The Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Femi Julius, has urged young people in Oke-Ogun and across Oyo State to embrace entrepreneurship, develop multiple streams of income, and cultivate the virtues of discipline, resilience, and vision as pathways to prosperity and sustainable economic growth.
He gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Oke-Ogun Business and Leadership Summit held at Harmony Garden Gedu Estate, Saki.
Addressing a gathering of entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, students, and community leaders, Hon. Julius described Oke-Ogun as a region blessed with fertile land, hardworking people, and enormous economic potential, stressing that its future would be shaped not only by government policies but also by individuals willing to create opportunities and build enterprises.
Drawing from his personal journey from a small-scale poultry farmer to a businessman, photographer, timber exporter, legislator, and public servant, the former lawmaker shared key principles that had guided his success over the years.
He emphasized the importance of starting small, noting that many young people delay pursuing their dreams while waiting for ideal conditions and big finances.
According to him, most successful businesses begin with modest resources and gradual growth.
“Success rarely begins with abundance. It often begins with a small idea, a small investment, and a small step. What matters is not where you start but whether you start,” he said.
Hon. Julius encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of available opportunities, no matter how limited their capital may be, adding that small ventures can evolve into large-scale enterprises through consistency and determination.
Speaking on discipline, he described it as the foundation of sustainable success, maintaining that many businesses collapse not because of a lack of opportunities but due to poor management and indiscipline.
He urged entrepreneurs to maintain proper records, manage resources prudently, honor commitments, and uphold integrity in all their dealings.
The Commission Chairman also underscored the importance of vision, describing it as the ability to see possibilities beyond present circumstances.
He explained that successful entrepreneurs distinguish themselves by identifying problems and creating solutions that others may overlook.
“When others see ordinary farmland, a visionary sees an agricultural empire. When others see challenges, a visionary sees opportunities,” he said.
Hon. Julius further stressed the need for focus, warning young entrepreneurs against constantly abandoning one venture for another without allowing sufficient time for growth and mastery.
He likened such behavior to a farmer uprooting crops repeatedly to check their progress, noting that success requires patience, consistency, and perseverance.
On resilience, he observed that setbacks, financial losses, betrayals, and disappointments are inevitable in business and leadership but should never discourage individuals from pursuing their goals.
He advised participants to develop what he described as a “strong heart,” insisting that the ability to recover from failure and remain committed to one’s objectives often distinguishes successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful ones.
“Failure is not the opposite of success; it is often part of the journey to success,” he remarked.
He cited his experiences in photography, poultry farming, and timber exportation as examples of ventures that aligned with his interests and environment.
Hon. Julius used the occasion to outline key sectors with vast economic potential in Oke-Ogun and Oyo State.
He identified agriculture and agro-processing as major areas of opportunity, listing poultry farming, fish farming, livestock production, cassava processing, maize cultivation, soybean production, rice farming, vegetable farming, and feed production as viable ventures.
He urged young people to move beyond primary production and embrace value addition through processing, packaging, and distribution.
The chairman also highlighted opportunities in timber and forest-based enterprises, including timber processing, furniture production, wood exportation, interior design materials, and wood-based manufacturing.
In addition, he encouraged youths to take advantage of the growing digital and creative economy through photography, videography, graphic design, software development, digital marketing, content creation, and social media management.
According to him, such ventures require relatively low startup capital but offer significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
A major highlight of his address was a call for multiple streams of income.
He advised participants not to rely on a single source of livelihood, stressing that diversification remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing financial risks and ensuring long-term stability.
“A farmer can also engage in agro-processing. A teacher can own a consulting business. A photographer can run a media enterprise. A trader can invest in agriculture. The objective is not merely to have many businesses but to build sustainable enterprises that create value and generate wealth,” he said.
Hon. Julius expressed optimism about the future of Oke-Ogun, insisting that the region possesses all the resources necessary for economic transformation.
He received an Award of Honor for his impacts and influence.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
