YOU CAN SHINE- SO ARISE AND SHINE

SURVIVING HARSH NIGERIAN ECONOMIC CONDITIONS - OPPORTUNITIES FOR

EARNING EXTRA INCOME AVAILABLE TO CHRISTIANS IN NGERIA

A. INTRODUCTION

The economic situation in Nigeria is challenging. Living just only on salary has become unsustainable
due to ever increasing inflation rate in the country; general increases in prices of goods and services.
The wages and salaries in this country are fixed and unrealistic, yet prices of goods and services ever
increasing.
Employers of labour are ever facing challenges of controlling business overheads such as power,
utilities, raw materials, etc. However, salaries and wages aspect of the overheads are what they are
always quick to cut, by laying off staff or reviewing downward salaries and wages.
Therefore, as an employee and a salary earner, there comes a challenge to manage the challenges
created by erosion in values of salaries and wages in the current economic situation of the country.

Unfortunately, the loss in value of wages now poses to families, the problem of affording costs of
basic human needs such as medicals, food, shelter, clothing and children education. Many are
inventing evil schemes( kidnapping, bribery and corrupt practices in government and private sectors,
prostitution, advance fee fraud, “gangsterism”, occultism, human trafficking , etc) to cope with and
survive the harsh economic situation.
The Nigerian political and socio-economic systems are very harsh and ever becoming challenging for
a true born again and heavenly focused Christian to cope with.

Yet as true children of God and heavenly focused, we cannot join the multitude to do evils just
because we want to survive.
Therefore, how do we survive? Does it mean all hope is lost?

THE NIGERIA ECONOMIC CONDITION

The Nigerian economy is going trough a hard time. Some says it is economic recession, others call it
economic depression. The simple truth is; to the majority of citizens, times are hard. It is the time
most individuals, families, organisations and country are going through financial difficulties.

In economics, the difficult economic conditions are normally described as the “economic downturn”
which can be either “depression or recession” stages of what the economist termed the Business

You Can Shine- So Arise And Shine : Surviving Harsh Nigerian Economic Conditions - Opportunities For Earning Extra Income
Available To Christians In Ngeria - ByOlarotimi Ajani(Pastor)

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Cycle. From the American difficult economic situation of 1945 termed “The great depression” to the
2008 recession period of the same country that affected the economies of many countries that time
due to globalisation, the situations therefore, are agreed by the economists as systemic and normal.
The causes of the economic downturn could be:
⁃ natural - Business Cycle
⁃ Man made, in case of Nigeria
⁃ natural disaster, war, pestilence, drought etc

Therefore, the focus of this seminar is to discuss how we can survive the present economic hard times,
most especially as Christians, without compromising our faith by living right among the gentiles.

It is important we look at what the bible says about the hard times before we consider other issues in
this seminar.

We will look at the various ideas for earning extra income, especially at a time like this to
complement our income base and cushion the effects of the harsh economic situations in Nigeria. We
will briefly discuss the term “Business” and how to do business in Nigeria, especially during the
challenging economic times. We will share experiences as Christians and discuss further strategies
we can adopt to survive the present adverse economic situation Nigeria is passing through.

B. ECONOMIC HARDSHIP OF A NATION AND EARNING A LIVING – WHAT THE

BIBLE SAYS

I. The story of hardship in Samaria ( 2 Kings 6:25- end )

II. Find Something Doing and With Diligence

 “and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as
we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no
one”.( 1 Thessalonians 4:11 ESV)

 Observe people who are good at their work – skilled workers are always in demand and
admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone. (Proverbs 22:29 MSG)

 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Proverbs
10:4 NKJV)

 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. (Proverbs 19:15
NKJV)

You Can Shine- So Arise And Shine : Surviving Harsh Nigerian Economic Conditions - Opportunities For Earning Extra Income
Available To Christians In Ngeria - ByOlarotimi Ajani(Pastor)

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  The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labour. (Proverbs
12:24 NKJV)

 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made
rich (Proverbs 13:4 NKJV)

 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to
poverty (Proverbs 21:5 NKJV)

C. EXTRA INCOME EARNING IDEAS FOR CHRISTIANS

From times immemorial, earning extra income through engaging in other economic activities has been
a practice to raise economic conditions of family. In the olden days fathers and mothers used to buy
items and keep for resale, engage in farming, trading and selling of skills as sources of earning
secondary income. This wisdom is still applicable today.

Basically, activities involving provision of products and services addressing “ESSENTIALS";

especially for meeting of human needs are advised during economic downturn. Examples of such
essentials include:

i. Food

ii. Communication

iii. Health care

iv. Daily needs

v. Shelter

vi. Repairs and maintenance services

vii. Clothing

viii. Educational services

ix. Cleaning services

These activities can be engaged as a hobby by individuals or as a business if one wants to go higher.
There are many practicing farming, trading, teaching etc and other soft skills as a hobby and earning
extra income enough to support family income and boost quality of life. However, beyond the hobby,

You Can Shine- So Arise And Shine : Surviving Harsh Nigerian Economic Conditions - Opportunities For Earning Extra Income
Available To Christians In Ngeria - ByOlarotimi Ajani(Pastor)

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some engage in businesses focusing on these essentials. These businesses are practiced at micro,
small and medium levels before they became major means of earning.

Therefore, it is important we briefly discuss business as subject matter, as we go further.

a. WHAT IS BUSINESS?

A business can be defined as the organised effort of individuals to produce and sell, for a
profit, the products that satisfy individuals’ needs and wants.

From this definition we can deduce the following elements that differentiate business from
other activities:

 Product: a good that has tangible characteristics and that provides satisfaction or benefits
(e.g., an automobile).
 Service: an activity that has intangible characteristics and that provides satisfaction or
benefits (e.g., a mechanic performing automotive repair, educational service etc.)
 Profit: the basic goal of most businesses. Profit is the difference between what it costs to
make and sell a product or service and what the customer pays.
 Stakeholders: that is, groups of people who have a vested interest (a “stake”) in the
actions a business might take. There are four major groups of stakeholders: The business
owner, employees, the customer/consumer and the society (this includes: suppliers,
government and its agencies and other members of the society the business is located).

Of all these elements, profit making is the most paramount element that identifies an activity as a
business. Therefore, not all economic activities can be regarded as a business, even though if such
activities involve generation of revenue or cash inflow.

b. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR STARTING AND RUNNING SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Before you venture into and in order to run a successful business venture; especially as a
Christian in Nigeria, you need to understand the following tips:

i List the Business Opportunities around You

ii Do a Self Skill Audit: what can you do. What are you passionate about?
iii Conduct Feasibility Studies: make findings and searches about the business, the
location, environment, weaknesses, threats and opportunities.

You Can Shine- So Arise And Shine : Surviving Harsh Nigerian Economic Conditions - Opportunities For Earning Extra Income
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 iv Do your due diligence: Ask Loads of Questions
v Training: enrol for training in the relevant business you identified. Don't take blind
jump into a new business area.
vi Understudy someone who is running same business that you intend starting. Try to
borrow experience, it opens your eyes to so many things. This will enable you to ask
questions.
vii Take a Personality Test: are you compatible with the business you want to do? For
instance, you are physically unfit and wants to engage in borehole drilling or Manson
business: it won't work.
viii Choose the right person as your business partner: as a born-again Christian, your
spouse is your best business partner.
ix Watch your cash flow. As blood is the life of the flesh, so is cash the life of a
business. Watch cash inflows and outflows
x No sentiment in business: Business is not charity, as Christians watch how you give
cash and business products out freely. Be careful of credit sales to brethren out of
pure brotherly sentiments and not out of business sense.
xi Remember, sudden wealth is a fallacy, true wealth is always built gradually: don't
forget “small droplets of water become Great Ocean". (Prov. 21:5)
xii Avoid get-rich-quick syndrome. Avoid those who will bring business proposals to
you asking you to put in certain sum of money with the promise of mouth-watering
returns. Beware of scammers.
xiii Don't do any business you cannot monitor directly yourself. Remember; “People
only do what is INSPECTED and not what is EXPECTED”. Also try and build
controls into you business system as you are progressing.
xiv Always pay your business tithes. Don't forget, "It is God that gives power to get
wealth" (Deut 8:18)
xv Avoid cutting corners: Cutting corners can cut the life of your business short. Pay
the right taxes, register your business formally with appropriate authorities, avoid
sharp practices. Use the right measures, scales etc. Remember, if others are doing
wrong things you cannot join them. Fear God
xvi Most importantly, don't just get carried away by the prospect of higher returns the
business will bring, do risk assessment as well and measure this against your risk
appetite. Take note of this: “The higher the returns, the higher the risk, while the
lower the risk, the lower the returns".

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The list of these tips is not exhaustive. Just like human being and plants, your business has live
and capacity to grow, therefore you must continually evolve methods and skills to grow and
expand it.

c. BUSINESS IDEAS A CHRISTIAN CAN DO IN NIGERIA

Although it might be a bit difficult to know the right business to start especially when you are
confronted with numerous business ideas and opportunities, but if you consider certain key factors
before making your choice, then you would have succeeded in choosing the right business.

If you don’t want to make mistake when it comes to starting a business, then you need to carefully
access the business opportunities around you and then match it with your skills or in some cases
the finance available to you. One good thing about starting the right business is that you will
struggle less to achieve results and meet your goals and targets.

Starting a business should not be based on the viability of the business or the profits you stand to
gain in the business, but to know if you are compatible with the business.

You should not just start a business simply because it is trending and it is also profitable. Many
people join the bandwagon when it comes to starting a business and they ended up regretting
such moves because they ended up getting their fingers burnt.

Below are suggested Small Business ideas for Christians:

Take note that these are suggested ones, you can still generate more ideas based on what is
observed in your environment:

i. Food and Agriculture

1. Farming of various arable crops like maize, yam, coco yam, etc
2. Plantain farming
3. Cassava farming - a-200 stands of cassava goes at N25,000.
4. Livestock farming: Poultry, piggery, fishery, etc. you can start any of these in small or medium
scales, depending on your finances. Make sure you get trained and your due diligence.
5. Tomatoes and vegetables farming close to commercial centres
6. Raw Food Stuff Business: you can sell in large quantities. For instance a tonnage of maize sells
at N120,000. Also soya been grains sell. Local rice is now in high demands( remember the sayings
of PMB "we must consume what we produce").
7. Small scale milling business: grain milling business: rice milling, maize milling , cassava
milling ,yam milling etc

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 8. If you are situated at city centres, you can become food stuff commodity broker. Serves as go
between the bulk sellers and buyers
9. Bakery business: People all over the world love to eat baked things. Nigeria is one of them.
Before you start out it is vital you garner all the necessary information that you will need along the
line. You will need to go to a school that offers training in baking services if need be. You will need
other things too to get started.
10. Restaurant Business: In Nigeria, the restaurant business has always been on the rise. This
means that it doesn’t go out of fashion. If you think that you are a great cook, you can start a
restaurant business. You will be required to do a lot in the area of cooking very great meals. If you
know how to cook good varieties of food, you can do the business in small scale; road side, small
kiosk. Everybody must eat, especially when we have a more mobile population always on the
move.
11. Sales of fruits and Vegetables: These days, people are increasingly aware of eating in a
healthy ways, especially eating foods that are sources of vitamins, minerals and necessary
nutrients. Therefore, business of selling fruits like watermelon, cabbage, cucumber, etc is
becoming more attractive.
12. Grocery store: store where sales of other manufactured daily needs and consumables items
like packaged diary products, beverages, salt, toothpaste, bathing soaps, etc.
13. Sales of Agricultural Chemicals: Government is prompting people to go back to farms, many
are going back to farming. Sustainable large and medium size farming according to experts is only
possible with the usage of herbicides, pesticides and other related chemicals. Also sales of
improved seeds for planting to ensure great yields is a viable business venture too.
14. Dealership in basic farm tools and equipment: This is another lucrative business, especially
at this time everyone is going back to the farm. If you have connection abroad, you can start
importation of a little technologically advanced farm tools. If you are an artisans in steel
construction business, further training in fabrication of tools locally is not a bad idea.

ii. Communication Services

1. Phone Repair Business: Repair of GSM handsets, tablets. There is hardly any adult who
doesn’t have a phone in Nigeria. This only goes to show that the phone business and other
businesses surrounding it is really a worthwhile one. You can garner the phone repair skills so that
you can delve into the huge market that is in existence.
2. Sales of handsets: start from selling low-priced that can move quickly in the market
3. Sales of GSM handsets accessories
4. Sales of GSM repair parts
5. Sales of recharge cards: especially through electronic means, e.g. Mobile transfers and print
outs.

iii. Other Essential Services

1. Dry Cleaning Business: There are a lot of people who are too overwhelmed by work that they
may not have the time to wash their clothes. If you are at the city centres, where most of the

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 population are busy workers in the offices, companies, markets and establishments who are very
busy need this service. Some in the neighborhood demand washing clothes in their residence.
Also you may consider home cleaning service along with this.
2. Transport Business: The population in Nigeria is huge and a lot of people are looking for a
good living. People move from one spot to another to make ends meet. You can be the problem
solver by starting a transport business. Before you start, you will need to determine if you want an
interstate service or an intra-state shuttle.
3. Daycare Business : There will always be the need to make a living even after giving birth. This
is one of the reasons why day care centers make good money. The services they render is second
to none and is indispensable. If you have a penchant for babies and kids, then you can consider
starting a day care center.
4. Tailoring Business: The art of tailoring have been in existence from time immemorial. This
means that it didn’t just start recently. If you have an eye for fashion, then you can begin to work
on delving into the tailoring industry. One of the good things about this trade is the fact that you will
beautify people for a fee.
5. Car wash service: you can start with little capital . With close monitoring, this can give you
good returns and can lead to establishing additional business by the side
6. Electronics Repair Business: To start an electric repair business is simple and you will need to
learn all the ropes. An electric repair business has unlimited profit potential and a low start-up cost.
This industry boasts of a lot of people who have done really well for themselves. In Nigeria, people
have continued to require the services of an electrician.
7. House wiring and electrical repair service: House electrical wiring and repairs is also
essential.
8. Plumbing Service: credible source of water supply to household is very critical good health of
residents and community. Therefore, plumbers who can offer good plumbing services are great
demands.
9. Sales of plumbing materials: it is another good business you can do
10. Pest Control Business: If you are thinking of starting a business that can guarantee you
steady income, then one of your options is to consider starting pest control business. Pest control
businesses is a business that is involved in removing or eradicating potentially harmful insects,
rodent and reptiles from, farms, commercial and residential properties. These days more than ever
before in the world, more and more people are conscious of eradicating things that might bring ill
health to them. So you will find that it is a very good business to start. Also you can find out to get
trained.
11. Auto-Repair Shop: All over the globe, the auto repair business is such that is important. This
is because of the need to have cars fixed. One of the things that must be done before even
commencing this type of business is learning all that is required to be known in the auto repairs
business. This means that you will be required to go and garner some good skills in this light.
12. Barbing Saloon: Grooming business is very important. Barring business is a good one if you
can get trained, find good location and do other due diligence.
13. Clothing Store: You can open store for selling of essential clothes for different gender and

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 ages. Ensure you get supplies from cheaper and quality source. South Eastern states, especially
Anambra and Abia , apart from Lagos are very good source.
14. Waste Disposal Business: Most especially in urban centers, industrial and home waste
disposals are becoming challenging. Therefore, you can get trained and establish small scale
waste disposal service business.

iv. Other Small Scale Businesses that You Can Do

1. Party Rental Business: A party rental business is indeed a good way to make extra money and
in the long run can turn into a lucrative, full-time business. People love to have party in Nigeria,
and there are times when some party rentals might not give one what they want. You can bridge
the gap by starting a party rental business.
2. Car Rental Business: Cars all over the world isn’t a luxury but a necessity. There are times
however when some people may be in need of car services. This is where a car rental business
comes to fore. Be sure you understudy an expert who can make you learn all the ropes within
time.
3. Small scale manufacturing and other businesses: examples of these that require fairly few
millions of naira, if you can afford them are:
I. Soap making business
ii. Natural juice business: involves blending fruits together, chill, bottle
them in plastic bottles and supply to offices.
iii. Shoe making business: leather works, making of bags, shoes,
slippers, etc. make sure you find somewhere to learn the work and
ensure you know the modern approach, people orientations are
gradually changing towards made in Nigeria goods due lack of
foreign exchange and astronomically increase in costs of imported
brands.
iv. Manufacturing of basic cosmetics and daily needs: like air and body
creams, hand wash liquid soaps ( you can supply these go
restaurants, hotels, offices and homes)

4. Real estate Investment Business: Real estate investment is a very attractive avenue for
wealth building, as there are few other business opportunities where the potential for income is so
high. However, it can be a very risky endeavour to step out on your own and jump into a volatile
market. Navigating the financial and legal issues surrounding real estate investment can be an
incredible hassle. Still, thousands of people are doing it every day and the smart ones are coming
out on top. You can do purchase and selling lands and landed property, build residential and
commercial property for rent. These will bring additional stream of income.
5. Wood and Wood -Working Business: carpentry, fixing leaking roofs, repair of furniture and
fittings at home, offices, companies etc
6. Courier Service Business: There is a lot to be tapped from when you start a courier service
business. What is more, there is a lot of profit in this business. If you think this is a type of business
that you want to start, then you must first and foremost get all your facts together. After you have

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 done that, then be sure to write a business plan to guide you as you start out
7. Sales, services and repairs of alternate power supply electronics: The power supply
situation in Nigeria is still very challenging and inadequate. Therefore, you can get trained, source
for supply and sales of alternate electric power supply equipments such as solar powered
electronics, installation of Inverter, UPS etc.
8. Provision of private security services: If you are a retired trained security personnel, you can
provide private security services to commercial and residential properties.
9. Garment Factory: If you have few millions and passion for producing S garments in large
scales, small scale garment factory is the right one for you. You can serve the clothing store
(boutique) industry comprises of small retail stores that sells a limited range of clothing and
accessories. The industry is defined as single-establishment stores only. Clothing stores
(boutiques) can be strictly designer based (i.e. only one designer’s collection is sold there), or they
may sell a mix of designers’ labels (brands) that are specifically catered to the local market.

v. Healthcare Services

1. Drug Stores: You have to ensure you get acquainted with all the legal requirements. Ensure
your hire the services of qualified pharmacist for basic prescriptions and other technical cal inputs
2. Nursing Services: If you are qualified as a nurse, you can establish maternity homes. Make
sure you get acquainted with all the legal requirements
3. Alternative Medicine Practices: get trained, get registered and licensed to practice .

vi. Educational Services

1. Home lesson service: Education is very essential, most parents are very busy in their
businesses. If you are a graduate and have mastery of subjects at primary and secondary levels,
you already have a business. Just evolve strategy, ask people who have been doing this and
2. Sales of stationery items: this business is also a good one , get good locations and do your
due diligence
3. Part- time teaching: Many tertiary institutions, post-secondary and professional training centers
are always looking for qualified teachers in different subjects. If you have passion for teaching, you
can engage in many teaching many of these institutions and make extra income.
4. Sourcing and sales of text books: definitely, your target is educational institutions. Try and get
the approved school curriculum from Ministry of Education where you can source for the list of
recommended text books
5. Books and project Binding: define and get targets right
6. Computer Services: Project typing, printing and other computer works. Your location is very
vital among other factors.
7. Graphics Design Business: If you are arts inclines and are looking for an arts related business
to start, then you can look into the graphics design business. One of the good things about this
business is that you can acquire the skills that is involved from the scratch and then expand on
what you have learnt.

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 8. Freelance Writing Business: It’s very possible to become either a full-time freelance writer
earning a living, or to be a part-time freelancer supplementing a regular paid income. Another role
is to simply do it for fun or to build up a broader portfolio of skills. Try to get the basics on what it
takes to ease your way into freelance writing as a career or to be put properly, turn your writing
hobby into a career that doesn’t affect your day job.
The list of business ideas is in-exhaustive, try and always look for opportunities around your areas
that you can turn to business ventures and earn income.

d. SOURCES OF FINANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

There are various sources of finance available for business. It is important to understand that
all these come at a cost; even fund sourced form your savings has a cost. Therefore, it is
important to always ensure that you do your due diligence before sourcing to finance a
business.

Most especially, ensure that:

 The fund is not too expensive

 The fund is adequate

 Start business at a level that is within your funding. Don’t go extra budget, it is not
good to begin borrowing at early stage of business.

 Start business with your own fund

The following are various sources of finance for your business. The list not exhaustive, you
can find out more in your area:

i Banks and other Financial Institutions

ii Cooperative societies

iii Development Financial Institutions: Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture,

Development Bank of Nigeria, etc. You can find out more around your environment.

iv Special Government Borrowing Schemes

The adverse economic environment is no excuse for you to leave the Lord, abandon your Christian FAITH

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and get lost in the crowd. All you need to do is get up and do something; enough of folding hands and
complaining. Just stand up and take a step.

I believe above all if you can pray for God's guidance, do your thorough findings about the desired business
and take measurable risk, don't forget business involves risks, you will make it, then YOU CAN SHINE
AGAIN.

SO I CHARGE YOU TODAY TO ARISE AND SHINE!

QUESTIONS, DISCUSSIONS

THANK YOU

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