In an era of increasing youth apathy and economy downturn, Juwon Lawal, is a case study for youth aspiring to be great.
The Kogi State, Nigerian born has no doubt carved a niche as a big player in almost every business sector with his ingenious venture in oil and gas, organic and non-organic food products, marine logistics and services, E-commerce, entertainment, feed mill, and information technology and services.
Juwon, an unassuming socialite in his mid-30s, sits atop Africent Group, Oillets Services, S8 Contractors, and Cropyfy Incorporated, a wide range of businesses that spans Africa and overseas.
With a master’s degree in management and business administration from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, and having been experienced in the production of palm kernel oil business and oil extraction while in school, the young graduate burning with a passion for success, proved his mettle in 2007 when he successfully launched his first business innovation, ABD Fuels, a bunkering firm that marketed and supplied marine fuels to ships in port and at sea along West Africa coast, which has now transformed to S8 Contractors.
Success, they say, comes with resilience and taking a few more steps each day. Juwon Lawal’s entrepreneurial drive was evident by his attendance at various local and international business meetings like the 2018 and 2019 editions of the International Petroleum Week International Petroleum (IP) Week, a key event in the oil and gas industry where senior executives from all over the world gather in London for a three-day conference and round-table trade discourse.
The Africent Group boss was also at the 2018 edition of The Africa Forum, an international, landmark event aiming to promote greater economic integration through increased investment flows into Africa, alongside African leaders and business experts and entrepreneurs which include the president of Egypt who was the host, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi; Alhaji Samad Rabiu of BUA Group; Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, president of Africa Development Bank, and a lot of others.
For Juwon, who made his first million at 23 consulting for corporations, Nigerian youths must be encouraged to be focused and committed, as his core value is dedication, noting that he is more dedicated to his business as he always strives to work ahead of others.