Mercy Aigbe: What COVID-19 pandemic has taught me

As the rate of Covid-19 infection accelerates and businesses close, thousands of business owners face a frightening time, including Nollywood Actress Mercy Aigbe who has expressed her fears on the effect of the pandemic.

Speaking in a recent interview, the 42-year old actress and brand influencer lamented how the pandemic has crippled her fashion business.

According to her, before the outbreak of the pandemic she had placed orders for goods worth millions of naira abroad. But up till now, the goods have not arrived Nigeria due to the pandemic.

“It’s been crazy. We didn’t see it coming. We have been home for almost six weeks. Before the pandemic, I placed order for goods from abroad worth millions of naira. Till date, I haven’t taken delivery of the goods. Every day, I call my agent and I’m like when are they shipping my goods? Of course, you know that borders are closed, aircraft are not flying. I have people who have already paid in advance.

“I have one particular client who ordered a certain amount of fabrics and I placed the order from China before the pandemic. But up till now, I have not received my goods; to the extent that the client is requesting for a refund of her money. You cannot understand what I have been through during this period. I have tried to take it easy because I need to stay in shape,” Aigbe said.

The actress who is also a social media influencer, revealed that aside having a terrible experience; she has also learnt a very big lesson from the pandemic.

“The pandemic has taught me to be more active online. My online presence has to be stronger than before. I need to make use of my social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, You-tube and Instagram to push my brand and sell my business. That’s basically what I have learnt from the pandemic,’ Mercy Aigbe confessed.