By Oluwayemi Davidson, Warri
A young Nigerian aviation entrepreneur, Mr. Ifeanyi Onukwubiri has called on the Federal Government to boost the nation’s aviation industry with policies that will help those in the industry to succeed just as he recounted the losses incurred during the recent six months Twitter ban period.
He told journalists in Warri, Delta State that Nigeria lost $1.45 billion as a result of the seven-month Twitter ban, making it the second worst hit country by an internet shutdown in 2021, quoting industry sources.
Onukwubiri, chairman of TMT Travels and Tours Limited, a local and international flights operating firm, however expressed relief with the lifting of the ban on Twitter which, he said, has helped in boosting many businesses.
He said, ”The Twitter ban affected businesses globally. There have been economic costs. A report on the cost of internet shutdowns in 2021 estimates that Nigeria lost $1.45 billion as a result of the seven-month Twitter ban, making it the second worst hit country by an internet shutdown. Out of this $1.45 billion, we in TMT, a company dealing in travels, had our fair share as our clients in Twitter were shutdown completely.
But I thank the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) for hearkening to the voice of reasoning. The good news is that after the ban lifting, businesses at all sectors are bouncing back. Better days are ahead”.
Onukwubiri who is also a member of the global money team owned by Floyd Mayther, charged young Nigerian entrepreneurs to set long-term goal and be focused to succeed in business.
“No legitimate business takes a sudden flight to success. No short cut to success in business You must build the business from the ground with diligence, hard work, integrity and a set goal. If you want to succeed, you must learn from those who have made it in the same line of business.
“Although, what is good for Mr. A may not work out for Mr. B. The applications may be different. But the principles of successful business are the same”, he stated.