Paul Uzoka

His success Story

The business success story of this enterprising young man, Paul Chiwete Uzoka, is one that could trigger off the quest for vocational skills in any reasonable unemployed youth. Paul is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zoks Global Services Limited located at KM 10, Asaba/Benin Expressway, Asaba. Trained in Interlocking in the 2015 programme cycle of the State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), he was able to take advantage of his entrepreneurial ability to diversify into other business ventures as Aluminium Windows, Stainless Rails Design, Door Folding Designs, Real Estate and Media Productions. Paul hails from Aniocha North and is a graduate of Delta State University, Abraka where he studied Guidance and Counselling. Within two years of running his enterprise, Paul has made remarkable achievements, bought a car and owes his business success to the Okowa-led administration. 

Responding to how he got into the programme, Paul said immediately after his passing out parade with the National Youth Service Corps, a friend informed him about Governor Okowa’s STEP programme, but he was sceptical. He however filled the form on-line and was called two weeks later to attend an interview in Asaba. Continuing, he said he received an SMS a week later inviting him for Orientation Course in Songhai Delta, Amukpe. The transparency and integrity of the selection process is once again being collaborated by Paul who like other testifiers affirmed that they got enrolled in the programme without godfatherism and favouritism from high quarters.

Driven by the passion to succeed, he pointed out that he was motivated by the calibre of resource persons and personalities engaged to speak to them at the Orientation Course, adding that he had a seasoned trainer who trained him in everything he needed to know about Interlocking Production & Installation. Emphatically, he remarked, “I chose Interlocking because I have idea about building services. I do not believe in failure. My trainer too, BIVI Global Consult is good. I saw that through Interlocking, I could make a decent living, care for my family and extended family too. For these reasons, I was focused.”

He expressed satisfaction with the starter pack given to him, saying he received a Compacting Machine; a Wheel Barrow; a Spade; 2 Trowels; 100 Mould Design; 15 pieces of 3 inches Kerbs; 20 pieces of 4 inches Kerbs; 2 Mallets; 3 Brushes; a 750 GeePee Water Tank; 2 Hand Gloves; a Start-Up Allowance of #97,000.00 and 3 months stipend of #10,000.00 per month. Paul was quick to state that he started receiving approval to executive some projects while on training. Hear him, “A month into my training, I started having jobs. In fact, we have taken over. I want to thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for believing in the youths. If not for him, I would have remained unemployed. I know I will go far.

I have lost count of the number of jobs I have done. Currently, I have two jobs here in Asaba.”

One cannot but describe Paul as a very enterprising young man given the number of business ventures he engages in. “Apart from Interlocking, I am into Aluminium Windows, Stainless Rails Design, Door Folding Designs, Real Estate and Media Productions. I have Zoks Media Productions on You-Tube,” he remarked. Paul has since out of the proceeds bought himself a car, increased his moulds from 100 to 3,000, his kerbs from 35 to 120. I have expanded to other branches of building services. I am searching for a strategically located permanent site. Business is all about location” In terms of job creation for others, Paul has this to say, “I have 8 casual workers and a secretary.”

 He however appeals to the State Government to patronize its beneficiaries, especially those in Interlocking to enable them to grow. “ STEPreneurs in Interlocking can interlock some of our feeder roads; it is cheaper, more aesthetical and durable. We can also be engaged to train up-coming STEPreneurs,” he added.

To the unemployed youths he advised thus, “When a child does not know the importance of a herbal leaf, he calls it vegetable. Has any government worker made Forbes’s list as the riches man? Only business men and women do. They should acquire skills because it is gainful. It might be tough at first, but in the long run, the sky is the starting point.”