At No. 21 Osunba, off Church Bus Stop, Igando-Ikotun Road, Lagos, a young entrepreneur, Oginni Olajumoke Deborah, is changing people’s dietary habits. Irked at watching people settle for unhealthy, adulterated food, Olajumoke, a National Open University undergraduate of Mass Communication founded ClaraFoods on a mission to provide clean, quality, and affordable farm products in a market flooded with fakes.
By Eberechi Obinagwam
At No. 21 Osunba, off Church Bus Stop, Igando-Ikotun Road, Lagos, a young entrepreneur, Oginni Olajumoke Deborah, is changing people’s dietary habits. Irked at watching people settle for unhealthy, adulterated food, Olajumoke, a National Open University undergraduate of Mass Communication founded ClaraFoods on a mission to provide clean, quality, and affordable farm products in a market flooded with fakes.
Olajumoke’s brand specialises in trusted farm staples including garri, yam flour (elubo), semolina, plantain flour, oats, millet, and other everyday essentials Nigerians can rely on.
How it all started
She started ClaraFoods in November 2025, shortly after completing her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), drawing on practical experience gained from working with family members already in the trade. She began with small packaging and selling quality farm products to friends, family, and neighbours. “My first day was exciting but challenging because I had only a few products and was focused on convincing people to trust my brand,” she told TheNiche in an interview.
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Today, ClaraFoods is a growing brand built on trust and consistency, helping customers eat healthier through quality farm produce.
Raising capital
Raising capital was one of Olajumoke’s biggest early challenges. “I started with the little money I had and gradually reinvested every profit back into the business,” she said. As sales grew, she expanded her product range gradually, reinvesting steadily rather than overextending.
Penetrating the market
As a newcomer, Olajumoke found it difficult to break into the market immediately. It took her several months to build traction. “It was challenging because I was just starting out, and not many people knew my brand. It took me a few months before I began to build a steady customer base.
“My first customers were mainly friends, family, and people who saw my products through my WhatsApp status and referrals. As they bought from me and were satisfied with the quality, they recommended ClaraFoods to others. That trust and word-of-mouth gradually helped me establish my brand,” she added.
The struggle
The ClaraFoods founder admitted she almost gave up at one point due to low sales, but her determination kept her going. “There were times when sales were very slow, and I wondered if the business would survive. Those moments were discouraging, but I reminded myself why I started. The positive feedback from customers and my determination to succeed kept me going”, she said.
The breakthrough
Olajumoke said her first real breakthrough came when customers began returning to buy again and recommending her brand to others. “That was when I realised the business had real potential to grow,” she said.
Running a business in Nigeria
The rising cost of food and transportation have been Olajumoke’s biggest challenges. She has however managed the situation by sourcing wisely, planning purchases carefully, and maintaining product quality while keeping prices as fair as possible.
On japa
Like many young Nigerians, Olajumoke admits she has considered relocating abroad. Still, she believes there are opportunities to build a successful business at home. “My focus for now is growing ClaraFoods into a trusted household brand,” she said.
What’s next?
Olajumoke said customers should expect more quality products, improved packaging, and better delivery services in the coming months.
About Olajumoke
Olajumoke is an undergraduate of the National Open University, studying Mass Communication. Her passion for providing quality food and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch ClaraFoods while still in school. Her goal, she said, is to make ClaraFoods a trusted name for premium farm products across Nigeria.
