In the heart of Ningi, a small town in Nigeria, a young boy’s fascination with how things worked began to take root. What started as simple childhood curiosity would later blossom into a lifelong passion for Electrical Engineering, shaping not only his career but also his mission to empower communities and redefine the electrical services industry. This is the story of a man who turned challenges into opportunities, using his skills and determination to light up lives—both literally and figuratively.
His journey began during his university days, where he initially explored the world of fashion design and men’s wear under the banner of SBN Collection. However, it wasn’t long before his true calling—Electrical Engineering—took center stage. As a trained engineer, he saw an opportunity to merge his technical expertise with his entrepreneurial spirit. This marked the birth of General Electrical Contracts, a company dedicated to the sales and supply of electrical appliances. The name “SBN” was more than just an acronym; it was a reflection of his identity—Sulaiman Bala Ningi—a tribute to his roots and the place that shaped him.
After earning his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, he joined the Rural Electrification Agency in Katsina State. It was here, as a junior engineer, that he identified a critical gap in the market. Engineers often struggled to procure the necessary tools and equipment for their projects. This realization sparked an idea: a business that could streamline the process of sourcing electrical appliances and provide reliable general contracts. With the seed money from his PTDF postgraduate scholarship, he took the leap and turned his vision into reality. Slowly but surely, the pieces began to fall into place.
For him, education has always been the foundation of meaningful progress. Electrical Engineering, he often reflects, is one of the most demanding fields, requiring a deep reservoir of knowledge, continuous learning, and unwavering dedication. He attributes his success to the guidance of Allah and the solid educational foundation he received. Without these, he believes he would not have achieved half of what he has in such a short time.
The driving force behind his entrepreneurial journey was the harsh reality of unemployment. Like many young graduates, he faced the daunting challenge of finding a job. But instead of succumbing to despair, he channeled his passion for Electrical Engineering into creating opportunities for himself and others. His vision was clear: to build a company known for its quality, honesty, and integrity.
Today, his company, SBN General Electrical Ventures Ltd., operates on the principles of competency, merit, and experience. Every decision is guided by the company’s constitution and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. For him, integrity is non-negotiable, and he ensures that his business reflects this value in every aspect of its operations.
His journey has not been without challenges. Yet, he firmly believes that every obstacle can be overcome through patience, hard work, learning from failures, and prayer. These values have been his compass, guiding him through difficult times and helping him emerge stronger.
His ultimate goal is to establish SBN General Electrical Ventures Ltd. as a leader in the electrical and renewable energy sectors. His vision encompasses sales, supply, production, import and export, installation, and general contracts. He aspires to master the trade of electrical accessories, becoming a trusted wholesaler, retailer, and supplier of technical tools. Additionally, he aims to expand into renewable energy services, including solar electric systems, inverter systems, automatic voltage regulators, energy audits, load balancing, CCTV surveillance systems, and clean energy solutions. His dream is to contribute to the development of sustainable energy infrastructure, from generating stations to hydro and wind power plants.
One of his proudest achievements is his involvement in the Lassa Isolation Center at ATBUTH, a project founded by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). This project stands as a testament to his commitment to using his skills for the greater good. While he remains modest about his accomplishments, he hints at even bigger projects on the horizon, promising exciting developments in the near future, insha Allah.
His advice to young people is simple yet profound: invest in your integrity and build a strong, honest reputation. He emphasizes that reputation is everything and should be guarded with the same intensity as one’s life. For him, success is not just about financial gain but about making a meaningful impact and leaving a legacy of excellence.
Through his journey, he has proven that with passion, education, and unwavering integrity, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. His story continues to inspire those who dare to dream and work tirelessly to achieve their goals.
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