Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boy Story — Financial, Business, and Life Lessons for Everyone”
[Number 10 is my favourite.]
Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boy Story isn’t just a movie; it’s an enthralling journey filled with rich narratives, compelling characters, and invaluable lessons. Set against the backdrop of bustling Nigerian markets, this film follows the life of Afam, a young and ambitious boy from the Nwa tribe.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding businessperson, or simply seeking to be entertained, you will find unforgettable and powerful lessons in this movie. Here are a few things that will interest you:
1. Integrity leads the way:
Afam, the main character, wasn’t highly educated, nor did he have the experience of a salesperson. However, while building his skills, one thing set him apart — integrity. While others were cheating Odogwu (the boss), Afam chose honesty in his dealings, even when he had many opportunities to do otherwise. This character trait made him stand out and be favoured among other apprentices in Odogwu’s shop.
2. Blessings over material gain:
Afam’s mother told him, “Your boss’ blessings at the end of your apprenticeship are better than the money he would give for your ‘freedom’.” A blessed man can never lack, but a person always chasing material gain won’t last.
3. Every opportunity is a learning opportunity.
Afam learned everything about the business of trade and life from Paulo. Paulo taught Afam the ins and outs of street business, dealing with competitors and people, and networking. Afam was open to learning, and observing his boss and senior apprentices to understand how they conducted business.
4. Business values are key.
Your values should not just be slogans on the wall or social media posts. They must be ingrained in your business, creating an experience that customers will testify to. Odogwu had business values that he ensured his apprentices practiced, whether he was present or not.
5. Starting small:
You don’t need a lot of money to start a business. It’s about knowing how to use the resources you have wisely. Igbo businesses are often built with minimal resources, gradually growing into empires through strategic investment.
6. Collaboration is essential.
Igbo men are known for collaborating to foster growth. They advertise each other’s products to their respective customers and keep wealth within their circle, boosting themselves and their businesses.
7. Choose partnerships carefully.
Odogwu had the chance to make a lot of money from a business offer. However, he prioritized the future of his company over immediate benefits and turned it down. Today, many are more focused on short-term gains and align with anyone to get ahead.
8. Make Your Boss’s Life Easy:
This is a crucial lesson for 9-to-5 employees. Don’t add to your boss’s stress. Afam always aimed to please his boss and grow his business, whether or not he was being watched.
9. Persistence Pays Off:
You will face many rejections, but you must persist at all costs. “No” is another opportunity to find a different path to “yes,” as Afam demonstrated in recovering his oga’s impounded goods.
10. Build systems
In addition to instilling good values into your business, it’s crucial to build systems that will outlast you. Ibukun Awosika, a renowned entrepreneur, often speaks about her experience as the founder of her business. She rarely involves herself in day-to-day operations because she has established a system that operates effectively whether she’s present or not.
I hope you’ve learned a thing or two from these lessons. You can watch the full movie on Netflix.
23. Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men
24. Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance, which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
Colossians 3:23–24
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