THE ENGINEER TURNED INDUSTRY LEADER

 

The story begins in the quiet rhythms of Borno State and the vibrant streets of Bauchi, where a young boy grew up surrounded by discipline, humility, and purpose.

Arhyel Hamman Malgwi’s journey is one shaped by resilience, creativity, and an unshakable commitment to building solutions that serve both people and communities. Originally from Borno State but raised in Bauchi, his early years were rooted in discipline, strong values, and a deep sense of responsibility. Coming from a family of dedicated public servants, a retired civil-servant father and a retired teacher mother, he grew up surrounded by examples of integrity, service, and hard work.

His entrepreneurial flame was lit early. Inspired by an older brother who successfully ran a provision shop, Arhyel learned the power of small beginnings and the importance of creating opportunities. That early exposure opened his eyes to business, but creativity soon carved its own path in his story.

After secondary school, he discovered a passion for videography. What started with covering events for free quickly grew into something larger. By 2012, he established his first business, Arico Production, a name that originated from childhood, given to him by a neighbour who struggled to pronounce “Arhyel” and affectionately called him “Arico.” The name stuck, and eventually became the identity of an entire brand ecosystem.

As his skills and ambition expanded, Arhyel rebranded the company to Arico TV in 2015, launching an online TV platform dedicated to Bauchi and its surroundings. The new platform allowed him to experiment with digital storytelling, broaden his audience, and strengthen his presence in the media space.

In 2017, photography became his next creative pursuit. By the following year, he registered Arico Multimedia, a move that transformed his small operation into a more structured and diversified media outfit. His studio grew to the point where he was able to employ more than ten staff members at once, contributing directly to youth employment and creative industry growth in Bauchi.

Despite his growing media enterprise, Arhyel continued to evolve. A graduate of Automotive Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, he carried into business the analytical thinking, strategic planning, and structured problem-solving that engineering instills. Those skills would later become essential in managing a portfolio of diverse ventures.

In 2018, he ventured into real estate, starting as an agent and learning the industry from the ground up. By 2021, his expertise had matured enough to launch Arico Homes and Properties Limited, a company that quickly earned credibility through successful projects, including a major land project in Gubi where over six hectares were sold in under seven months. It was the company’s first major real-estate project, handled from clearing to marketing to sales, and it firmly positioned Arico Homes as a rising industry player.

The same year, he expanded into agriculture with Arico Farms. The venture focused on bridging the gap between farmers and consumers by distributing farm products through strategic partnerships. This move strengthened Arico Group’s presence across critical economic sectors and reflected Arhyel’s commitment to building businesses that empower people and stimulate local economic growth.

With media, real estate, and agriculture under one umbrella, the birth of “Arico Group” became a natural evolution, a representation of a brand defined by diversity, innovation, and an ever-widening vision.

At the heart of Arico Group lies a commitment to innovation, excellence, and integrity. The organization maintains strong governance structures that ensure quality, transparency, and accountability across all sectors. Policies, training programs, workshops, and open communication channels reinforce the company’s standards, while collaboration and knowledge-sharing across departments help maintain consistency and continuous improvement.

Arico Group distinguishes itself by embracing modern technologies, adopting industry best practices, and offering integrated solutions that leverage the strengths of its multiple sectors. This multi-disciplinary approach enables the company to create holistic value for clients and remain ahead of emerging trends.

Of course, building such a diverse organization came with challenges. Managing multiple sectors required strong systems, quality-assurance processes, and constant training. Ensuring consistency across different units demanded audits, feedback loops, and a culture steeped in learning and improvement. Through these measures, the company overcame early hurdles and strengthened its internal structure.

Today, Arhyel’s long-term vision for Arico Group includes expansion into new markets, diversification into emerging technologies, and continued efforts to remain a leader in media, real estate, and agriculture. Plans include investing in research and development, expanding the team with new specialists, nurturing strategic partnerships, and consistently assessing performance to optimize operations.

Engagement with the public remains a core priority. Through social media, workshops, community content, and customer-driven initiatives, Arico Group continues to build a strong, interactive audience base.

Although the brand has achieved significant milestones, the journey is far from over. The team continues to learn, innovate, and refine its approach to exceed customer expectations.

Arhyel often inspires young entrepreneurs by emphasizing clarity of vision, dedication, resilience, and the importance of building a strong team. He encourages them to stay curious, take calculated risks, remain adaptable, prioritize quality, and uphold excellence. Above all, he reminds aspiring founders that great brands are built through patience, persistence, and the courage to keep growing.

Arhyel Hamman Malgwi’s story is ultimately one of passion, continuous evolution, and a drive to create meaningful impact. Through Arico Group, he is building not just businesses, but a legacy designed to uplift communities, empower young people, and inspire a new generation of innovators.

The Rise of a Northern Woman Building a Legacy Through Fragrance & Faith

 

Zubaida Adamu Ibrahim’s story begins in Bauchi, Nigeria, where she was born into an Islamic home grounded in discipline, faith, and education. Her childhood shaped her with values that would one day guide her academic pursuits and her entrepreneurial rise. From a young age, she developed a sharp eye for beauty, detail, and quality—traits that would later become the signature of her brand.

As she grew, her love for knowledge deepened. She pursued higher education with dedication, eventually embarking on a PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development. Her academic interests reflect her commitment to improving rural livelihoods, empowering communities, and building stronger agricultural systems. For Zubaida, education is a calling, not just a career path. Her long-term dream is to return to the university as a lecturer—a dream supported by the experience she gained during her two-year tenure at Bauchi State University, Gadau. Although she stepped back for personal reasons, the academic world remains close to her heart, and she intends to resume her teaching journey when the time aligns with her destiny.

Nine years ago, a different kind of passion began to take shape. What started as a simple love for fragrances—mixing, layering, understanding notes and compositions—slowly grew into something bigger. Zubaida nurtured this passion with curiosity and intention until it matured into Zubees Collectibles, a brand now known for its authenticity, quality, and personal touch. The name “Zubees” stems from the affectionate nickname many people use for her, while “Collectibles” reflects the early vision of offering carefully selected items curated with precision and care.

From the beginning, she approached the business with the mindset of a researcher. Her academic discipline became a powerful tool—helping her analyze trends, study customer preferences, and pay attention to details that others might overlook. This fusion of knowledge and creativity shaped the brand into something distinct. Every fragrance, every product, every curated piece is chosen with deliberation and a commitment to excellence.

At the core of Zubees Collectibles lies a value that defines both the brand and the woman behind it: loyalty. Zubaida believes loyalty is not just a principle, but a lifestyle. She remains loyal to quality by choosing products that she personally trusts. She is loyal to her customers, offering honesty, consistency, and sincerity in every interaction. And she is loyal to her vision—building slowly, intentionally, and with integrity, never chasing trends or compromising standards for quick gains.

Her journey, however, has not been without obstacles. Navigating entrepreneurship, managing responsibilities, and balancing academics have all tested her resilience. Yet she continued to grow with patience, faith, and determination. One of the defining moments for both her and the brand was the opening of her shop. For her, it was more than a physical space—it was a symbol of achievement, a reflection of years of work, and a celebration of the unwavering support from customers, family, and her community. Most importantly, it marked a stage where the dream became real, visible, and undeniable.

Zubaida often attributes her strength and motivation to her mother, a woman who has supported her through every challenge and celebrated every victory, no matter how small. Her mother’s encouragement and prayers have been a foundation throughout her journey, giving her the confidence to expand her vision and remain grounded in gratitude.

While Zubees Collectibles remains at the center of her entrepreneurial life, Zubaida’s dreams extend beyond the world of fragrances and curated items. She hopes to diversify into agriculture—a field connected to her academic path and her desire to make meaningful impact. Yet she remains humble and open, declaring that she follows Allah’s plans above her own. Whatever direction life takes her, she embraces it with a heart full of gratitude.

Her unique approach to building a loyal community is rooted in faith and sincerity. She believes that prayers guide her work and attract the right customers. Rather than relying on complicated strategies, she focuses on being authentic, honest, and consistent—qualities that naturally build trust and attract a committed following.

For those watching her journey and hoping to create something of their own, Zubaida offers simple yet powerful advice: stay true to your vision, honor your standards, and prioritize quality over quantity. Trends fade, shortcuts fail, but authenticity keeps a brand alive.

Today, the story of Zubees Collectibles is more than a business narrative—it is a testament to passion, faith, resilience, and the beauty of following a path with intention. Zubaida continues to nurture the brand with devotion, shaping it into something meaningful, memorable, and true to her identity. And as she grows, her story inspires others to believe in their own journey, trust their process, and build with purpose.