Abayomi Soetan, Founder, Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise showcasing his product's to the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Oyedele-Salako
Inclusive Reporters.
Mr. Abayomi Soetan, a physically challenged entrepreneur, has defied all odds to build Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise, a thriving food business in Nigeria's agricultural sector.
Soetan's business was launched in 2019 and has since expanded into value addition, processing, and packaging staple food products.
Through hard work and strategic growth, Soetan is transforming his enterprise into a fast growing brand, with products showcased at notable events.
Soetan's efforts have garnered funding from the International Breweries Foundation's Kickstart Empowerment Initiative and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
He also credits SightSavers, an international NGO advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, as a significant influence in his entrepreneurial journey.
Beyond commercial success, Soetan has made impactful contributions to society, supplying his products for palliative programs and providing relief materials to the disability communities in Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, and Lagos State.
"Entrepreneurship is not an easy feat, and for individuals living with disabilities, the challenges can often seem insurmountable." However, Mr. Abayomi Soetan, is determined to defy all odds in ensuring that Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise becomes a thriving food business that stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in Nigeria's agricultural sector.
The Birth of a Visionary Enterprise :
Armed with a master’s degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Mr. Soetan launched Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise in 2019 and with funding from International Breweries Foundation in 2021, the company initially invested in cassava and maize cultivation. In 2022, the business branched into value addition. Through funding from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise commenced processing and packaging staple food products such as Garri, Maize/Millet Pap, Elubo, Honey Beans, and Ofada Rice under the brand name, Mr. Mogbo Moya Foods.
Pics: Abayomi Soetan, Founder Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise with the Olu of Orile Imo, Oba Oluwambe Reuben SogaoluThese products have been showcased at notable events, including a Visibility Programme organized by the International Breweries Foundation showcasing 38 beneficiaries of the Kick-start Empowerment Initiative to the Olu of Orile Imo, Oba Oluwambe Reuben Sogaolu and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele. At the event, Mr. Soetan presented his products to dignitaries earning commendations for his entrepreneurial excellence.
Recognitions and Collaborations:
Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise has supplied Mr. Mogbo Moya Foods products to the Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation (QAT Foundation) during their Ramadan palliative program for persons with disabilities and provided relief materials to disability communities in Ogun State. The company has also supplied products to Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, and Lagos States through the Tunde and Friends Foundation (TAFF), an organization supporting over 350 persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
Overcoming Challenges:
Despite his achievements, Mr. Soetan faces significant hurdles. Due to accessibility issues and attitudinal barrier from landlords, he lost his operations site and is now struggling to secure a new location. High rental costs and landlords' concerns about wheelchair accessibility add to the complexity of the challenge.
These barriers underscore the broader difficulties faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities in Nigeria. According to Mr. Soetan, navigating these challenges is “ten times more problematic” for persons with disabilities when compared with able-bodied entrepreneurs. From securing capital to accessing transportation and markets, disability often compounds the obstacles inherent in business.
Calls for Support:
To ensure the continued success of Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise and his brand, Mr. Mogbo Moya Foods, Mr. Soetan has outlined specific needs.
These include; Wheelchair-Accessible Operations Site: A location that can accommodate his mobility needs and provides adequate space for production.
Funding: Additional financial support to increase production capacity and diversify his product line.
Transportation Access: A reliable means of moving goods to markets.
Digital Expansion: Building a robust social media presence and integrating into e-commerce platforms to reach a broader customer base.
A Model of Resilience and Hope:
Mr. Soetan’s journey with Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise is a testament to the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship. His story highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies and support systems that level the playing field for individuals with disabilities.
With the right support from the Ogun State government, philanthropists, and foundations, Mr. Soetan is confident in his ability to overcome current challenges and achieve even greater success. His business not only uplifts his own livelihood but also provides part-time employment for nine individuals, including two women with disabilities.
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