Belfast entrepreneur named Young Businessperson of the Year: ‘Anything is possible with hard work'
Originally arriving in Northern Ireland as an asylum seeker, Mr Obikoya has since launched two ventures aimed at providing African food products and cuisine to local and international communities in Belfast.
The businessman runs the Mama Bobo Grocery store on the Lisburn Road in Belfast and a restaurant of the same name on the Ormeau Road.
His mother started the venture, before Mr Obikoya helped to give it more a 'business focus' during the pandemic.
Mama Bobo Africa supplies a range of African grocery items, including ingredients and pantry staples, catering to residents from African and Caribbean backgrounds as well as others interested in international foods.
In addition, the business operates a Nigerian restaurant, which offers traditional West African dishes and contributes to Belfast's growing food diversity.
A business management graduate from the University of Glasgow, Hammy was this year included in the Belfast Telegraph's 30 Under 30 list.
He launched his business following job loss during the Covid-19 pandemic and has since expanded his operations to employ others. He recently won the Young Businessperson of the Year award from the Minority Recognition Awards in 2024.
Speaking after the awards, he said he hopes the recognition will encourage other young people to pursue their interests and show that 'you can achieve whatever you put your mind to'.
Hammy said: 'It's great to receive this award. Recognition like this motivates me to keep working toward my goals and continuing to grow the business.
"The more awards I receive, the more they mean to me. Initially, I didn't put much thought into awards – they used to intimidate me.
"But acknowledgments like this are a reassurance that I'm on the right track, and it encourages me to keep pushing forward in my journey.
'I hope other younger people can feel inspired by this award, especially those from African backgrounds, and see that anything is possible with hard work and determination.'
He also shared some advice for others considering starting a business adding that he is 'always learning' on the job:
'Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Even if no one else is doing it, there's no reason you can't if you put your mind to it. Many top entrepreneurs haven't figured it all out – and as a young entrepreneur, I'm learning every day.
"I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You don't need all the answers; you just need to start and figure it out. If I can do it, anyone can.'
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