A young Nigerian graduate making waves selling akara the bean cake in Abuja, Ayobami Ogunmoroti, has explained hos he is redefining the business.
Akara is sold in many places but he is giving his own enterprise a different coloration.
The 2018 graduate of Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka started the business while in the National Youth Service Corps in Bayelsa State.
In an interview with Saturday Punch’, he narrates his experience:
“Upon arriving in Abuja, I realised the importance of rebranding my bean cake to make it stand out. Previously, in Bayelsa State, my bean cake was known as ‘Akara corper’ as I was still undergoing my NYSC programme. However, since I relocated to Abuja and was no longer a corps member, I felt the need to give my brand a unique name. That was when I came up with the name, ‘Akara Ayo’. This rebranding helps differentiate my bean cakes from others in the market.
“Following that, I was determined to outshine my competitors so I began brainstorming on strategies to differentiate my bean cakes. This led me to the idea of a unique branded packaging that included the name of my business and the attributes that kept the bean cake warm for an hour. While others used basic materials like paper and nylon, I chose to introduce a special feature that sets my product apart.
“Moreover, my bean cake is not an ordinary one; it combines beans and coconut, giving it a distinct and delicious flavour that earns it the nickname, ‘coconut akara’. I made this choice to stand out from the crowd, ensuring that my offerings are unique and appealing to customers. Furthermore, I revolutionised the business by introducing a delivery service, allowing customers to place orders for my bean cakes via the phone from anywhere in Abuja. With just their address, they could have their bean cakes delivered right to their doorsteps.
“The bean cakes are tightly sealed in the packaging, so unless the content is read, nobody will know that there are bean cakes inside, and they are delivered while still hot. When people see how well I package my bean cakes, some even assume that I have a big restaurant, when in reality I am not at that level yet. However, I still manage to give it an attractive package that appeals to customers, setting my bean cakes apart from others.”
