The Chief Executive Officer of DVI Computer Business and Cyber Café, Ibrahim Umar Daba, has highlighted the growth of his organisation and the challenges facing small-scale technology businesses in Nigeria, describing the operating environment as difficult but full of opportunities.
Daba, who oversees the daily operations of the family-owned business, said his journey into the sector began over a decade ago when he worked in similar establishments to gain experience before setting up his own business centre.
“My journey into this line of work started over a decade ago. I began by working under others in similar businesses, which gave me hands-on experience and a strong understanding of the industry. Eventually, we were able to establish our own business center,” he said.
He attributed his interest in the field to early exposure to computers during his secondary school years.
“Back in secondary school, I used to spend a lot of my free time at a local computer center after classes, learning and exploring. That experience sparked my passion for this field and has kept me committed ever since,” he added.
According to him, the organisation has recorded steady progress despite challenges, expanding its services and improving operations over time.
“Alhamdulillah, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding, with its fair share of ups and downs. However, we’ve made steady progress and grown significantly from where we started,” Daba said.
He identified lack of modern equipment as a major challenge in the sector, explaining that it had previously limited efficiency and increased operational costs.
“In terms of challenges, one of the major issues we’ve faced in our sector is the lack of modern equipment and reliable gadgets. This often made our work more difficult and increased operational costs,” he noted.
However, he disclosed that the acquisition of new equipment in 2025 marked a turning point for the business.
“One of our proudest moments came recently in 2025, when we were able to acquire more modern equipment. That was a major turning point for us—it significantly improved our efficiency, the quality of our services, and overall customer satisfaction,” he said.
Daba said the organisation distinguishes itself through its versatility, offering a wide range of services rather than focusing on a single area.
“I believe what differentiates our organisation is our versatility. We offer a wide range of services under one roof, and I’ve made it a priority to continuously learn and expand our capabilities over the years,” he stated.
On the broader business environment, he described starting and running a business in Nigeria as challenging due to economic constraints.
“To be honest, starting and running a business in Nigeria today is quite challenging. The economic environment is tough, and even established businesses are struggling,” he said.
He called for improved access to funding, practical training programmes, and mentorship opportunities to support entrepreneurs.
“One key area is access to funding. Many small and growing businesses need financial support to scale, but often lack access to affordable loans or grants. There is also a strong need for practical, hands-on training and mentorship,” he added.
Daba also expressed appreciation for the support received from family and customers, which he said has contributed significantly to the organisation’s growth.
“One of the key factors behind our progress has been the support from family and those around us. Their encouragement and consistent patronage have played a very important role,” he said.
He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to remain persistent despite challenges.
“My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: never give up on your dreams. At the beginning, things may seem difficult or even discouraging, but with hard work, patience, and consistency, progress will come,” he said.
The DVI CEO further stated that the organisation remains open to collaborations and continues to provide both physical and online services to clients.
