The creator of the Nigerian social networking startup Valleytop Communications, Mr. Andrew Odoe, condemned the country’s ongoing preference for imported goods on Wednesday, blaming it on its people’s dislike for domestic companies.
Odoe exhorted the populace and institutions to invest in the improvement of locally owned goods, claiming that Nigerians are unconcerned about projects that will favourably impact them and their socioeconomic environment.
He continued by noting that the support given to international brands by their population helped them become well-known and that Nigerians must learn to do the same.
“Valuetok has the potential to transform the perception of Nigeria, create thousands of employment, and significantly strengthen our economy, yet influencers, celebrities, journalists, and the typical Nigerian have shown no interest in giving support without wanting money,” he said.
He claimed that banks have also declined to provide funding for the initiative, yet they are all rushing to open accounts and lend support to the owner of foreign brands that they complain about on a daily basis for barring, marginalizing, and restricting their ability to earn adequately on his platform.
“The part that beats my imagination is that I am getting financial offers and more from the US, but my own people are not worried about a project that directly impacts them. Everyone in a position to advance the brand wants money first and nothing else.
“Valutok is a super app that has an inbuilt store and digital wallets to aid and facilitate business transactions as well as an algorithm that makes visibility easier for users and small businesses.”
“The only issue we’ve had is finding the money to pay for advertising and server upkeep, and we’ve tried pitching and calling investors without success.
He claimed that he presented Valutok to dignitaries and other attendees at the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit NDIS at Aso Villa in November.
“Nigerians wouldn’t come here to celebrate and support Mark Zuckerberg’s enterprises if they didn’t receive support from their country and the US.”
