Unarguably one of Nigeria’s youngest chief executives in signage business, Mr. Mayor Sylv-Kadiri exudes confidence that belies his age. With almost two decades in the industry, Mayor’s humble beginning contributed to his successful strides over the years. To find out more about the apparently media-shy Sylma Sign CEO, WHERE To Print caught up with him at his office where he shared with us; how Sylma Sign was born, the vision, the plan and his thought about the signage industry in Nigeria. He shares this in the excerpt below:
CAN WE KNOW YOU SIR?
I am Mayor Sylv-Kadiri, the Chief Executive Officer of Sylma Sign Limited in Lagos.
WHAT IS THE NATURE OF YOUR BUSINESS?
We are a total brand implementation company. We are one of the best graphic communications company in the country. We produce and install signage. We have worked for so many reputable organisations such as Oando Plc, Propel Oil & Gas, Mecure Health Care LTD, Accion Micro-Finance Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Tantalizer, Dulux Paint, Rain Oil Nig. LTD, Eterna Oil etc.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE BUSINESS?
I got into the business 2001. It happened that during my Youth Corps Service I was posted to Ondo State but was later relocated to Lagos and got to know about Graphic-Corp LTD recruiting Youth Corps members, I applied and was lucky to be among the few that were employed that time. So I worked there for over six years before I resigned to start off Sylma Sign in 2007. I am presently thirteen years in the industry.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO WEATHER THE STORM OF STARTING OFF YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Though, I don’t really belief in the school of thought that says; ‘To make it in life you must be your own boss’, but issues beyond my control actually push me out of my former place of work to start Sylma Sign. Starting on my own is not that easy; because I started with nothing. I don’t even have a dime with me but I just have the belief that I can make it because I love my job. And to worsen the situation, my ex-boss had presented me to clients that I thought I can get job from and warned them not to do business with me. This was so painful that – after I have given much of myself to his company he can go to that extent. Not to be deterred, I then made up my mind not to go to any of the clients that have ties with my former place of work. But as God would have it, exactly the date Sylma Sign clocked six months old I saw a complimentary card belonging to a staff of Tantalizer on the floor and call the person and I was connected to the right person who later gave us the break we have been waiting for. Though the contract was N150, 000 and we used N80, 000 to execute the job; but it opened doors to many contracts from notable companies in Nigeria. And along the line I sold the vision to my present partner – Abayomi Morakinyo, who was then with Rosaab and the team has been a formidable team ever since.
CAN YOU SHARE SYLMA SIGN VISION WITH US?
To be the best in the signage industry is our vision. And the utmost thing in our hearts is to change the face of signage business in Nigeria. Presently, we have staff strength of 16 with another 25 on contract; we are planning to expand and upgrade the company with new technologies and make sure we have all the machines to cater for the needs of our clients and make Sylma Sign a complete one-stop signage company.
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON SIGNAGE BUSINESS IN NIGERIA?
Signage business in Nigeria is a very lucrative business. The only challenge is that we are not under one umbrella which makes it difficult to have a unified price and check the activities of quacks. Also government regulations have not been totally favourable to us. Signage business can thrive better and bigger in Nigeria if the right policies are in place.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUNG ONES IN THE INDUSTRY?
As also a young person in the industry, I will advice them to always decide what they want for themselves and make it part of their life. As a young one in the industry you must make sure you enjoy what you are doing. Be patient and original – and you will make it.
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
I’m not the outgoing type, I work from Monday to Friday and my Sundays are for church and mostly relax with my family.
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBIES?
My hobbies are playing and watching football and movies. I also read a lot to get myself informed.
WHAT ARE YOUR LIKES?
Hardwork, sincerity and professionalism are what I can not trade for anything.
DISLIKES?
I can’t stand laziness and I don’t take NO for an answer.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
I attended Ekperi Grammar School in Edo State for my Secondary Certificate and The Polytechnic, Ibadan where I got my Higher National Diploma in Marketing. I’m presently doing some professional courses to beef up my career
