The Founder Who Turned a Failed Poultry Business Into Nigeria's Biggest Job Platform

Imagine pouring everything you have into a business, only for it to crash. Imagine using that failure as the foundation to build one of Nigeria’s most successful tech companies. That’s the story of Ayodeji Adewunmi, co-founder of Jobberman, and it's nothing short of remarkable.

Ayodeji’s journey didn’t start in tech. His first business venture was far from digital—it was a poultry farm. Yes, you read that right. As a university student, Ayodeji tried his hand at raising chickens. But soon, the business failed, leaving him at square one. Most people would have given up, but not Ayodeji. That failure sparked a new fire in him, leading to Jobberman, a platform now connecting millions of Nigerians to jobs.

You see, Ayodeji didn’t set out to build a tech empire; he just wanted to solve a problem. After his poultry business failed, he realized that finding reliable information about jobs in Nigeria was a nightmare. So, in 2009, with his friends Opeyemi Awoyemi and Olalekan Olude, he launched Jobberman from a small dorm room at Obafemi Awolowo University. Their goal? To make job hunting easier for everyone.

But here’s where it gets crazy: they had no fancy investors or big marketing budgets. They simply started by helping students find internships and spreading the word. Jobberman quickly became the go-to platform for job seekers in Nigeria, and within a few years, it was the largest job site in West Africa. The best part? They built it with pure grit and hustle, teaching themselves everything from coding to digital marketing along the way.

Ayodeji’s story is a lesson in resilience and innovation. He saw an opportunity where others saw a dead end. And he didn’t wait for things to be perfect—he just started. Today, Jobberman has transformed the Nigerian job market, with over 5 million users and thousands of companies relying on it to find talent.

The takeaway? Your biggest failure might just be the beginning of your greatest success. Ayodeji Adewunmi proves that even the most unexpected paths can lead to something extraordinary. If you're a startup founder, marketer, or simply someone looking for inspiration to tackle your next big idea, Ayodeji’s story shows that persistence and creativity can change everything.

So, what’s stopping you from turning your next setback into a breakthrough?

If you want more stories like Ayodeji’s—and actionable tips on how to supercharge your digital marketing—make sure to subscribe to our newsletter. We’ve got plenty more inspiring tales and insider strategies coming your way!

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Kingsley Alfred