Business Watch

Name : George Folahan Ajanlekoko
Title : CEO
Business : Capetex Industries Limited Nigeria
Product : Marmoran Paints (Specialised Interior and Exterior Wall Coatings)
No of employees : 22      

Q : What should an individual look for when purchasing wall coatings?
A: There are several factors, but perhaps the main ones are quality, durability and value for money. Our products last longer than most products with an average life span of 5-15 years. We have an overall system of coatings which involves wall preparation, priming, first and second coats, and finally a top coat as necessary. The primer is important because it is the bonding agent between the wall surface and the coating. It makes a huge impact on the overall finish. The choice of coating you make, must depend upon the type of surface that you wish to cover, interior or exterior and if the later, the climate and environment.    

Q: How does your product differ from others on the market?
A: We consider our product to be the ‘Rolls Royce' of wall coatings. Apart from durability, our products are water resistant, tough, and they can withstand all known climatic conditions. We have over 500 different colours in our colour swatches and if we do not have what the client wants, we can match any colour they desire depending on their choice of product. We also have different types of finishes and patterns including smooth, rough (textured), glass and granulated (stones). Our products are made to order so the client gets exactly what they pay for. MARMORAN COATINGS are a bit dearer but in the long run because of their quality, durability and hardwearing nature, they are good value for money. We also offer a professional service in choosing wall finishes for the clients and a manufacturer's guarantee is available on all our products.  

Q: What are some of the challenges and highlights that you have encountered in running this business?
A: Personnel often need a lot of supervision when being trained on how to apply the products, the cost of doing business, i.e. clearing goods from the ports and the bureaucracy involved in this, power failures and the problems associated with using generators throughout the day. There are also numerous other inferior and cheaper products in the market which unfortunately catch the attention of the mass market and middle income sector. I always feel a sense of pride when I see our wall coatings on buildings all over the country i.e. Tinapa Hotel in Calabar, the Palms shopping mall in Lagos, Le Meridien Hotel in Uyo, National Space Research Centre in Abuja, Sterling bank, Fidelity Bank Head Office, several luxury block of flats and private residences, and the new Murtala Mohammed Domestic Airport MMA 2 just to mention a few choice projects. I also get a buzz when competing for business and trying to convince potential clients that we are the best company to do business with. Ultimately you win some and you lose some.  

Q: What advice would you give to those about to manage employees for the very first time?
A: Know where to draw the line when you delegate to your staff. Always check how they are getting on and give feed back, good or bad so that you can correct whatever they might be doing wrong and give praise or encouragement where a job is well done because you are empowering people to do their best.   You need good people and leadership skills and may need to come down to the employee's level to bring him or her up to yours.    

Q: What do you do to relax in your spare time?
A: Golf, squash, reading and travelling  

If you would like to find out more information, please contact Fola Ajanlekoko at

Capetex Industries Ltd
24 (Gate 2)
Ladipo Oluwole Street
Off Oba Akran Avenue
Ikeja, Lagos

Tel:01 773 9026, 01 760 8947, +234 805 1994 159
email: gajanlek_99@yahoo.com
websites: www.capetexng.com and www.marmoran.co.za