Ibrahim Badmus is the founder of Stil Agro, a business centered on the breeding and sales of Snails . After offering his services as a volunteer with the N-power Agro Youth Empowerment Programme , he developed an interest in providing affordable animal proteins. His major aim is to complement and supplement the heavy consumption of carbohydrates by Nigerians.
Barenedaily -Thank you for making out time to speak to us today: It is my pleasure, I am glad to be doing this.
Let us meet you, please?: My name is Ibrahim Badmus. I will say I’m an insurance practitioner since I have a degree in insurance, I have also worked as a Business development manager in the hospitality industry as well as in energy and power (Solar power) prior to me starting my business.
What are the services your business offer?: We serve the best peppered snail in Lagos, Nigeria. Peppered snail has a PR of it’s own as an elite cuisine and that is one thing that makes the business really exciting.
Like every other business, you must have experienced some challenges while starting: Oh yes, i sure did. The utmost challenge has been capital. It has been a drastic step putting in the little we could get to expand.
How would you say the business is faring currently?: Officially, it’s been 5 years and i have four workers at the moment. Our clientele base has been impressive. We’re basically an online business for now and social media has played a vital role in creating visibility of our produce. It’s been an awesome experience, the positive feedback of our fortified food has been driving us till this moment.
At this point, we must commend you for your hard work, you are such an inspiration to lots of people out there: Thank you so much, I am honoured.
How does your products benefit consumers?: It sounds unbelievable but it is true that snails have more health benefits than we otherwise thought. An average Snail is comprised of 80% water, 15% protein, and 2.4% fat which is primarily healthy fat. It contains essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, selenium, & magnesium.
Why should people patronise you?: We serve you premium snails not the regular ones out there. Our breed of snails are ranched-isolated and raised on feed so they purge any toxins they’ve munched on. They also have to be cleaned of their own waste as they’re readied for consumption.
What is your long term vision?: To be a conglomerate company by producing our raw materials thereby, owning a hub for our food produce.
Is there anything you wished you knew before you started?: Irrespective of your knowledge of a certain field, experience would eventually play out.
What’s the most difficult thing about your business?: Delivery has been a major challenge as we contract dispatch of our snail food.
You’ve been such a great sport ,Ibrahim. It is certain that a lot of our readers would benefit from your story. Just before we wrap up , any last words for anyone interested in the snail business?: My advise is to start with what you have, you can dream big and persevere in growing. There might be trying times of low patronage; it’s just a distraction. Don’t fall for it. Keep pushing your brand in relevant ways for visibility. Please don’t joke with feedback, it’s your yardstick to progression.
Wow, that is a trailer load of advice right there. Thank you once again for gracing us with your experience and for these great words of advise as well. We wish you and Stil Agro all the best in your future endeavours.: Thank you too, BareneDaily.
For our Readers, please catch up with still Agro via their instagram page : @stil_agro
Kindly let us know in the comments if you have been inspired today. Don’t forget to share as well.
Nigerians are hardworking sha..kudos to this young man.
But snail dey sweet oo, na money no just dey