Until Wednesday, May 16, 2018, not many people in the transportation sector or elsewhere knew that the founder and Managing Director of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Frank Nneji, made the vital recommendation to the government that led to the establishment of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency {FERMA} in 2002.
Nnneji was spurred then by the need to find solution to the problem of decaying road infrastructure, a critical challenge stifling the investments of transporters.
But, this came to light that day at the launch of his ‘Who Says You Can’t? Timeless Lessons And Experiences’ at the National Institute of International Affairs {NIIA}, Victoria Island, Lagos.
To the large number of very important guests, most of them leading lights in various sectors of the economy, who witnessed the presentation, the disclosure by Nneji himself was an indication that his business memoir/book, was not simply about the success story of the country’s foremost road transport company.
‘Who Says You Can’t? Timeless Lessons And Experiences’ also captures the many challenges a typical Nigerian venture faces in its daily operation, from inception to growth and stability – in this case, a road transport company and the poor road infrastructure, for instance, and how to manage the situation.
Both Nneji and the reviewer, as well as other guests who commented on the content, were in agreement that the business memoir is a must-read for start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs, corporate organisations, students of various relevant departments in tertiary institutions and decision makers.
“Who Says You Can’t? is a book you take very serious if you want to succeed in business. It is a book young entrepreneurs can rely on”, the author remarked as he disclosed that it was in the making for years, because the facts needed to be continuously updated as events developed.
Remarkably, there was a clear indication at the ceremony that the book would be even more successful than ABC Transport, as the 1000-copy initial run for the unveiling got sold out at the venue, prompting the organisers to keep many demands on hold till a reprint is delivered in a matter of days.
The business memoir was lauded by many guests, including a notable Human Resources & Organisational Development professional and Management Consultant, Dr. Ijeoma Jidenma, who unveiled the book on behalf of the Managing Director of Emzo Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Okoli,
It was also acclaimed by the former Chairman of Diamond Bank, Dr. Paschal Dozie; former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Reginald Ihejiahi; Nigeria’s first certified public speaker, Ubong Essien; Dr. Austin Nweze of the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos; and Managing Director of Courier Masters International Company Limited, Mrs. Uche Obi, and many others.