₦airaland Forum

Hello House, how can i reschedule the Visa appointment for my children. Their appointment is for November 2025 but I want to bring it closer to this year if possible. Agents are charging too much money to reschedule. I spent like 600k naira to reschedule my own through an agent. Any suggestions.

My interview date is supposed to be on 18th October 2024 but the date reverted back to the 2025 date. Should I still go with my appointment letter or just try to reschedule. My printed appointment letter is showing 18th October 2024.
Any suggestions.

https://businessstrategymagazine.substack.com/p/igbo-business-strategies

By Charles Nnukwu Ogbaa (Author of ‘Business Strategy from Igbo Fathers’ and ‘Business Strategy from the Parables of Jesus)

The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit and business prowess. Over generations, they have developed effective business strategies that focus on community-driven development, mentorship, and the passing of knowledge through generations. Central to this is the Igbo apprenticeship model, a system of mentorship and business training that has helped build some of Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs. However, despite their entrepreneurial success, the Igbo face challenges, particularly with business succession and marginalization in government appointments.

The Igbo Apprenticeship Model: A Tradition of Empowerment

The Igbo apprenticeship model, known locally as “Igba-boi”, is one of the most well-known and respected entrepreneurial systems in Africa. It is a model based on mentorship, where a young individual (the “boi” or apprentice) is taken under the wing of an experienced businessman (the “oga” or master). Over several years, the apprentice learns the ins and outs of the business, developing valuable skills and gaining hands-on experience in running an enterprise. Typically, the apprentice lives with the master and works in the master’s business for about 5 to 7 years. During this time, the apprentice becomes an integral part of the business operations and learns everything from sourcing goods to managing finances, interacting with customers, and making business decisions. At the end of the apprenticeship, the master settles the apprentice by providing start-up capital, inventory, or both. This allows the former apprentice to start their own business, creating a cycle of wealth creation and entrepreneurship within the community.

Success Stories from the Igbo Apprenticeship System

Many of Nigeria's most successful businessmen passed through this apprenticeship model and are now captains of industry.

Some prominent examples include:

1. Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, the founder and CEO of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, West Africa’s first indigenous car manufacturer, started his business career through the Igbo apprenticeship system. His mentor helped him establish his first company, which dealt with motorcycle spare parts. Today, Innoson Motors is a significant player in the Nigerian automotive industry, producing cars, trucks, and buses that are in demand across the continent.


2. Dr Cosmas Maduka, the founder and CEO of Coscharis Group, one of Nigeria’s leading automobile companies, also went through the Igbo apprenticeship system. After losing his father at a young age, Cosmas became an apprentice to his uncle. Through hard work and persistence, he saved enough to start his own business, which has now grown into a conglomerate with interests in automobiles, agriculture, and more.


3. Chief Augustine Ilodibe, the founder of Ekene Dili Chukwu Transport, one of Nigeria’s largest transport companies, also started through the apprenticeship system. He worked under a prominent businessman before establishing his transport company, which became synonymous with long-distance travel in Nigeria.


These success stories highlight the power of the Igbo apprenticeship model in producing resilient entrepreneurs who dominate their industries today.

Business Succession: Sustaining a Legacy

As successful Igbo entrepreneurs retire, a pressing challenge is business succession. Traditionally, the apprenticeship system groomed young people to take over businesses or establish new ones. However, the issue of passing down businesses within families or preparing trusted successors can be more complicated in modern enterprises.

Many Igbo business leaders now face the question of how to pass on their businesses to the next generation, especially in cases where their children may not be interested in or prepared for leadership roles. While some entrepreneurs integrate their children into business operations from an early age, others set up formal structures such as family trusts or professional management teams to ensure business continuity.

Successful business succession is crucial to maintaining the legacy of these enterprises and ensuring that they continue to thrive across generations. Without a clear succession plan, the survival of many family-owned businesses is at risk, particularly in industries that require highly skilled management.

Marginalization of the Igbo in Government Appointments

Despite their economic success, the Igbo people face marginalization in government appointments. Since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, the Igbo have often been underrepresented in key federal positions. This marginalization has had far-reaching consequences, limiting the influence of Igbo entrepreneurs on national economic policies and access to government resources, such as contracts and development funds. Prominent Igbo businessmen and political leaders have frequently called for greater inclusion in Nigeria’s political landscape, arguing that their exclusion stifles not only economic development in the southeast but also undermines national unity. Many Igbo entrepreneurs believe that equitable representation in government is necessary for the long-term growth of their businesses and the region as a whole. A lack of political influence means that Igbo businessmen often struggle to secure the same level of government support that is readily available to their counterparts from other regions. For example, access to government loans, favourable policies, and contracts can be disproportionately allocated to other ethnic groups, placing Igbo businesses at a disadvantage.

Charting the Future for Igbo Entrepreneurs

The Igbo business strategies—rooted in community, mentorship, and resilience—have created a network of successful entrepreneurs who dominate industries ranging from manufacturing to transportation. The Igbo apprenticeship model has proven to be a powerful system of wealth creation, empowering young people to become self-sufficient business owners. However, challenges remain. The issue of business succession requires careful planning to ensure that successful enterprises remain viable across generations. Furthermore, the marginalization of Igbo people in government appointments remains a significant barrier to the full realization of their potential, both politically and economically. For the Igbo people, the path forward lies in building stronger business structures, advocating for political inclusion, and continuing to embrace their rich tradition of entrepreneurship. As they do so, future generations of Igbo entrepreneurs will be well-positioned to overcome these challenges and continue their legacy of success.

To buy copies of books from the author ‘Business Strategy from Igbo Fathers’ and ‘Business Strategy from the Parables of Jesus. Send an email to info@taxonsystems.com.

Send a WhatsApp message to 08181659000 or buy from Amazon.com.

Paperback and Kindle editions are available on Amazon.

Ha ha, what if the thief cannot read and write.

Esude007:
I saw this on Facebook

Tinubu and APC should forget Kano votes and Rivers votes in 2027
Na so we talk am

Tinubu and APC should forget Kano votes and Rivers votes in 2027

CLUELESSNES IN LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS IN NIGERIA IS VERY EVIDENT. NOTHING IS WORKING WELL.

Hello All, I need your advice. I applied for a Study permit to study at McGill University, Montreal Quebec. I used a POF of almost $200,000 CAD but the immigration officer still did not grant the Visa. Now I want to try another province. Which province and Universities are best now for getting Study permits?

Good evening, what kind of Building plan approval do i need for a Bungalow in Lagos state? Do i need Geotechnical survey for a Bungalow?

[quote author=MumiOlivia post=123304440]Please those IMM2123 forms, do I have to download and print it before filling it so I can sign.. Or do I just download it and fill online and upload it back? [/q

Download and fill out the form. Everything online. After filling, you will verify the form online. Electronically for the forms.

Good evening my people. I have received the Quebec CAQ letter but have not yet received the certificate. Can I submit the CAQ letter when asked to provide the CAQ certificate? Answer needed urgently from those with experience. Thanks

When last did Tinubu travel to the United States? He must be avoiding USA.

Ofunaofu:
But I only ask a harmless question which is,
"Can The US Provide Witnesses To Testify Against Tinubu Narcotic Drug Deals?"

I think Tibunu has gone to UK to beg King Charles to help him beg America.

But Yorubas are happy to enjoy Niger delta crude oil. Even denying Akwa ibomites employment in Mobil. Deny Deltans employment in Chevron. Do not start what you cannot finish. We are watching.

There is something wrong with the minds of black people. The nigga is crazy. Oro should be done in villages, not in cities.

Mfetenang:
Imagine if Obi and Kwankwaso were not in the race, Atiku would have won by landslide. Unfortunately PDP votes have been split into 3. Tinubu is winning by landslide.

WHERE ARE YOU WATCHING FROM

Orji Uzo remains the most senseless politician from South East. He and his mother destroyed Abia state. Abia state did not have first lady for 8 years, only mother excellency.

Muslim-Muslim ticket is anti-christ and decided is Saudi Arabia. Buhari rejected to do a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2015.
Tinubu wanted to do muslim-muslim ticket with Buhari in 2015.

BATified2023:
u igbos will b disgraced

You will continue to enjoy your slavery

Nigerians have a chance to either vote for freedom or vote for slavery.

By this time in 2010, Osibanjo was everywhere sharing Trader moni and buying votes. Nothing to save them from the coming disgrace and defeat this time.

not yet uhuru

interesting

The truth is Northerners do not need APC again. APC was formed to make Buhari president, period. Mission accomplished.

The truth is Northerners do not need APC again. APC was formed to make Buhari president, period. Mission accomplished.

NEW BOOK ALERT: BUSINESS STRATEGY FROM IGBO FATHERS subtitled Business strategies and tactics that Igbo fathers teach their children and apprentices. The book is currently selling on amazon. Available in Paperback and kindle editions.