Julius Nwokolo, the CEO of Ultramoda Nigeria limited  , a clothing company, in this interview gives an overview of the state of the nation, proffering solutions to thorny issues and explaining how he has managed to attain and maintain the high standard his company is noted for

Can you give us a brief history of your company?

We have been on this work for 16 years. I started it while I was a student. It was a hobby but it later took part of me and became etiquette, so to say. I resigned from lectureship in Europe, came back and embarked on it and since then, I’ve been on it, trying to sustain it. I’ve always dreamt to be a master of myself. From my course of study, I went through developmental studies, so I think that influenced me that I could also be an employer of labour. That’s a brief history of my company.

As an economist, can you take us through the gamut of the economy of this great country?

It’s been good that we have beautiful structures historically and every time we push this to the colonial masters. We have had all the years to restructure the economy but if we turn the pages, everything about us is beautifully written but implementation is always the issue. Implementation is part of the problem we basically have in Nigeria and this has to do with the government.

Proffering a solution to this problem, how can we go about it?

The government should restructure the situation. Nigeria is very rich. They should be employer of labour instead of having full loads of cash in bank accounts. Ordinary toilet roll industry costs less than N50m. They can tap into it. We have about 10 families that will feed under that directly. Ordinary wooden hanger is being imported from China. We have woods all over Nigeria; we can establish a furniture company. We can tap into establishing small scale businesses. We overlook things that could contribute to national economic development.

What is your take on efforts by the current administration?

Unfortunately, you can’t talk about them without mentioning the past administration; which was very weak and corrupt. And that is why Nigerians rushed into the acceptance of the slogan ‘Change’.

Basically, it’s like the ‘Change’ is just a slogan thing. I won’t be surprised if at the end of the regime there was no change, because the structure for change was not made. You cannot embark on a project without the foundation. Change isn’t just from pages of newspapers or on television. You have to have the right people to be there. I seriously doubt if there will be any change.

What is your take on the new ministers?

The ministerial nominees are a serious disappointment after the long wait. You can’t tell me that you can’t find the ‘Change’ in personalities in a country of over 200 million people. I wouldn’t want to take it personal but the truth is the nomination is like compensation. It is not about what they know. We are bringing the same people together. It is like compensation, maybe because they have been part and parcel of you. We have different vibrant Nigerians who are very capable but they were not nominated. We need someone who can give the radical change.

The nomination was based on compensation. They were nominated because they helped the President during election. If we want change, we need new people too. Even if they don’t perform well, history will acknowledge that, at least, you did it.

A lot of people believe Buhari is diverting his strength to fighting corruption, thereby neglecting economic policies. What is your take on that?

It takes me back to what I said earlier – lack of super structure. This is a distraction from focus. He has deviated. Fraud isn’t the function of the President; it is the work of the law enforcement agencies. It’s not an achievement. It’s a complete distraction. Instead of hearing that Niger Bridge has been completed, I’m hearing that Diezani [Alison-Madueke] is being held in London. What is my business with that? Does that contribute to my meal ticket, as an average Nigerian? What’s the accountability on the looted funds?

Basically, are you cautioning or advising Buhari?

Buhari is my president, I cannot caution him. My advice to him is to be focused. He should read the theory of change, he should establish the super structure for what a change is supposed to be and take it over from there and restructure all that has gone wrong. We are waiting on him because we need a real sense of change. The people who will make the change are in this country and they should be invited to do that. Not those that we already know; we want freshers. You don’t have to be a member of a party to bring a change. We are talking about Nigeria, not APC or PDP.

Let’s take a look at Lagos State. A lot of people think Governor Akinwunmi Ambode hasn’t really taken off. Whats your take on that?

Don’t forget he is an accountant by profession. He could be very good in his field. With that background, I’m not expecting much. Take a look at Allen Avenue and Opebi Road, even Ikeja, which is Lagos State headquarters. You can’t just drive around. From Opebi to Allen is just too bad. You can’t tell me government officials don’t pass through there. We are not thinking in Nigeria. They should also stop disturbing the movement of people all in the name of construction. They can do it on Sundays or even midnight. A lot of things had gone slow before Ambode took over, so it is going to take him some time.

Can you tell us what has been the secret of your success?

Consistency. No matter how it comes, I try to correct myself when I need to. That’s the magic so far. Practically, the way I talk about developing people. A lot of people have worked in and established themselves from this place. If I can do that, you can do that, it will be easy; it’s not all about the government. The other part of is humility, I don’t think there is anyone that will say I offended him or her, even as a customer. Financial challenge is the negative part of it but as much as it is, we’ve been trying to manage it.

What would you say makes you unique?

I try to source for uncommon things and then do achievable things. We have what everybody wants.

How have you been able to manage where you source your materials from?

My relationship with my supplier has been very cordial. Most of my current designers now have known me for long. We have known each other for more than 15 years. I’ve never been arrested for refusing to pay up; whenever we have debt, we manage it.

Do you have any plans to bequeath the business to any of your children?

Funny enough, my children have chosen academics. It doesn’t have to be my children. Someone working under me can take over. I know people who I’ve planted in and have seen them grow. People like appreciation. Many of them are far richer than I am but I’m happy that they passed through me. It gives me joy

How have you been able to maintain the brand?

It’s the same consistency. If you answer to a different name every time, something is wrong, it is not about branding.