Zaria Mimano is the British born business strategist and Founder of Aba Oil LLC. Mimano has excelled tremendously despite being young. During her recent trip to Nigeria she spoke with our reporter on her job, passion and much more.
Does your name Zaria have anything to do with the city in Kaduna State, Nigeria?
Yes. My father went to school in Ghana and during his time there he was always coming to Nigeria. I guess he came to Nigeria and went to Zaria, in Kaduna State. Perhaps he was impressed with something there that made him name me after the place when I was born. My dad, is very random but in a special way he also named my brother after the Emperor of Ethiopia.
You are half Kenyan and half Ghanaian yet born in the UK is this correct?
Yes it is. My Dad is Kenyan and my Mum is Ghanaian.
You have an impressive portfolio as a business strategist despite being young, how have you managed this feat?
In everything we give Thanks. Taking it from scratch, I went to a private school in London. Although we did not pay tuition due to the fact one of our old boys was paying our tuition fees. As such, a lot of people within the private school world looked down on us, but we were really smart. However, during my time in school, I was involved in a lot of business competitions, where I was made the managing director and as a team we achieved many highs. My early years also saw me having wise mentors, who exposed me to a lot business wise, life wise even now.
How did the big times start?
The big times? Is there any such thing? Business has always been there for me. But think if I am to rephrase your question to the good times or fruitful times then it would have to have been when I started to develop understanding. When I started to see God’s will in my life. That is when things started to make sense and I began to feel fulfilment. I started my own business during university buying and selling cars, which I did eventually have to suspend for awhile in order to concentrate on finishing uni. During and after university, I had an office in London, where we also dealt in all the latest electronics. Then, before the latest Blackberrys, iPhones became available in the UK we would already have it. Our Middle Eastern customers and the bankers in London at the time gave us great business. But the big ideas, exposure came through travel.
You were also in the world of banking at one stage is this correct?
During part of my gap year I did work for both Morgan Stanley and UBS Investment Bank in London. Yes.
Please tell us about Aba Oil?
We at Aba Oil are an African oil and gas company that specialises exclusively in accessing and securing the most efficient and advantageous exploration rights, leasing and servicing for oil and gas block acquisition both offshore and onshore across Africa. Our mission is to continue to do this whilst ensuring that the people are also securing the correct value for their assets to support future development in all aspects of their daily lives.
On a serious note I believe it very important to extend the law of scarcity to your own skills. Offer the world something rare. Something unique. Yet simple. Ultimately something that will make a special difference to each and every one of us and those that come behind us also. Whatever it is, being able to deliver is utmost important to us.
What would you say is unique about you?
Like with everyone; my mind. My thought process.
Constantly coming up with fresh unique ideas, strategies is not easy how do you do it?
That is my job. The fact that is not always so easy is what makes it fun.
You studied Law for four years but have not practised, was it not a waste of time?
It was not. The four years I invested into studying the subject has helped me a great deal in life and in business. It helps me to get into the mind of people I work with and try and look at things from all angles, being as positive as possible with the aim of finishing anything that I start. That is always my goal in life. I don’t start something I cannot finish.
What are your thoughts on our country the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
As with many places around the world I think the need to learn to give more before we take in every aspect is paramount. Nigeria is special. The country has an amazing amount of potential and the people here are incredibly smart.
How do you relax?
It depends. My mode of relaxation differs with the country I find myself. But it’s really bad I really enjoy my own company. When I am in London, I love to do casual shopping. I also go to the spa. In Nigeria, it is the simple things I do. I often like taking long baths. When I am in Nigeria, I always find it hard to read because I have to plan for the next day and when I am reading I feel I could be doing something better. So, I just think of new ideas, ways of doing things to keep things moving as best as possible. Relaxation is difficult in Nigeria, but at times I just lie in bed and think. It can be relaxing you know.
Where do you see yourself and Aba oil in 10years?
Wow I have never thought that far ahead. In fact I can not. Destiny has presented itself in my life so much that I don’t even try and plan anymore. I just do the best I can do whilst remembering to put God first as much as I can always. I am currently in the process of learning to let go. Makes it all even more exciting. Thank God.
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