GroundZero: Business Built from Nothing

Mr Emmanuel Agbaeze, organiser of the recently concluded GroundZero reality show, has highlighted the powerful business lessons embedded within the competition.

Mr Joel Ojigbani emerged as the winner of GroundZero, a reality television show where contestants were expected to build a business from the scratch without capital.

The show, which was hosted by Frank Edoho, ended with a thrilling victory as contestant Ojigbani hit the ₦1 million target and bagged the ₦5 million grand prize.

Agbaeze, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, noted that the show offered real-world insights into entrepreneurship, especially in a challenging environment like Nigeria.

According to Agbaeze, Ground Zero was designed to test the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of its contestants by placing them in unfamiliar environments with no capital, contacts, or safety nets.

“At the heart of Ground Zero was the theme of resourcefulness and bootstrapping as the contestants, Adaeze and Joel, were thrust into a ‘start-with-nothing’ scenario, compelling them to find innovative ways to generate income and build resources.

“This kind of challenge is a reflection of what many Nigerian entrepreneurs go through, as you have to be creative and make the most of the little you have,” he said.

Agbaeze noted that the show acted a a survival tool for  etworking and sales as the contestants had to demonstrate their interpersonal skills and sales acumen.

“Joel, one of the contestants, had to launch a mobile videography business with no startup funds, initially charging N5,000 per project, but through strategic networking and relationship-building, he scaled his services to earn up to N80,000 monthly per client.

“This underscores the importance of building relationships and exploring alternative methods to acquire resources in the early stages of business,” Agbaeze added.

He noted that the contestants faced daily tasks that tested their problem-solving abilities, ascertain scenarios represented hurdles that entrepreneurs encounter.

He added that the show ensured that the sales, negotiation and financial targets were met as this would aid in spotting opportunities and building sustainability.

“The show set a clear financial goal for the contestants which is to earn N1 million within the 30-day timeframe so by achieving this target required not only strong sales and negotiation skills but also a strategic mindset.

“Setting a clear financial goal and working toward it is fundamental in business, and Joel demonstrated that with focus and strategy, even an ambitious target can be met.

Agbaeze concluded by noting that while Ground Zero is a reality TV show designed for entertainment, it also serves as a powerful learning platform.

“The show presents a unique look at the entrepreneurial mindset through the contestants’ journeys as we gain real insight into resourcefulness, adaptability, financial literacy, and the importance of a strong hustle,” he said.
(NAN).