ASHMART BEGINS REVOLUTION IN RETAIL BUSINESS IN NIGERIA

ASHMART BEGINS REVOLUTION IN RETAIL BUSINESS IN NIGERIA

BY OLADUNNI KOSOKO,,ADEDAMOLA OWONIFARI  AND ABDULMUMINI ADEKU

ASHMART SUPERMARKET IS CHALLENGING THE TRADITIONAL ORDER IN THE RETAIL TRADE IN NIGERIA

Ashmart Supermarket Group founded by dashing business magnate,Mr Tony Ibikun Ashamu  is changing the way people do shopping in Nigeria with its recent expansion and relocation to a new corporate office.

Checks by the News Office Desk of Paedia Express Multimedia in Lagos,Nigeria shows that the retail chain has relocated its main shopping center and offices from the Alausa Business District in Ikeja ,Lagos,Nigeria to the busy Ojodu –Berger Highway not so far away from its old abode.

The business magnate while responding to questions albeit exclusively from this reporter during the recent commissioning of the company’s new offices said that he was elated that he had come a very long way within a very short little time.

He told Paedia Express Multimedia that he was excited at not just being a wholly Nigerian brand bringing something fresh and unique to the retail industry in Nigeria  but that he will use his brand to prove that Nigerians can do better than the foreign brands that currently wield influence in the trade on our shores.

He  revealed exclusively of the plans by the retail group to expand its frontiers beyond their present location ,insisting that they were set to replicate at least another 100 outlets in places like Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Benin City amongst others very soon.

In terms of counterpart funding for the project, the highly respected entrepreneur gave an inkling of the firm’s boardroom  directions when he said that funds for the projects were sources from investors, banks among other sources.

Mrs Yetunde Odejayi ,Director of Administration and Human Resources in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Lagos state who stood in for Mrs Idiat Adebule,Deputy Governor,Lagos state hailed Mr Ashamu on his new project.

She speaks:”I advice that you make your goods pocket friendly so as to allow for a great patronage,Ashmarts success story is one of the ways of creating wealth and employment for Nigerians “

“The state government will continue to provide an enabling environment for business to grow and our population of 17 million offers a great option for investors,we will provide for good security and strong infrastructural  basis “

Chief M.M.Akindele,a Representative of the Alaafin of Oyo at the event in his remarks after eulogizing the monarch in absentia in line with customs prayed for the growth and success of the retail firm to the admiration and applause of the audience.

Lagos Socialite ,Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi who was represented by his son,Sheriff  said that he was impressed with Ashmart the first time he visited it for shopping and this was added to the fact that the brand was been promoted by a group of highly dedicated Nigerian investors led by Mr Tony Ibukun Ashamu.

Chief Olumuyiwa Alade Ajibola,Agbakin of Ile-Ife in his speech at the event recalled that he met with Mr Ashamu for the first time when he visited his own son in Detroit, United States of America and the impression he had of him in the meeting has not failed till date.

He pleaded with the younger generation to copy the leadership examples been set by the likes of Mr Ashamu who decided to return back home from the United States to put something back into the Nigerian society.

Two young wives of the Alaafin of Oyo,His Royal Highness ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi also graced the occasion .

In her speech, Olori Folashade Adeyemi said that the monarch was happy that Mr Ashamu was bringing progress to Nigeria and prayed for the sustenance of the business.

The Chief Executive Officer, Grand Wagon,Mr Abraham Oluwambe said that Ashmart Supermarket was an exceptional outfit as they do things differently and see things differently as well.

He insisted that he was sure that Mr Ashamu was heading somewhere because of the steps he has taken so far in ensuring that Ashmart was major force in the retail business in Nigeria and even beyond.

He pleaded with the market to support Mr Ashamu’s dreams so that the brand can compete with the biggest names in the trade.

He assured that the change in location will not affect his feelings towards the brand as they have never failed him before when he looks out for something to buy in the market.

Mrs Omolara  Ajibola said she liked Mr Ashamu because he was a brave and bold human being who was never afraid of taking initiatives in any of his pursuits.

Propagandist,Mr Olamide Noibi advised that Nigerians should ensure to start the culture of change that they clamor for through their homes.

He added that the owners of the retail firm can be encouraged by the consumers if they support the brand with impressive ratio of patronage on a daily basis.