Silas Ashi David, Founder and CEO, Shiriel Nig. Ltd.

Life doesn’t always set off in the most promising places, and it’s easy to feel boxed in by one’s background. People often tend to think that one’s roots set the boundaries for their dreams. But there are a few who don’t just settle for what they’re given—they push, they rise, and they shape a future that others thought was out of reach. In a world quick to judge worth by origins, they rise above the constraints of their beginnings and forge paths that illuminate possibilities for themselves and others. These are the ones who make their own way, turning every obstacle into fuel for their journey, every “no” into a reason to try harder. They break the mold and pave the way forward, leaving trails that inspire others to believe that no dream is out of reach. Among these trailblazers stand Silas Ashi David, the Founder and CEO of Shiriel Nig. Ltd.

Born on September 25, 1985, in a small bedroom of a modest household without medical assistance, Silas entered the world in circumstances as humble as his upbringing. Growing up as one of five children in a family where his parents were teachers and smallholder farmers, securing three square meals a day was often a challenge. Yet, from a very young age, he stood out, thinking and dreaming differently from those around him. His dreams, larger than life, often made him the subject of mockery. People called him “the mad boy,” the one dreaming above his means. But that never broke his spirit. Silas clung to his belief in God, his unwavering self-faith, and the vision that he was destined to attract his dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed.

The Spark of Entrepreneurship: Finding Passion in Agriculture

Even as a young boy, Silas’ entrepreneurial spark shone through. During festive visits to his village, when elders refuse to give him money, young Silas would use his little savings to buy bubble gum and sell them, making his own money to buy the things that made him happy. In 2004, his mother encouraged him to write an entrance exam for Kaduna State College of Education. Though initially hoping to study Mathematics and Computer Science, he was instead placed in Business Education where courses in Human Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology expanded his thinking.

He realized his purpose wasn’t just to secure a job, but to create jobs. He wanted to be an employer, not an employee. However, even then, he hadn’t fully figured out what industry to dive into. Almost every field he considered seemed brimming with opportunity, but it wasn’t until after graduating in 2007 that the seeds of his future began to take root. Watching his mother sell their farm produce at the market sparked something in Silas. His mind turned toward agriculture. Ginger and turmeric, the primary cash crops of his hometown, became his focus. As he helped his parents cultivate, weed, and harvest, Silas began to understand the agricultural value chain. He started small, working as an agro-commodity broker, connecting sellers and buyers while earning a modest commission. “It wasn’t about the money at first—I was there to learn. I served under industry experts, traveling to rural communities, studying the market, building relationships, and absorbing everything I could about the trade. Every connection, every lesson, brought me closer to my goal,” shares Silas. Over time, he became a trusted name among leaders in the industry, solidifying his place as a key player in the agro-commodity business. By 2021, after more than a decade of learning and building a network, he fully stepped into entrepreneurship, turning his passion for agriculture into a thriving business.

The Birth of Shiriel Nig. Ltd

Silas founded Shiriel Nig. Ltd in 2023, inspired by both his deep-rooted experience in agricultural trading and the personal motivation drawn from his family. The name “Shiriel” itself holds a special significance, as it’s a blend of the names of his children, Shiloh and Sariel. With years of experience in agricultural trading, particularly in ginger exports, Silas had faced the highs and lows of the industry—navigating market fluctuations, dealing with unreliable intermediaries, and enduring financial losses. Yet, each setback only fueled his determination. As Silas puts it, “Losses don’t define me—they equip me. Every setback has been a stepping stone towards where I’m meant to be.” His vision for Shiriel Nig. Ltd extends far beyond simple agricultural trading. Silas dreams of creating a ginger processing factory that will produce value-added products like ginger oil, biscuits, and tapioca starch for industries. For Silas, agriculture is more than just a business; it’s a way of life. He often says, ‘Agriculture is life,’ a belief that fuels his passion for making a lasting impact.

Embracing Challenges as Learning Opportunities

Every entrepreneur encounters obstacles, but Silas distinguishes himself with his ability to turn challenges into valuable learning experiences. Venturing into agriculture, mining, and product development, he initially struggled with a lack of industry knowledge, navigating uncertainty through trial and error. Just as he began to gain expertise, he encountered another hurdle: lack of funding. This financial constraint became a significant roadblock, hindering his ability to implement the ideas he was passionate about. After finally securing some capital, Silas encountered yet another setback—Entering the wrong business ventures with the wrong partners at the wrong time led to poor business decisions and significant losses. But instead of giving up, Silas kept his focus on short-term goals, a strategy that allowed him to stay grounded despite setbacks. For him, each obstacle was a chance to learn and adapt. “I learn from my mistakes just like when I was learning to drive. The mistakes I made yesterday won’t be repeated today,” he asserts.

A Leader Committed to Growth and Sustainability

Silas is a dynamic leader who believes in growth through learning and collaboration. As a proactive team player, he is deeply committed to both personal and organizational development. Silas not only leads by example but also fosters a culture of shared knowledge, teaching his team what he knows while embracing opportunities to learn where needed. He not only guides but works alongside his team, creating an environment where everyone is motivated to contribute and succeed.

His leadership approach goes beyond meeting company goals; he motivates his team to engage in critical thinking exercises focused on addressing food security challenges in the region. Silas believes that sustainable food practices start at home, so he encourages his team members to grow food in their gardens, ensuring what they consume is hygienically cultivated and sustainably sourced. Silas’s vision doesn’t stop at food security—he is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. As part of a broader effort to promote healthier living and combat climate change, he has spearheaded a tree-planting initiative slated for next year, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and foster greener communities.

Empowering Farmers for a Sustainable Future

Shiriel Nig. Ltd is deeply committed to promoting food security through sustainable agricultural practices and strong partnerships with grassroots farmers. By providing essential inputs, resources, and training, it aims to maximize crop yields and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers. “We want to help farmers understand that farming can be done all season as eating doesn’t have a season,” emphasizes Silas.

Currently, Shiriel is awaiting the allocation of farmland and an industrial layout from the state government, a crucial step toward scaling its operations. This farmland will be used not only for raw material production but also for producing food for human consumption. Looking ahead, Shiriel has set an ambitious target for the coming year: to empower farmers throughout the state to start planting fruit trees as part of its sustainable agriculture initiative. To encourage this, the company plans to offer incentives for each tree planted, promoting the reduction of land degradation and carbon emissions. This initiative is designed not just to improve the environment but also to drive economic growth for the farmers themselves. The company is committed to carrying out this plan in all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, year after year. To bring this vision to life, Shiriel is actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with both local and international stakeholders, ensuring they have the support to achieve their far-reaching goals.

In the next 5 to 10 years, Silas envisions Shiriel standing on the global stage, working alongside international organizations such as the African Development Bank and the World Trade Organization to ensure access to healthy food for all. He also aims to collaborate with local farmers across Nigeria, creating a sustainable buy-back model that guarantees them stable income and fosters economic growth. By empowering farmers through these partnerships and demonstrating the potential of agriculture as a year-round enterprise, Silas hopes to attract government support and drive national food security initiatives. His vision is to drive agricultural innovation and position Shiriel as one of the top 20 agribusinesses in the world, making a lasting impact on both local and international food systems.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Dream Big, But Start Smart

For those looking to make their mark in traditional industries and emerging sectors, Silas offers invaluable advice drawn from his own journey. Rather than jumping into a business simply because it looks profitable or exciting, he urges aspiring entrepreneurs to learn the ropes by working closely with someone already in the field. This way, they can understand the real-world highs and lows that come with the business. In addition, Silas encourages setting both short and long-term goals from the beginning to stay focused. He also emphasizes that registering as a legitimate business helps build credibility and opens doors to partnerships with businesses, financiers, and government agencies. Above all, Silas believes success is less about where you start from and more about where you allow your dreams to take you. “Backgrounds don’t really matter; what truly counts are the dreams and visions you hold for your future,” Silas sums up, encouraging everyone to chase their aspirations with passion and perseverance.