24/06/2024
Concluding part
I started by developing a Strategic Business Plan for the company, Victorious Transport Management Services. While it was still in its embryonic form, the strategic business plan detailed the financial implications with graphical illustration, SWOT analysis ie the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats; Loan repayment plans, Projected daily income and other elements necessary for business survival in a dynamic environment. The plan also included:
Short term, mid term and Long term plans
After completing the 8-page plan, I shared the vision with two of my friends who are capable of financing the project.
What a brilliant job you have done,Victor. He nodded in affirmation to suggest his approval of the proposal. I thought he would just write a check of #650,000 and hand it over to me! But I was wrong.
“So it’s because you want to start driving taxi you wrote all these, na wa for you o,” the second guy said. He went ahead, “Is this how all micra drivers wrote a book before they started? He asked. “Anyway, it’s a good idea but you know how things are at the moment, I will join my faith with yours in prayers.” He concluded.
I left with mixed feelings of both disappointment and blessing. Disappointed because they both have the financial strength to do it and blessing because if it works, they would definitely want the glory ascribed to them.
So I sought financial assistance from my mum and siblings. I had #250,000 and needed additional #400,000. I called a family meeting where I shared the vision with those present. They were impressed and unanimously gave their approval. Few weeks later, the money was given to me in cash on my birthday 7th July, 2016, as a birthday gift.
The day was indeed one of the happiest day of my life. I had never handled such a huge sum of money in cash! I couldn’t sleep neither could I wait for the day to break. I was so security conscious that I didn’t allow a fly to come close to the bag. I slept with one eye closed and the other fixed on the bag by my bedside. I woke up at intermittently and counted the money to ensure nothing was missing.
The following day, 8th July, I bought the Nissan Micra car for the exact amount I had budgeted for it, took it to the then Resident Pastor, LFC Eleyele, Pastor Odunayo Emmanuel who anointed, prayed and dedicated it.
A week later, I got my licensed registration number KSH 470 XA, painted the car in Gov’t approved commercial color; white with green stripes and registered at Eleyele-Sango motor park where I ply till now.
On my first day at work as a taxi driver, I was nervous but not ashamed. I joined the queue at the garage and when it was my turn to “load” I “called”my passengers, “Sango…..Sango - barracks….Sango. After “picking” four passengers, I zoomed off. I repeated the same when I got to Sango and continued in that routine till 5pm when I closed for the day.
When I got home, I counted the money and it amounted to #7,300 even after deducting my expenses for the day which included cost of fuel, feeding, Union ticket and levies. I was super excited “So these guys make such amount of money everyday! No doubt they are richer than some civil servants and some bank officials. My respect for taxi drivers grew henceforth. I said to myself I have finally gotten my dream job!
Seven years down the line, the business that started with just 1 micra has grown to having more than 20 under its management.
We have grown to become a multidimensional company that provides solutions to transportation management problems and also offer professional advice to licensed operators in the transportation sector.
Our services include
1) Call a Cab : We provide fast, safe, reliable, timely and pocket friendly services to facilitate the movement of individuals and group of individuals in and around Oyo State and the Southern region. Our vehicles include
Premium: Nissan Micra
Executive: Toyota Yaris and Toyota Camry
VVIP: Toyota Highlander SUV full option
2) Transport Management Consultancy/ Hire Purchase. We offer tailor made services that meet the needs of every individual clients. You have a dedicated consultant who is 100% committed to offering you a service that exceeds your expectations. We give out cars (Nissan Micra) on hire purchase agreement and also consult for individual who wish to do same. We provide you with the best possible ways of leasing out your vehicles. We minimize the risks involved and ensure the timely and profitable recoupment of your investment. Today, we have more than 20 vehicles under our management.
3) We also buy and sell fairly used/ distress sales vehicles. Bring your vehicle with documents as proofs and collect your money with 24hours.
I will forever be grateful to those who mocked me cos their mockery made me! And to those who have been part of my success story especially my family members who believed in my vision.
Remember, not all Micra drivers are illiterate, semi educated and irresponsible. We have responsible, educated, well dressed drivers who are not ashamed of their job but rather proud of it.
Follow my instagram page and also my other page celebrity taxi driver as I will be posting daily videos showcasing the typical life of a taxi driver. You wouldn’t want to miss it!
