Ibadan: An Agripreneur, Mrs. Blessing Nanman, has advised Nigerians to embrace creativity and innovation to revive the nation's economy. Nanman, the CEO of Lingzhi Global, emphasized this during the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) 2025 In-House Research Review, held in Ibadan, highlighting the significance of individual contributions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was themed 'Advances in Varietal Development of Cocoa, Cashew, Coffee, Kola and Tea for Sustainable Economic Growth, Highlighting CRIN's Commitment to Enhancing Crop Varieties and Agro-economic Development.' Nanman shared her entrepreneurial journey, recounting how she started her coffee business with just N35,000, which has now evolved into a global venture worth over ?4 billion, exporting to 49 countries, including 14 in Africa.
Nanman explained that in coffee-producing nations, coffee transcends being merely a beverage; it becomes a lifestyle that fosters value creation, job opportunities, and national pride. She urged Nigerians to cultivate a mindset geared towards establishing value-added businesses, such as coffee shops and chocolate companies, which would support local farmers and bolster the economy.
Nanman stressed that rebuilding Nigeria's economy is not solely the government's responsibility; citizens must engage in creating value from local products like coffee, tea, chocolate, and cashew. Despite the naira's decline, she expressed confidence that it could be revitalized through innovation, unity, and personal responsibility.
She concluded by urging Nigerians to 'pick up the pieces' and contribute to rebuilding the country from wherever they are today.