Dr Kevin Chukwumobi is the CEO of Apams Funeral Ltd- West Africa’s biggest funeral brand.
He Marks his 54th birthday recently and had a chat with the FCNN. Excerpts
How Evolved is the Funeral Industry in Nigeria?
The funeral industry is still developing in Nigeria. It is not as big as what you have in UK and US. Funeral services is a $20 billion industry in the US, and the industry in the UK is worth £3 billion. Most of the funeral companies are multinational, and some like Service Corporation International and Dignity PLC are even quoted. The largest funeral company in the US is worth over $10 billion and has more than 2,000 locations across the country. In the UK, the largest company is worth £283 million and has more than 800 offices. In comparison, Nigeria is far behind this level of industry development.
What would you attribute this to?
I think it can be attributed to the wrong perception Nigerians have about the funeral industry. It is shocking that in the 21st century, people still believe that the funeral industry is driven more by superstition than by innovation. Unfortunately, this has deterred professionals from entering the funeral industry like they do in other sectors. Our industry does not attract the best professionals, and this is coupled with the negative societal perception of the industry.
What is being done to change this perception?
We have worked to glamorize the industry. In Apams, The way we have positioned our company has continued to attract young and talented Nigerians, and we offer competitive salaries that are comparable to what is obtainable in other industries. I believe we are among the few companies that are trying to operate the funeral business as a corporate organization. We have offices in almost all southern states in Nigeria. We equally have offices in Abuja and Lagos and our corporate headquarters is located in Onitsha, with employees across various departments and a well-organized organizational structure, equipped with the latest technology.
You have mentioned the worth of the industry in the UK and US. What is it worth in Nigeria?
I have said this before, in some cultures, burials have become an industry that even drives tourism. In Igboland, for example, burials drive a lot of economic activities, including catering, the textile industry, photography, event planning, hospitality, and printing, among others.
What do you suggest can help practitioners in your industry grow?
The only thing that can help practitioners in the business grow is innovation. You must keep innovating until you stop running the business.In my case, I keep improving, and I keep telling my workers that I have not even scratched the surface compared to what is obtainable elsewhere.
Are you proud of what you do?
I am very proud of my work. Being proud of what I do is an understatement. I am adding value to society in a legitimate and responsible way. I would want to do this business again and again.It has given me a lot of exposure to train across the world and many opportunities to meet influential people.
How do you think the industry has impacted the Nigerian economy?
The funeral industry has provided jobs to many Nigerians. It can provide over 1 million jobs to Nigerians annually. It also helps to ease the burden of the bereaved, thereby contributing to people’s well-being and mental health
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