By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – In a tale of resilience and determination, Ethiopian-born entrepreneur Lidya Hassan has defied the odds to achieve remarkable success in Nigeria’s competitive business landscape.

Lidya’s journey began in Ethiopia, where she was born, before migrating to Saudi Arabia and eventually settling in the United Kingdom.

Her entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at an early age, leading her to secure her first job at a factory in the UK and quickly rise through the ranks.

In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Lidya shared her inspiring story, revealing the challenges she faced and the lessons learned along the way.

After transitioning to various corporate roles, Lidya set her sights on Nigeria, where she faced significant challenges, including a substantial financial loss due to counterfeit proceeds. Undeterred, she persevered, leveraging her experiences to establish a thriving business empire.

Today, Lidya is a respected figure in Nigeria’s business community, with interests in various sectors, including furniture, concierge services, and Ethiopian-style hair salon.

Her impact extends beyond business, inspiring a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their passions despite obstacles.

She said, “I’ve always loved the idea of creating something of my own. Corporate roles gave me the experiences I needed, the freedom and creativity of entrepreneurship are more satisfying. Beyond that, I want to impact tangibly, in emerging markets like Nigeria, and I knew that starting my businesses would allow me to do that.

“Nigeria is a growing market with so much potential, especially in sectors like agriculture, fashion, beauty, and technology. There’s a young, dynamic population eager for new products and services. For example, my hair salon taps into the beauty and self-care market, which is booming. I also see opportunities in sustainable farming, especially as Nigeria looks for ways to reduce imports and produce more locally.

“However, navigating the Nigerian business landscape comes with its challenges. It hasn’t been easy, but not very difficult. Nigeria has a rich and diverse culture, so it’s important to be open-minded and adaptable. I try to understand and adapt to the Nigerian way of doing things and also, build strong relationships with people who can guide me. Having trusted local partners has been crucial in navigating the challenges.

“Despite the challenges, I’ve learned to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. I have experienced financial losses more than once, but I always try to view them as investments in my learning and growth. It is important to stay positive and understand that every setback is a part of the entrepreneurial journey. The key is not to dwell on the losses but to learn from them and move forward.

“As a foreign entrepreneur and a woman, I face unique challenges. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the perception that men are the primary leaders and providers in African culture, particularly in Nigeria. As a young woman, many people assume I must have followed a man here who is supporting me financially. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I have always been independent. And everything I have achieved comes from hard work and risks. It can be frustrating to prove my capability, but it also drives me to work harder.

“Ultimately, my goal is financial independence. Financial independence is about freedom for me—freedom to make my own decisions, take risks, and build the life I want. I never wanted to rely on anyone else for my success, so being financially independent is a core value that keeps me motivated and focused on my goals.

“Through my journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons. The biggest lesson is never to give up. Stay positive and focus on building long-term relationships. In Nigeria, many people are focused on short-term gains, but I believe in looking at the bigger picture and nurturing partnerships that will last. Patience, resilience, and thinking long-term are key to success here.”