“The biggest challenge was getting land for the refinery. I took a bank loan, but Ogun’s governor denied me approval, so I paid the bank with interest. I bought land in Lagos for $100M, not knowing it was marshy. We pumped 65M tons of sand to raise it.”
—Aliko Dangote
Four years ago today, we pitched Chowdeck at YC Demo Day.
It’s crazy how quickly time flies and even crazier how much can change in four years.
For one, my hair is longer 😂 😂😂
But more importantly, @chowdeck has grown far beyond what any of us could have imagined back then.
In the video, I was so proud of delivering 800 orders in a day. Today, we do that every 15 minutes.
And yet, it’s still Day One 🚀
Here is a proper #throwback for you! As the calendar on the wall says, it's 1996. A moment in my office then. It wasn't always all fun being a vet doctor but I enjoyed working as one for 8 years.
Where are the locks? Still on the inside 😊
What were you up to in 1996?
If Interswitch, a Nigerian-owned Group and an Africa-focused integrated digital payments and commerce company, didn't give Tosin Eniolorunda - the then 'tech rookie' - who studied Mechanical Engineering in Obafemi Awolowo University, an opportunity; he perhaps might not have achieved the height and success he's today.
The same Nigerian environment that groomed him, now suddenly become a subject of ridicule where Nigerians are no longer 'intelligent or smart'. No matter how 'concerned' he's, Tosin erred! There are many Tosins who have made it and successful by virtues of some factors, but now perceive other aspiring Nigerians with disgust as not smart, intelligent or serious. If God has been gracious to you, please be humble in your grace!