How honesty as car wash operator gave me breakthrough – CEO, Fafrasam Motors
For Abdullahi Alawonla, his sojourn into the world of business began with a car washing venture.
The polytechnic graduate said his humble background made him to go into business instead of waiting endlessly for white collar job.
“As a Civil Engineer, instead of waiting for the few available white collar jobs, I went into car wash business to enable me make ends meet.”
On how he delved into car dealership, “The breakthrough came one day when I was washing a car, I discovered the sum of N500,000. I picked the money and kept it for the owner.
“I called him on phone but he denied ownership of the money. It took him up to five days before he called back to lay claim to the money.
” He offered me N50, 000 out of the money which I declined. Few days later, he brought a car to me that I should help him to sell it. I did and made little ptofit. Later he brought another one which I quickly dispose too.
” From there the interest for the business was aroused and so I abandoned car wash venture to selling cars,” he added.
He, however, said one of the challenges encountered in the business is the incessant attacks by immigrations officers.
“At a time, government banned cars from entering into Nigeria through land borders. So, I had to apply for Germany visa to enable me bring cars into the country which I was granted.
“Looking back today, I have cause to thank God. I have excel in this business as I now import cars from five countries.”
He charged youths to always believe in themselves and their potentials and explore it for economic gains.
