In a quiet, meticulously organized laboratory in Nigeria, something extraordinary is happening. Muhammad Usman, a 34-year-old former corporal from the Nigerian Air Force, is pioneering an entirely new industry for his country by harvesting scorpion venom, one of the most valuable biological substances on Earth.

What began as a curious scroll through news reports during sentry duty in 2013 has blossomed into Nigeria's first and only commercial scorpion venom extraction facility. As Laboratory Operational Manager at Liman Usman Global Ltd, Usman now oversees thousands of scorpions housed in transparent enclosures, each one a tiny factory producing liquid worth more than gold on the global market.

The journey from military service to biotech entrepreneur reflects both Usman's courage and vision. Born in May 1991 in the Alukusu community of Niger State's Katcha Local Government Area, he served his country during some of Nigeria's most demanding security operations, including Operation Safe Haven and Operation MESA. The discipline, patience, and strategic thinking he learned in the Air Force became the foundation for his unlikely second career.

After spotting a report about Morocco's successful scorpion farming industry, Usman didn't dismiss it as impossible. Instead, he dove into extensive research, teaching himself scorpion biology, venom composition, and extraction techniques. He started small, practicing at home with just five to 10 scorpions, carefully observing their behavior and habitat needs.

The transformation required courage of a different kind than military service. Usman had to overcome not just the technical challenges but also the widespread fear surrounding scorpions. Through years of patient observation, he developed such an understanding of scorpion behavior that he can now handle them confidently, even placing them on his body. This hands-on expertise earned him the affectionate nickname "the scorpion doctor" from those who witnessed his remarkable work.

What makes this story particularly inspiring is Usman's transparency and long-term vision. When seeking investors for such an unusual venture, he was honest about the challenges, the waiting periods, and the need for patience. This wasn't about quick profits but about building something sustainable and scientifically significant.

The Ripple Effect of Usman's pioneering work extends far beyond his laboratory walls. By establishing Nigeria's first commercial scorpion venom facility, he's creating a entirely new export frontier for his country. Scorpion venom has enormous global demand for medical research, particularly in developing treatments for diseases. This venture represents economic diversification, scientific advancement, and employment opportunities for a nation looking beyond traditional industries.

Usman isn't keeping his knowledge to himself either. Beyond running the laboratory, he actively trains and manages others who want to enter this emerging field. His commitment to capacity building ensures that this industry can grow and flourish across Nigeria, creating opportunities for others to follow in his pioneering footsteps.

The former corporal's journey demonstrates how curiosity, discipline, and willingness to embrace the unconventional can create entirely new possibilities. What others might see as dangerous pests, Usman recognizes as valuable biological resources. His military training taught him to serve his country, and now he's doing exactly that, just with a very different kind of mission.