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A graduate of Business Economics from the University of Buckingham, England, Azeez Olayide, speaks with BIODUN BUSARI on his journey and jollof rice business in the United Kingdom
How did you come about the name, 2 Nigerian Boys?
It was a gesture of two friends working in the city thinking about what they could do. Then, we thought of starting a business. We thought of bringing Nigerian food to the city. At that time, there weren’t any Nigerian or African food. It was in 2019. We started the 2 Nigerian Boys at Spitalfields market. Spitalfields was our first market anyway. We started there the first day, we went to Fenchurch Street, Fenchurch Station. That’s still in central London as well, so that’s how we started the business.
Do you sell only jollof rice or other African delicacies?
We sell just jollof rice because it’s just for lunch. We sell jollof rice, chicken, beef and lamb.
Do you have other business aside from selling jollof rice?
I don’t have any other business.
What took you originally to the UK?
I left Nigeria in 2005 to study. After I finished my studies, I decided to just wait and work.
What did you study?
I studied Business Economics at the University of Buckingham.
Does your course of study reflect the jollof rice business you started?
Well, I wouldn’t say that. Everything in life is just about trying. And sometimes it works. The job I was doing was okay. It was a well-paying job, but we decided to just see where this jollof rice business takes us. It is about taking control of our lives. That’s what we did.
Are there challenges that have tested your resilience in the business?
Yeah, there are challenges. Everything in life has to be in ups and downs. Selling food in the UK is different from selling food in Nigeria. You have to go through a lot of stages before you can even try to set up. You have to do your mental statement. You must have your food hygiene rating. The government has to come and look at what you are selling and where you are selling your food. The government in the UK takes the business environment seriously. They have to see everybody working with you. They must have some sort of certificate to work with you. But really, these are not ups and downs if you know what you’re doing. To put it straight, starting up a business in the UK is not just like Nigeria.
How have you grown in the business?
Yes, we opened another branch in Briston. We just opened that this year anyway. But things have been going well because we do a lot of private offices for their lunches and a lot of places around London. It is a good thing. We pay our taxes and VAT.
How much did you invest to start the business?
I can’t disclose the capital. I have to be private with that.
Do you have competitors in the business?
Yes. There have to be competitors as well. I can’t be the only one selling jollof in London. A lot of people might do it better and some don’t. But one thing always stands out: if your product is good, your product will sell itself. If your location is good, your location will bring people to you. I always tell people that a good thing about business, especially with the food business, is your location. Your location always matters in whatever you do. Your location and product play important roles in growing your business. If your customer service is excellent, the ratings will go far.
The company is 2 Nigerian Boys. Where is your partner?
The second Nigerian Boy is a close friend. He’s good at what he does. He’s a creative. He’s the main brain of the company, so, that’s how we do things. He does a lot, and I do my part as well. The business is just 2 Nigerian Boys. He doesn’t want to be in public space for now. So, that’s why I always say one is there, and the other is a magician. You don’t ask a magician how he performs his magic. Let me just put it that way.
How do you recruit your workers?
Well, I would say some apply. The business is the marketplace. People always come to tell you that they are looking for work, and you ask them what their experience is. With this, we employ. For now, it’s just Nigerians. If I have some Asians and Indians looking for work, why not? They will do their part and see if they can cope. It’s just for them to serve people, which is all right.
What is the reaction of your family in Nigeria that you are selling jollof rice in the UK?
No parent wants his or her children to be a rice seller. But they don’t have a choice because the business is paying the bills. I might read economics, but if I feel that rice selling is more peaceful, then I’m in it. I have my own time. The fact is that when you are in your 40s, you don’t have to explain anything you do to your parents. Your parents have done their part, and it’s just for you to tell them you are happy with what you do. My mum is late, but my dad is alive and well. He doesn’t have any complaints about it. I’m happy with what I do. And I’m trying to make money from it. At least I’m not asking him for money, so, he’s alright about it.
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