How a Nigerian built a Multi-Million Dollar Gift Company in Nigeria

How a Nigerian built a Multi-Million Dollar Gift Company in Nigeria is another episode of my promoting Africa series where I feature black entrepreneurs all across Africa who have built successful businesses and they tell us how they did it.
Today's episode is Mr Dele Balogun who is a Nigerian entrepreneur who has built a Multimillion Dollar Gift Business called "Celebrations Nigeria" which has lasted for over 32 years all from a kiosk. He tells us about how he was able to build his business in Jos, Abuja and Lagos state Nigeria while taking us through some of the challenges he has faced on his entrepreneurial journey.
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Follow Celebrations on Instagram: / celebrationsng
Website: celebrations.com.ng/
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[@FisayoFosudo]

Whenever I think gifts, I think Celebrations. They’re just around here in Lekki. Great video bro 👏🏾👏🏾

[@TayoAinaFilms]

Thanks Fam 🙏🏾

[@bonifacewisdom889]

I'm happy you shop with celebrations.. thanks for that..I also love your videos

[@ronnie8913]

Dele was my senior in high school back in Jos. Celebrations was quite popular in Jos back in the days

[@bolaogunbayode6143]

His family has created their own niche. I never would have thought of a gift company.

[@ConnectsLogTv]

Exactly

[@yusufbola356]

Bola, are you from Ilesa in Osun state?

[@hassanadegbenga2147]

This...

[@nwaliikeemmanuel2313]

I have always thought of it but never figured it could be done this big.

[@OsieTheBornChild5.0]

Tayo is the Man, who else agrees with me?!

[@Justaclik]

I agree with you brother 💯

[@ConnectsLogTv]

I agree 💯

[@harunaanuoluwa4680]

I agree with you 💯💯

[@aliabdullahi4447]

I agere with you

[@123418205]

I agree with you 💯

[@bolaogunbayode6143]

Investing in People!!! I really enjoy how he speaks and thinks.

[@DavidNkwa]

My favourite place. When it comes to purchasing gift in Abuja. Good job Tayo.

[@ConnectsLogTv]

Definitely checking it out

[@Blecyn]

Haven’t heard of them before. It’s a great share and it’s not the norm. Glad to see that someone would’ve thought of gift items since 1989.

[@gidd]

Now that we've heard of them ,we gotta support!! I hope they're in kenya

[@sandramarume7725]

Really? Its so big in Abuja.

[@PatriciaAbijah]

Yes o

[@inesm.779]

❤️ the brother's outfit, so manly so sexy so African so Nogerian so fresh !

[@kayo4808]

Thanks Tayo, My inner Dangote pops out when I watch your videos 😁😁😁

[@ezeemmanuel6736]

😂😂

[@opeyemikutere8208]

Me too😂😂😂

[@godsgrace3304]

Celebrations was my 'go to' store as a young woman in Jos about 35 years ago. I was used to the one located in the GRA(Jos Club). Small one- room store, but classy. Store for lovers. It's there I was introduced to Hallmark cards. Funny Teddy bears, perfumes, cards that speak your mind, little romantic gift packs from England, just name it. Every single thing there was foreign. Valentine's days 💝 were lit because of Celebrations. My fiance once got me the hugest funny over sized underwear with inscriptions; HAPPY BIRTHDAY on it. That underwear covered my bedroom door.😃 We became known to the store that once we came in, the father knew what we liked to buy. Chai, RIP to the father. This boy was a child then. See the man he has become. Congratulations.

[@pcbossonline]

This is impressive. I like how he's approached the gift shop from a different whole perspective. He's been in business for long. The dream of every startup

[@belledesigns4867]

The way I rush when I get notified for Tayo Aina's videos is amazing

[@ConnectsLogTv]

😊

[@EvelynAmbrose]

Hello Tayo! I’m in Abuja toooooo. It would really be lovely to see you. I love celebrations in wuse2 , That’s where my company buys birthday cards for staff. Lovely store 💕

[@PatriciaAbijah]

Wow, nice to see a lot of people patronize them

[@cbw_ew2]

I've been in and out of there a number of times. Really great place.

[@SaraBellum777]

Dele is a very intelligent man who understands business in the most successful way. This video is necessary! Great job, Tayo! 🙌🏼

[@captainjacksparrow6881]

I remember celebrations in 2003, they always had beautiful cards, watches and lovely perfumes. Over time they continue to grow increasing in clientele. The managers and some of the staff of the branches in Abuja seemed to be family members with enough power to ensure customer always had a good experience. His dad did a very good job with Celebrations hope he continues the good job.

[@JennyAnya]

Tayo you honestly have the best job! Speaking to resilient Africans and visiting the best places! Keep bringing out such great content!

[@adaabubakar869]

I remember my University days.... oh celebrations! Giving me joy since 1990 to date. #Jos now #Abuja. Well done!

[@MisterO98]

Looks like Deyemi. Walahi!

[@EverythingEverythingwithLayile]

Good job Tayo, are we just gonna ignore 252k subscribers? Weldone Tayo, all the way to 500k

[@TayoAinaFilms]

Thank you!!!

[@aao449]

I can’t wait to start my own business in Nigeria. Tayo, the quality of your videos are spectacular. I don’t miss your vlogs. Please, keep on inspiring us with stories and videos of inspiring, young Nigerians and Africans. Thank you so much for all that you do🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@ConnectsLogTv]

Thank you for watching

[@TayoAinaFilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@wrLight]

1-The most interesting part of the video is around 10:00 when he said in the next 5 years he hope to produce at least 50% of the products locally ...Nigerian business should understand that.. -those whose business is all about import ...import and then sell to Nigerians are TRADER ...they will make money (enrich themselves. ..becoming possibly millionaires) BUT at the expense of the country...They are in reality making the country poorer ...because millions, billions of dollars are going out of Nigeria to enrich the countries they import from...and creating jobs in those countries... -those who manufacture most of their goods locally and sell them to Nigerians and internationally are INDUSTRIALISTS...they will make a lot of more money (enrich themselves....becoming possibly billionaires) AND at the same time they are ENRICHING THE COUNTRY by helping the country save a lot of foreign exchanges, by bringing in more foreign exchanges....by creating more jobs for the youth in Nigeria... 2-I hope Dele will import machines to make all their gift cards...There are very affordable machines on ALIBABA(dot) COM...He can search the keys words "gift card making machine "... They even have Teddy bear making machines.... 3-I hope they will invest in the future and develop the ceramic industry in Nigeria and make those mugs themselves in Nigeria...

[@TayoAinaFilms]

@@wrLight thanks a lot for sharing your insight on this. 🙏🏾

[@wrLight]

@@TayoAinaFilms 🙏

[@heads7982]

Top blog. More positive blogs like this pls. Change all those negative narratives out there. Oh yes people can go to 9ja and invest to be successful. Great blog.

[@heads7982]

@@curvyuniverse3475 Pack your face bro !

[@heads7982]

@@curvyuniverse3475 Have you ever been to inner core China or inner core India?. If you look at these 2 countries from this perspective, especially China, you wouldn't think such country attracts investors or why anyone would wanna invest there, but that's not the case. Both nations manage to put smoke screens all over the ills of their nations and project the positive sides to the world. Now visualise China in your head right now and tell me what do you see ??. That's right, you see a 1st world country with 1st world economy and on course for global domination. But then again go back to the beginning of this write up.....get a visa, travel to inner core China and you'll be amazed to see high level poverty, insecurities and all what nots present in many African countries just like the one you're currently critiquing right now.

[@korinjohregina351]

Known Celebrations from way back in Jos, was excited when I saw them in Abuja as well. Inspiring growth story.

[@Chisomntinulu]

Still watching but I just felt the need to say... Watch the ads to the end guys🤧it helps. Like and comment too🤗

[@ConnectsLogTv]

Exactly… watch the content and ads

[@ConnectsLogTv]

Amen….. Tayo Aina Films…. Will turn into an empire

[@IamAfrikan]

Thanks for this video Tayo. This really shows how diverse you are with your content. I like what he said about knowing your numbers and the way they present their gifts to customers is what set them apart from others. I can see ‘Hallmark’ which is one of the top brands in cards and gifts. The man is likeable and I love the setup of the stores. This video really motivates me and the main lessons is that you can start small and grow overtime. As well I like what is said about building a brand that can still be running when you are not physically there. Thanks for this video Tayo.

[@ConnectsLogTv]

His contents brings us close to ourselves as Nigeria and motivates us

[@TayoAinaFilms]

Appreciate your perspective! Thanks for watching!

[@ijigboeli]

Wow since 1989, I could hv taught of a gift company. Tayo thanks for showing us what we wouldn't hv known

[@MotherlandmomsCrafting]

That's so brilliant; and thanks to him for keeping the business going for such a long time.

[@djjsbecoming6361]

Baptist High School Alumni. Well done Celebrations

[@oneilfarquharson7393]

Love the business idea and I love his outfit so beautiful and modest!

[@meet_mezy]

Celebration is the absolute best place to purchase valuable gifts for your loved ones in Abuja, nice place 👌🏽

[@millyonette]

I’d love to see Tayo and Vivian Okezie do a video together 🥺

[@chalyadashe]

Dele!!! Great guy. Great Entrepreneur. Thanks for sharing your story and motivating us always...

[@thamiframa5592]

I grew up in Jos and it's just so beautiful to see what was a tiny business born out of necessity grow into such an empire. Dele is so eloquent and full of wisdom. Thank you, Tayo for being stellar as usual. Great video 👏🏾👏🏾

[@andrewmaina7750]

looking forward to seeing more of this series on African led businesses

[@Jay-qx5ex]

Great job bro 🙏🏾God Bless Africa 🌍🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾Mama Africa The promise Land ❤❤❤

[@temi1845]

Thank you Tayo ! inspiring :) obsessed with your entrepreneur content ! binge watching all day.

[@NaturalOmaa]

This is impressive! I love the idea of a gift shop😍. Great job Tayo

[@dr.progressstudios]

Brilliant interview. Thank you for sharing his story. I did learn from it.

[@alheri_ebenezer]

The first time I entered Celebration stores, I was wowed, the presentation, the atmosphere, everything is in point Lovely video I really enjoyed watching 🥰

[@loladefayeun]

I always love and look out for this series... thank you Tayo for creating awareness about this awesome brands 👏.

[@kemmiklaus7206]

Well done Tayo for bringing us this 💕

[@dolapokosebinu5274]

OMG! This is amazing! I love giving out cards and gifts! Lovely!

[@HeyNomso]

I love how you help entrepreneurs share their story. The stage I’ve gotten today on content creation on this app is hugely drawn from your unique contents. Great job man.

[@muyiwalagos]

Wow so inspiration. This is one of my most enjoyed video your channel Tayo. Well done.

[@usokolimdam5336]

Thank you for another awesome video Tayo. You're doing a great job showing the world how it is possible for businesses to start and grow in Nigeria.

[@jiggyolajide4215]

This is a really inspiring video Tayo. Please keep this up.

[@adamasim3399]

You are a blessing to young entrepreneurs. Ginger

[@alicenkobo5180]

Inventory in any business is Key. Stay innovative! Thanks Tayo, great content as always.

[@adeogunaderemi314]

Thank you Mr Tayo Aina for the Inspiring videos, especially the fact that You engage young minds in your interviews.💙

[@buyanifakudze3489]

I'm in this line of business and I've picked up so much...thank you very much for this

[@aliabdullahi4447]

I can’t wait to invest my country 🇸🇴 and the beautiful motherland.

[@njerikaranja162]

@Eve Angélique That's a Somalia flag🇸🇴💛

[@gideonikhenoba9173]

Thanks for this bro

[@ayobamidelerealty]

Well... Just typing as it comes to me while watching. Tayo's way of presenting his stories to motivate and awaken viewers is highly appreciated. Thank you Tayo!

[@farukbaffa5424]

So inspirational man!!!

[@samuraiwalkchonmagego8912]

Thank you for sharing so wonderful!

[@juliusikogho3226]

Tayo Aina , very good and educative video, love you man, greetings from the Netherlands always.

[@jbwest1481]

So so happy to be part of this team celebrations cards and gifts is the best place to be 💪💪it's getting bigger every minute .... celebrations it's global now 💪 with a boss that has the heart of gold ❤️❤️ ....so amazing

[@davetv4705]

Wow, he inspired me a lot. I am also excited to know that the business started from my campus. I think I know their store in Unijos.

[@PreciousOsagie]

This is very inspiring 🙂 great job Tayo 👍

[@ademoladaramola2776]

Didn't know about the company....awesome find!!

[@nursekarimatcanada]

Nice content 👌 and this is really an educational like show 👏 I love the part is really emphasising on investment and also invest in people

[@Psalmscita]

Mr Tayo your video's always motivate me to push more to success May God almighty enable you to do more ❤❤❤❤

[@amakaamazon5958]

My beloved celebrations right from Zone 4! Dele!!!!!! 👍👍👍

[@ojukwuemmanuel180]

Great video. 👏

[@habeebbanji3710]

2nd on the list.... 9c one bro.

[@ayobamidelerealty]

You know, one thing that stands a good video out and sustains viewership is the quality and on that I will rate Tayo 99% cos his editing is #dope just as he likes using that word. 👍👍👍

[@sergeflavi1600]

Good job as allways bro. Very insparing...

[@ONLYME3020]

Make your numbers speak a story🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@deezaina]

This Was Really Nice, What a Smart Man

[@Simonaromefilms]

Wow😅 I enjoyed watching this. Awesome video...couple with the fact he started from my school precisely 😊. I'm definitely going to check out celebrations here in Jos.

[@cjchris2750]

Tayo I thought you are in Ghana, wow this is so wonderful nice job one love keep us together African

[@truekolourshub4630]

Interesting and Inspiring video. Glad to get to know someone in the Industry who has been in business for that long. Great Business Advice on Good governance, proper book keeping and investing in people. Thanks for sharing.

[@tgbayesola]

I hope to see them in Ibadan Metropolis. Thank you Tayo for this exposure.

[@progressayitekumah8961]

Amazing what we can do and achieve!

[@LStarAFRICA]

Wow 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@florence9937]

I love how he kept emphasizing on “you have to work (invest) in your people”(staffs). This is what most business owners fail to do.. they want to keep taking and implementing your intellectual skills into their businesses without trying to impart or help their staffs grow. I really enjoyed this vlog.. thanks Tayo!

[@eneochai]

I really loved Celebrations back then when I lived in Jos. It’s great to hear they still have a store there because I thought they had left Jos completely

[@MyDiasporaSpeaks]

This is amazing- and I am impressed👍👍. As long as you can find the gap and fill it, then, you can make it with agility and hard work. Good for his family

[@PatriciaAbijah]

True, the possibilities is limitness

[@kwameboaram7849]

Keep it up Tayo 🙏🙏🇬🇭💯

[@ritesh5032]

Hello bro lot of love from India🇮🇳.

[@ROLLWITHLIZ]

First one here today good job tayo

[@diamondsinnations]

this is very different and impressive, the business type stands out from the usual copy and paste Nigerian style of business where everyone wants to do what everyone is doing. Bravo bro

[@NaomiOmonobi]

Celebrations is definitely a nice spot for presents.

[@oluchiosakwe]

So nice

[@ConnectsLogTv]

Humble beginning 🙏🏾💯👍

[@tomaloliaihetu7288]

Absolutely Loveee Celebrations! They’re in lekki phase 1 and I go there EVERY WEEKEND even if there’s no celebration 😭🤣!

[@healthandscience3641]

Amazing

[@amandaeguale1641]

Good job guys ❤️

[@koredeajobo6989]

Nice one!

[@EmenikeChidinma]

I am inspired

[@Ndiinwadibia]

"investing in people" there are no truer words. Finding reliable people to run and manage a business in your absence (and sometimes even while you are still there) has to be one of the hardest things to do in wealth creation. People dey o but people scarse o, especially in Africa, so once you find and invest in reliable people, you have created a strong path to generational wealth.

[@off-gridplantbasedsapiosexual]

Nice.

[@princeaghamiogie7154]

Nice interview

[@owenkigz3920]

The advice on funding is exactly what my dad told me. Hope people took that seriously.. Numbers don't lie.

[@LIFEWITHEMMANUEL]

STAY BLESSED🙏🏾

[@akakassking9665]

Well done my brother 👏

[@sandramarume7725]

Celebrations!! Its so so big here in Abuja! For some reason, this video didn’t pop up for me. Had to search for Tayo to see it.

[@theharryexperience_]

I still remember the building on that road

[@PatriciaAbijah]

Wow he’s come far, 1989!