Bukky George, expanding frontiers, redefining health and beauty

From an 18sqm store in GRA Ikeja with three employees, now with over 15 years of dedication to work and God’s grace, HealthPlus group has grown to 38 branches with over 470 employees. “We are currently present in 6 states; Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt.

We are still expanding our frontiers. Like with every business in Nigeria, we have had our challenges with inadequate financing, multiple taxation and levies, technology, retail operations, supply chain and logistics and the biggest one of all, people. These are common denominators to all businesses operating in Nigeria. Our mantra is ‘To every problem, there is a solution.’ We therefore maintain our focus. We are tenacious and we persevere against the odds. We are winning going by the feedback from our loyal customers and other stakeholders.” She tells me. Who? You ask…well, she is the industrious and graceful MD/CEO of HealthPlus Limited and CasaBella International Limited, Bukky George and she is my ‘date’ for this week.

Raised by her mother, Bukky had a happy childhood. “We didn’t have a lot of money but there was lots of laughter and most things were ‘do it yourself’, such as birthday cakes, our dresses, home décor etc. This made us resourceful and quick thinkers. In fact, one of my people recently called me Wonder Woman. I told her that I wasn’t, I am just an ordinary lady engaging my talents to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity. I must chip in a quick word for all parents out there. I worry what will become of this present generation of young people who are often spoilt, over-protected and who have this mentality of entitlement. I encourage us parents and guardians to re-appraise our child-raising skills and methods. We must raise children who become the leaders that will fix Nigeria.” Bukky says.

Talk about an organisation with a clear vision, committed people, well-articulated strategy, the discipline to execute their strategies,  their brand, the look and feel of their stores, high levels of hygiene, knowledgeable and helpful professionals on the retail floors to mention a few then HealthPlus naturally comes to mind. “Our pharmacy services are how we give back to our communities, this is our CSR”. Bukky adds.
HealthPlus is developing a pipeline of leaders and Buky tells me how. Hear her “When we coined our big hairy audacious goals at the inception, we said we will attract the best people in and out of pharmacy. Today, we have returnees and people from multinationals and corporations in our team. They believe in our vision and are excited to be a part of this beautiful story that is unfolding. Recently, a new manager told me how excited she is at the opportunity of being able to develop her branch members. Such testimonies are humbling and encouraging. This is probably one of the benefits of entrepreneurship and ‘intrapreneurship’. It is really fulfilling.” Bukky confidently articulates.
Inspired by many people and by great books, Bukky shares some with me. In her words, “I admire Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his big visions and humility, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili for her will power to confront and tackle the ills in her industry, Deji Akinyanju of Food Concepts Plc/Chicken Republic for entrepreneurship, doggedness, his team building skills and strategy execution and Tayo Amusan of Persianas Group for his straightforwardness and audacious goals.” She quips.

HealthPlus Limited and CasaBella International Limited just signed a partnership with IFC, a great feat indeed for Bukky and her response says it all. “Indeed the partnership with IFC is a major milestone in the history of HealthPlus. We are excited about the opportunities and the possibilities. At HealthPlus, our strongest drive is to help people achieve optimum health and vitality through the provision of integrative pharmacy products and services. Over the past 15 years, we have worked very hard to build our teams and our brand. We have gained a reputation for excellence, integrity, professionalism and customer satisfaction. With IFC, we hope to increase the access to affordable and quality medicines, vaccines and other healthcare products to more Nigerians. We are on a mission to contribute our quota in achieving the Presidential declaration of Universal Healthcare for all Nigerians.” Bukky informs me.

Many businesses are challenged with funding and getting a loan doesn’t come that easy so I sought from Bukky what HealthPlus/Cassabela did right to get the attention of IFC and again, she responds. “We grew organically for our first six years, ploughing back our profits. Since then, we have been able to access finance. There is no time such as now for serious businesses and entrepreneurs to access the finance to scale up. There is money out there. The million naira questions are: Are entrepreneurs and their businesses well positioned to attract investors? Is there a clear vision? Do they know the maximum potential of their businesses? Are they putting in place structures and processes that will ensure the institutionalization of their businesses? Can they prove their ability to repay a loan? IFC sought us out really. They could see our potential. They kept us in view for a couple of years and the recent signing ceremony is the culmination of a two
year plus journey. It has indeed been a mighty long journey.” Bukky admits and as for their short and medium terms, Bukky has this to say “We are building our human capacity and teams in anticipation of our rapid growth. IFC will provide finance and other value-ads such as networks, partnerships, alliances, visibility, best practices and so on. Under the agreement, IFC will assist our group to establish a world-class distribution centre that will supply affordable and quality medicines, vaccines, healthcare and personal care products to our retail chain. We will have excess capacity which will serve other pharmacies, hospitals, dental clinics etc. We are employing top notch technology to power our supply chain logistics. We will be a model for the recently launched National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDGs). Our retail expansion will continue. So watch out for us in Egbeda, Isolo, Festac, Sango Ota, Akure, Owerri, Onitsha, Abia, Delta, Calabar, Edo and beyond.” Bukky says in high optimism.

As a country, we need to catch up with a lot of things, some of which Bukky shares with me. “Nigeria needs to catch up with the developed countries in all spheres. It is possible. Our swift reactions and actions in stopping the Ebola Virus in its tracks gives me hope that we have the people, the intellect, the resources and we should have the will to join the comity of developed nations. All Nigerians must be excellent in their chosen fields. We must do whatever our hands find to do with dignity and excellence. Little pools of excellence will eventually become an ocean.”

“This preamble is to underscore my point that not only women need empowerment, but both genders do. Men and women need to hone their skills in business, management, leadership, communication etc. There are resources available these days through various institutions such as the Lagos Business School, Enterprise Development Centre, HR School, DMS Retail, WIMBIZ, NECA’s NEW and FATE Foundation. For my colleagues in pharmacy, we have the Pharmalliance. These institutions and NGOs equip and upskill entrepreneurs and their people. I also recommend mentors and coaches. Everyone needs a mentor and we don’t have enough of them. Everybody has something to give back to the society, so we must all do out bit. Networking is also important. The above is my advice to anyone struggling with their business.” She admonishes.

Bukky tells me that by 2018, their total retail network should have grown to 120 across Nigeria by God’s grace. A very achievable plan I strongly believe, especially with the pace her business is growing.
An intriguing interview, one which ends on a hopeful note about Nigeria when Bukky says “Nigeria is a land of infinite opportunities. Many Nigerians are creative and visionary. Our visions are being truncated by the inadequate talent pool of skilled people. I have drilled the reasons for this problem down to poor standards of education and compromised values. At HealthPlus, we are playing our own part in reeducating our people and insisting on absolute integrity and transparency. We call on the Government and the private sector to rise to the occasion and revamp our educational system at all levels. Let us adopt best practices in all spheres of our lives and work. Nigeria has all it takes to lead Africa. Of this I am sure.” She concludes.

 

Kemi Ajumobi