Meet Emmanuel Owolabi, entrepreneur producing quality footwears

Emmanuel Owolabi, a medical student at Babcock University and co-founder of Bataje Shoe Lines, a brand that delivers custom-made, quality footwear.

Though Owolabi is a medical student, he is also passionate about innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and he is actively involved in health-focused initiatives such as EOhealth.

He and his team started the footwear business in 2023 with N200,000 raised through savings and support from family and friends.

This, according to him, was enough to get the business’s first production batch out and build the brand from there.

He was inspired to enter the business by his quest for quality and affordable custom-made footwear, especially for students on campus.

“It started with my quest for quality and affordable custom-made footwear. I realised many others desired the same, so I decided to turn that need into a sustainable business.

“We design and produce handcrafted shoes, including male loafers, half shoes, Birkenstock-style sandals, palm slippers, and female slippers, all made for comfort, style, and durability,” he said.

Experts believe that the market for footwear in Nigeria is growing, with projected revenue of $2.2 billion (about N3.5 trillion) in 2025.

Owolabi said that Bataje Shoes’ business journey has come with ups and downs, however, he emphasised that overall, the business has made solid progress.

“We’ve grown our customer base, maintained quality, and steadily increased demand both on and off campus,” he said.
Speaking on the niche the business has over its competitors, the medical student cum entrepreneur noted that quality, affordability, and durability is their brand niche.

“Our edge is in combining handcrafted precision, affordability, and style. Every product is made to last and appeal to a wide range of customers who want something both classy and affordable,” Owolabi noted.

He explains that his team has expansion plans which include structuring Bataje into a formal company, investing in machinery and better materials, optimising branding, and eventually establishing manufacturing branches across Africa in the next few years.

However, he pointed out that business has not been without some challenges.

“Logistics remains one of the most significant challenges, especially ensuring timely deliveries and sourcing materials,” he explained.

And to navigate the challenges, Owolabi emphasised that the company relocated its production to a more central location to ease transportation issues and make deliveries smoother and faster.

Even though the footwear business is believed to be lucrative in Nigeria, he said that persistent inflation surge is taking its toll on the business ecosystem, and calls for prudence in managing clients and production costs, to scale the murky waters of doing business in Nigeria.

“We’ve been careful about increasing prices too quickly. Instead, we’ve focused on improving efficiency, reducing wastage, and maintaining a lean but effective operation,” he said.

To avoid unnecessary clash between his business and studies, Owolabi said. “I have a partner who serves as the business manager, handling day-to-day logistics and operations.

“We also work with a trusted manufacturer. I focus on strategy, branding, and periodic oversight, which helps balance business and academics.”
The studentpreneur encourages other entrepreneurs, especially young ones, to start with what they have, stay consistent, and focus on value over volume.

“Be willing to learn, adapt, and build the right team around your vision,” he advised.