Denis Opudo
L&L Foods Company was founded by Itunu Lawani, his brother, and a friend. The company packs locally processed peanut products targeting to tap Nigerian Peanut Market.
Nigeria is currently the third largest peanut producer in the world. However, most local peanut industries produce 98% unbranded and unpacked peanut products. The products are therefore sold in plastic containers and bottles. The situation has resulted in health hazards especially presence of cancer-causing bacterium (Aflatoxin). Aflatoxin bacteria can survive and grow in vegetables, grains, hay, and soil. The company has utilized this market opportunity by producing pocket-friendly packed peanut products which are free from Aflatoxin. He added that idea generation begun from brainstorming and intensive market research. Lawani extends his gratitude to interim director of the Engineering Entrepreneurship program Robert Beaury for mentoring. The company so far has realized rapid growth in a short span. Despite the failure of mobile app initiative, Lawani converted his mistakes to opportunities which propelled the growth of the company.
L&L foods won Nigerian Economic Summit Award in October 2017. The event was organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning. The panelists comprised of vice president of Nigeria and members from multinational corporations. Consequently, the company clinched prize worth $ 15,000 which it plans to use for installation of new machines. The support will also enable the company to meet the current overwhelming market demand.
Lawani aims at boosting the operation and production of L&L factory after completion of his studies by December 2018.
