OUR
NEWS:
I’d Rather Choose Business Than Anything Else —20-Year-Old Aba Oil Founder, Zaria Mimano
British
born business strategist Zaria Mimano is the Founder of Aba Oil LLC, based in New
York with visible presence in Abuja. Only in her 20’s Mimano has excelled
tremendously. During her recent trip to Nigeria she spoke with our reporter
about her business, adventures and values.
Does your name Zaria
have anything to do with the city in Kaduna State, Nigeria?
Yes. My father went to school in Ghana and during his time there he was always coming to Nigeria. I guess he came to Nigeria and went to Zaria, in Kaduna State. Perhaps he was impressed with something there that made him name me after the place when I was born. My dad, is very random but in a special way he also named my brother after the Emperor of Ethiopia.
You are half Kenyan and half Ghanaian yet born in the UK is this correct?
Yes it is. My Dad is Kenyan and my Mum is Ghanaian.
Are you related to the man himself, President B. H. Obama?
Hahaha. No, I highly doubt it.
You have an impressive portfolio as a business strategist despite being young, how have you managed this feat?
In everything we give thanks. Taking it from scratch, I went to a private school in London. Although we did not pay tuition due to the fact one of our old boys was paying our tuition fees. As such, a lot of people within the private school world looked down on us, but we were really smart. However, during my time in school, I was involved in a lot of business competitions, where I was made the managing director and as a team we achieved many highs. My early years also saw me having wise mentors, who exposed me to a lot business wise, life wise even now.
How did the big times start?
The big times. Is there any such thing? Business has always been there for me. But think if I am to rephrase your question to the good times or fruitful times then it would have to have been when I started to develop understanding. When I started to see God’s will in my life. That is when things started to make sense and I began to feel fulfilment. I started my own business during university buying and selling cars, which I did eventually have to suspend for awhile in order to concentrate on finishing at the university. During and after university, I had an office in London, where we also dealt in all the latest electronics. Then, before the latest Blackberrys, iPhones became available in the UK we would already have it. Our Middle Eastern customers and the bankers in London at the time gave us great business. But the big ideas, exposure came through travel.
There is a saying that humans are the most difficult to manage, as a young entrepreneur, how have you been able to handle those working for you?
If not human beings who do you want to manage (laughs). Definitely, people can know of what they are working towards but actually understanding why exactly they are working towards something is of the utmost importance. We need clarity. We all need direction and order to be able to excel.
Why do you think young entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to excel in this part of the world?
Everywhere in the world. Not just Africa. Can go really deep to answer this but just to keep it simple, as the saying goes the only thing that is constant in life is change. Think it to be unwise to think what worked for the previous generation will work in the same way for us. We can only build on, adapt to suit, enhance, add value to our current environment in which we find ourselves. The same goes even for the generation before us, they constantly have to adapt too. So adapting is key and the willingness to do so, assume formlessness.
As an entrepreneur when was your most trying period and what really happened?
Everyday! Seriously, it’s true. Self-inflicted but it’s true. But that is when I can see God really working ahead of me each day. The harder the situation I find myself, the more fun I have overcoming it and thankfully most times the end result is better than expected, sometimes takes time to see it that way though! Never would I want a bland day.
You were also in the world of banking at one stage, is this correct?
During part of my gap year I did work for both Morgan Stanley and UBS Investment Bank in London. Yes.
Please tell us about Aba Oil?
We at Aba Oil are an African oil and gas company that specialises exclusively in accessing and securing the most efficient and advantageous exploration rights, leasing and servicing for oil and gas block acquisition both offshore and onshore across Africa. Our mission is to continue to do this whilst ensuring that the people are also securing the correct value for their assets to support future development in all aspects of their daily lives.
I hear exclusivity is what you are known for?
Haha. We try. On a serious note I believe it is very important to extend the law of scarcity to our own skills. Offer the world something rare. Something unique. Yet simple. Ultimately something that will make a special difference to each and every one of us and those that come behind us also. Whatever it is, being able to deliver is utmost important to me.
What would you say is unique about you?
Like with everyone; my mind. My thought process.
Constantly coming up with fresh unique ideas, strategies is not easy, how do you do it?
That is my job. The fact that it is not always so easy is what makes it fun. Though the best ideas always come once I consult God first.
I heard you get bored very easily is this true?
Unfortunately yes, it is true. I am still working on it though.
Yes. My father went to school in Ghana and during his time there he was always coming to Nigeria. I guess he came to Nigeria and went to Zaria, in Kaduna State. Perhaps he was impressed with something there that made him name me after the place when I was born. My dad, is very random but in a special way he also named my brother after the Emperor of Ethiopia.
You are half Kenyan and half Ghanaian yet born in the UK is this correct?
Yes it is. My Dad is Kenyan and my Mum is Ghanaian.
Are you related to the man himself, President B. H. Obama?
Hahaha. No, I highly doubt it.
You have an impressive portfolio as a business strategist despite being young, how have you managed this feat?
In everything we give thanks. Taking it from scratch, I went to a private school in London. Although we did not pay tuition due to the fact one of our old boys was paying our tuition fees. As such, a lot of people within the private school world looked down on us, but we were really smart. However, during my time in school, I was involved in a lot of business competitions, where I was made the managing director and as a team we achieved many highs. My early years also saw me having wise mentors, who exposed me to a lot business wise, life wise even now.
How did the big times start?
The big times. Is there any such thing? Business has always been there for me. But think if I am to rephrase your question to the good times or fruitful times then it would have to have been when I started to develop understanding. When I started to see God’s will in my life. That is when things started to make sense and I began to feel fulfilment. I started my own business during university buying and selling cars, which I did eventually have to suspend for awhile in order to concentrate on finishing at the university. During and after university, I had an office in London, where we also dealt in all the latest electronics. Then, before the latest Blackberrys, iPhones became available in the UK we would already have it. Our Middle Eastern customers and the bankers in London at the time gave us great business. But the big ideas, exposure came through travel.
There is a saying that humans are the most difficult to manage, as a young entrepreneur, how have you been able to handle those working for you?
If not human beings who do you want to manage (laughs). Definitely, people can know of what they are working towards but actually understanding why exactly they are working towards something is of the utmost importance. We need clarity. We all need direction and order to be able to excel.
Why do you think young entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to excel in this part of the world?
Everywhere in the world. Not just Africa. Can go really deep to answer this but just to keep it simple, as the saying goes the only thing that is constant in life is change. Think it to be unwise to think what worked for the previous generation will work in the same way for us. We can only build on, adapt to suit, enhance, add value to our current environment in which we find ourselves. The same goes even for the generation before us, they constantly have to adapt too. So adapting is key and the willingness to do so, assume formlessness.
As an entrepreneur when was your most trying period and what really happened?
Everyday! Seriously, it’s true. Self-inflicted but it’s true. But that is when I can see God really working ahead of me each day. The harder the situation I find myself, the more fun I have overcoming it and thankfully most times the end result is better than expected, sometimes takes time to see it that way though! Never would I want a bland day.
You were also in the world of banking at one stage, is this correct?
During part of my gap year I did work for both Morgan Stanley and UBS Investment Bank in London. Yes.
Please tell us about Aba Oil?
We at Aba Oil are an African oil and gas company that specialises exclusively in accessing and securing the most efficient and advantageous exploration rights, leasing and servicing for oil and gas block acquisition both offshore and onshore across Africa. Our mission is to continue to do this whilst ensuring that the people are also securing the correct value for their assets to support future development in all aspects of their daily lives.
I hear exclusivity is what you are known for?
Haha. We try. On a serious note I believe it is very important to extend the law of scarcity to our own skills. Offer the world something rare. Something unique. Yet simple. Ultimately something that will make a special difference to each and every one of us and those that come behind us also. Whatever it is, being able to deliver is utmost important to me.
What would you say is unique about you?
Like with everyone; my mind. My thought process.
Constantly coming up with fresh unique ideas, strategies is not easy, how do you do it?
That is my job. The fact that it is not always so easy is what makes it fun. Though the best ideas always come once I consult God first.
I heard you get bored very easily is this true?
Unfortunately yes, it is true. I am still working on it though.
How are you working on
it?
If I find something getting very mundane and I haven’t finished it. I simply add some excitement to it. Try and think out of my box.
I hear you are a very avid philanthropist, what kind of philanthropy lies close to your heart?
I try. Health and education. Health and education definitely.
You studied Law for four years but have not practised, was it not a waste of time?
It was not. The four years I invested into studying the subject has helped me a great deal in life and in business. It helps me to get into the mind of people I work with and try and look at things from all angles, being as positive as possible with the aim of finishing anything that I start. That is always my goal in life. I don’t start something I cannot finish.
You are young and beautiful, have you ever thought of modelling?
I am more interested in being challenged intellectually. For me at this stage modelling is not mentally challenging enough, business is.
What are your thoughts on our country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
As with many places around the world, I think the need to learn to give more before we take in every aspect is paramount. Nigeria is special. The country has an amazing amount of potential and the people here are incredibly smart.
I hear you love our continent Africa is this true?
Very much so. More than you can imagine. Opportunities are endless here.
How did you get the nickname The Oil Empress?
Not serious. That was a joke started by an Armenian friend of mine in London.
What do you pray for most?
Good health, humility, wisdom, patience, grace, knowledge and happiness. To be a good steward of what I have always and to always focus my life on serving others. God willing.
Tell me about your relationship with your parents because you appear rather too independent?
I won’t say too independent. I learn a lot from those around me. I am very close to my dad. He is very intelligent as with my Mum. My dad is all about book knowledge, while my mum is more of a common sense person. So, I am influenced by both of them. Best of both worlds.
Your grandmother was the one that introduced you to the world of business, are you happy she did?
100 per cent yes. She is with me everyday and to her, I will be forever grateful. I wish she was here to see me, guide me through sometimes but I trust that she is doing the best she can with God always.
What are the key skills or ideals you would say are needed in business?
Confidence and courage. Every challenge is an opportunity. Basically always seeing the treasure in adversity. Spontaneity, taking risks. Learning to labour and learning to wait. The ability to be able to put things in the pipeline. Patience and self-control. The thought process. Educating oneself. Most are still work in progress for myself even but the aim is kaizen (continuous improvement), learning with each day that passes.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Wow! I have never thought that far ahead. In fact I can not. Destiny has presented itself in my life so much that I don’t even try and plan anymore. I just do the best I can do whilst remembering to put God first as much as I can always. I am currently in the process of learning to let go. Makes it all even more exciting. Thank God.
How do you relax?
It depends. My mode of relaxation differs with the country I find myself. But it’s really bad, I really enjoy my own company. When I am in London, I love to do casual shopping. I also go to the spa. In Nigeria, it is the simple things I do. I often like taking long baths. When I am in Nigeria, I always find it hard to read because I have to plan for the next day and when I am reading I feel I could be doing something better. So, I just think of new ideas, ways of doing things to keep things moving as best as possible. Relaxation is difficult in Nigeria, but at times I just lie in bed and think. It can be relaxing you know.
Aside from family members, which one of your mentors has influenced you the most?
Many. Really can not say one.
You are wearing a dress made from Ankara, is this to blend into the Nigerian business atmosphere?
It is not strategic. It is just a dress I wore quickly. About blending, I am not sure if I want to blend. I just want to be myself. I do wear other fabrics too.
What excites you the most?
Oh wow! Don’t know whether I should answer this one! So many things but overall living on the edge is one of them. I hate playing safe. So, okay taking risks excites me. Always taking the leap of faith excites me, life excites me. Stretching my brain to its absolute limits excites me. As my Grandma used to say, if you can... Do it.
If I find something getting very mundane and I haven’t finished it. I simply add some excitement to it. Try and think out of my box.
I hear you are a very avid philanthropist, what kind of philanthropy lies close to your heart?
I try. Health and education. Health and education definitely.
You studied Law for four years but have not practised, was it not a waste of time?
It was not. The four years I invested into studying the subject has helped me a great deal in life and in business. It helps me to get into the mind of people I work with and try and look at things from all angles, being as positive as possible with the aim of finishing anything that I start. That is always my goal in life. I don’t start something I cannot finish.
You are young and beautiful, have you ever thought of modelling?
I am more interested in being challenged intellectually. For me at this stage modelling is not mentally challenging enough, business is.
What are your thoughts on our country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
As with many places around the world, I think the need to learn to give more before we take in every aspect is paramount. Nigeria is special. The country has an amazing amount of potential and the people here are incredibly smart.
I hear you love our continent Africa is this true?
Very much so. More than you can imagine. Opportunities are endless here.
How did you get the nickname The Oil Empress?
Not serious. That was a joke started by an Armenian friend of mine in London.
What do you pray for most?
Good health, humility, wisdom, patience, grace, knowledge and happiness. To be a good steward of what I have always and to always focus my life on serving others. God willing.
Tell me about your relationship with your parents because you appear rather too independent?
I won’t say too independent. I learn a lot from those around me. I am very close to my dad. He is very intelligent as with my Mum. My dad is all about book knowledge, while my mum is more of a common sense person. So, I am influenced by both of them. Best of both worlds.
Your grandmother was the one that introduced you to the world of business, are you happy she did?
100 per cent yes. She is with me everyday and to her, I will be forever grateful. I wish she was here to see me, guide me through sometimes but I trust that she is doing the best she can with God always.
What are the key skills or ideals you would say are needed in business?
Confidence and courage. Every challenge is an opportunity. Basically always seeing the treasure in adversity. Spontaneity, taking risks. Learning to labour and learning to wait. The ability to be able to put things in the pipeline. Patience and self-control. The thought process. Educating oneself. Most are still work in progress for myself even but the aim is kaizen (continuous improvement), learning with each day that passes.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Wow! I have never thought that far ahead. In fact I can not. Destiny has presented itself in my life so much that I don’t even try and plan anymore. I just do the best I can do whilst remembering to put God first as much as I can always. I am currently in the process of learning to let go. Makes it all even more exciting. Thank God.
How do you relax?
It depends. My mode of relaxation differs with the country I find myself. But it’s really bad, I really enjoy my own company. When I am in London, I love to do casual shopping. I also go to the spa. In Nigeria, it is the simple things I do. I often like taking long baths. When I am in Nigeria, I always find it hard to read because I have to plan for the next day and when I am reading I feel I could be doing something better. So, I just think of new ideas, ways of doing things to keep things moving as best as possible. Relaxation is difficult in Nigeria, but at times I just lie in bed and think. It can be relaxing you know.
Aside from family members, which one of your mentors has influenced you the most?
Many. Really can not say one.
You are wearing a dress made from Ankara, is this to blend into the Nigerian business atmosphere?
It is not strategic. It is just a dress I wore quickly. About blending, I am not sure if I want to blend. I just want to be myself. I do wear other fabrics too.
What excites you the most?
Oh wow! Don’t know whether I should answer this one! So many things but overall living on the edge is one of them. I hate playing safe. So, okay taking risks excites me. Always taking the leap of faith excites me, life excites me. Stretching my brain to its absolute limits excites me. As my Grandma used to say, if you can... Do it.
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