19/02/2026
Indeed, NEPA is the weapon fashioned against business owners in this country.
I was devastated last week due to the losses we encountered as a result of a power outage. Business losses are something we rarely discuss as business owners. There are days we soak our pillows with tears, questioning everything. There are days we wonder why we started, and there are days we feel like taking a long break. However, show me a business that is completely free of risk or losses—they are inevitable, no matter how cautious you are. As I often tell people, the foodstuff processing business is not for the weak.
For those planning to start a business, keep this in mind so that when setbacks occur, you don’t give up.
Most of our processing occurs at night when the power supply is usually stable. So, last Wednesday, I asked one of my assistants to wash some beans for our next batch of bean flour production, especially with Ramadan approaching.
Unfortunately, there was a power failure that day due to heavy wind and rain. Our plan to dehydrate the beans was ruined. Despite hoping for the best and exploring other options, everything was spoiled. It was a bitter experience, yet I remain grateful to God, for He alone knows best.
We ended up discarding everything, resulting in significant losses.
If you are planning to start a business and are only looking at the profit or good side, please reconsider, as losses sometimes happen. We don't always make a profit. Just as we make profits, we also incur losses at some point. Be prepared.
