#MCM: Cheta Nwanze

Cheta Nwanze is a Computer Engineer with a keen interest in history and current affairs. Currently head of research at SBM Intelligence, Cheta is easily one of Nigeria’s most prolific writers and commentators on politics, Nigerian issues, history and football.

Cheta is well known in the media world following his pivotal role in 234Next.com, Managing Editor of Ynaija and his position as CTO at the Daily Times which many have claimed to be instrumental in the recent rebirth of the paper. He was also co-host of the celebrated late night TV- Lake Night with Nike Oshinowo’s.

As our MCM, Cheta, briefly, shares with us, his motivations, successes and challenges.

IBG: What motivates you?

CN: Knowledge. I want to know more about my country, and ensure that the right information comes out.

IBG: How do you define success?

CN: Achieving your set goals.

IBG: What keeps you grounded?

CN: The fact that one can easily make mistakes. Makes me try to be as careful as possible. Does not always work though.

IBG: What has been your biggest entrepreneurial challenge and how have you surmounted it?

CN: Biggest challenge for my firm has been the fact that this market does not fully understand, or appreciate what we offer since what we sell is intangible. For a long time we relied almost exclusively on foreign clients, but slowly we are, but shifting our focus a little, beginning to get more people in the Nigerian market interested in our product.

IBG: What has been your biggest success?

CN: I can’t say. We work in a niche market where our clients will not exactly appreciate being mentioned. However, getting a partnership with American private-intel firm, Stratfor, was a huge success.

IBG: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs?

CN: Stick at it. If you are diligent, success will eventually come your way.