Instant Noodles Production: A school project turned into a booming business
Its is undeniable that some youths are doing beautifully well for themselves. Captivating and motivating are the story of Jamila Suleiman Maheer who learnt to make use of the prospects in every opportunity.
With the current economic condition of the nation, there is no doubt Jamila’s proactiveness is a source of inspiration.
An admiration of Jamila’s unrelenting efforts to be self-reliant, Neptune Prime takes you on a smooth ride into the creative and innovative world of Jamila Suleiman inspiring you to take the bold step in to food processing or production. Jamila’s story gives us a taste of determination and focus.
Neptune Prime: Name, state of origin, and educational background?
I am Jamila Suleiman, I am Hausa by tribe, an indigene of Kaduna state. I have practically lived all my life in Kaduna state, I have a National Diploma in Food Technology from Kaduna Polytechnic and presently in my final year pursuing my Higher National Diploma.
NP: When did you start your business?
I started my business in 2017, I started with the production of peanuts and small chops (Spring rolls, Samosa etc).
Towards the ending of the year 2023, I started the production of the Instant Noodles
NP: what motivated you in to the production of Instant Noodles?
My first motivation is my passion for food production and secondly it was my final year project during my National Diploma. My project was to produce three instant meals with sensory evaluation, so I decided to make instant waina flour, beans dumplings mix ( Danwake), instant noodles ( Taliyar Murji) as my case study.
I was reminiscing on how I had put in so much effort in to my school project and decided to put my knowledge in to proper use, and Alhamdulillah it is a success.
NP: What are the processes of production?
The first step is to mix ingredients, which is typically wheat flour and water. Next, the dough is kneaded and then passed through an extruder, which gives it a long thin shape. After the noodles are steamed and dried, after which they are finally packaged.
NP: What are your achievements so far?
Firstly, I am happy I make sales and receive positive feedback from my customers, this is a great achievement for me. I have been able to share my knowledge and expertise with people willing to learn and the response have been positive so far. I am not just excited that my business is growing but also for the fact that I am a tool of motivation for people around me. I am able to produce what an average Nigerian can afford.
NP: It is a fact that challenges are unavoidable, what is the major challenge you have faced so far?
The biggest challenge I have faced so far is finding ways to reach a wider audience. We know our products are delicious, nutritious and affordable, but I am always looking for new ways to get that message out to more people. I am working hard to create innovative marketing campaigns and find new channels to reach our target audience.
NP: What plans do you have for the future?
I am working on organising workshops and seminars, because I believe that knowledge sharing is essential for youth empowerment, and to also expand my business.
NP: A big thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us.
