make our goods affordable to the people. We are also working with the state environmental commission to stop the indiscriminate closure of our markets, while we encourage our members to comply with the state’s directives on sanitation.
But there is this controversy surrounding the post of Iyaloja of Ibadanland. Some say you are being imposed on people.Has the issue been resolved?
There is no crisis whatsoever, we are all one. The former Iyaloja belongs to Ibadan Joint Traders too. It is just that there was an allegation, which had to do with misappropriation of funds, against her. And the association decided to remove her. It has noting to do with me. When the incident happened she was reported to the Olubadan and a panel was set up, where all parties involved were given fair hearing. When result of the panel came out, she was advised to resign. And the association was asked to bring another person to occupy the position. That was when my name was nominated, not as if lobbied for it or something. I was duly nominated by the association and duly installed by the Olubadan.
Since you came on board, have you met with the former Iyaloja and what did you discuss?
We use to meet regularly, but we have never discussed. Reason being that she has taken me to court, alongside Olubadan. But personally, I have noting against her.
Tell us about your background, your growing up years and education background?
I was born and bred in Ibadan, an original Ibadan woman. My father was the late Magistrate Y.L Akande from Adebiopon compound in Ibadan. My mother is from Isalebode in Ibadan. I am married to the Kobomoje. You can see that I am a complete Ibadan woman. I went to Islamic Mission School, Bode and then to Federal Government College, Ketu, Lagos. After that I went to Kaduna Polytechnic, where I studied Catering and Hotel Management.
Despite your age, you are still looking very young and very fashionable. What is the secret behind this and how would you describe your fashion?
It is nothing but the grace of God, no special body treatment. On the issue of fashion, I got that from my mum. Being fashionable for me is an inborn thing.
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