Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has said that succeeding in Nigeria’s business environment requires entrepreneurs to multitask and constantly stay on top of their operations.

She declared that this was critical to surviving the country’s challenging economic environment as an entrepreneur.

Salako-Oyedele stated this in Lagos yesterday during the public presentation of a book: ‘Pathways, Pilgrimage & Destiny: The Biography of Alhaji Muneer Bankole,’ written in honour of the Managing Director of Md-View Airline, Muneer Bankole.

She said that Bankole demonstrated exceptional foresight by identifying opportunities in the aviation and pilgrimage sectors at a time when private hajj travel services were virtually non-existent in Nigeria.

According to her, Bankole’s decision to establish private pilgrimage packages after working in Saudi Arabia with the defunct national, Nigeria Airways, opened up a new segment of the travel industry and inspired many operators who later ventured into the business.

She noted that documenting the entrepreneur’s experiences would provide valuable lessons for investors, start-ups and policymakers seeking to navigate Nigeria’s complex business environment.

Salako-Oyedele stressed that beyond celebrating Bankole’s achievements, the book would help younger entrepreneurs understand the challenges associated with building businesses in highly regulated and capital-intensive industries.

She observed that aviation remained one of the most difficult sectors to operate in because of policy uncertainties, fluctuating fuel prices and huge capital requirements.

Recalling her visits to Med-View Airline, the deputy governor described Bankole as a businessman who constantly juggled multiple responsibilities to keep the company running.

She said: “We heard about your distinguished career in aviation. You saw the business opportunities in the sector and became one of the first people to offer private pilgrim packages in Lagos. Many people later copied the model and today we have numerous agencies operating in that space.

“I remember visiting his office and he would be speaking on the radio, monitoring flights, asking why an aircraft was delayed and issuing instructions. All at the same time. That is the reality of running a business in Nigeria. You have to keep your finger on the pulse all the time to ensure your business survives.”

She urged Nigerians to continue supporting indigenous airlines and local businesses, noting that globally successful brands also started from humble beginnings.

Also, His Royal Majesty, Alara of Ilara Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, commended Bankole as a professional and business owner who led with utmost professionalism.

Ogunsanwo declared that Bankole had contributed his quota to employment generation, not just in the aviation sector and urged other entrepreneurs to emulate hi professional acumen.

In his comment, Bankole said that he was encouraged to write the book in order to put his young life and career growth into print.

He expressed that his journey in Nigeria Airways shaped his growth trajectory and development.

He also appealed to everyone to believe in God irrespective of the challenges of life.