I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I want to share the strategic approach I am using to build the Petra Institute with minimal stress. We are currently at the permanent site of the institute, and I want to give you insights into how I have managed this project over the years using wisdom and financial prudence.
I laid the foundation of this building four years ago when I was 62. Initially, the plan was to build up to a decking level, but when the prices of materials like rods and cement skyrocketed, I had to readjust. Instead of pushing forward hastily, I took a step back to refine my approach. This decision aligns with a powerful biblical principle: Build your business first before you build your house.
Building Strategically With Profit
The roofing alone for this building requires significant investment:
We spent about ₦4.5 million on wood, including transportation and workmanship.
The carpentry work and total wood costs amount to about ₦7 million.
The aluminium roofing sheets and claddings will cost another ₦7 million.
That brings the total roofing cost to ₦14 million. Now, here is where financial wisdom comes into play—I did not have this money at hand, so instead of rushing, I reinvested the funds meant for roofing. Because of that decision, whatever I am spending now is profit. Had I used all my available funds immediately, it still wouldn’t have been enough to complete the roofing, and I would have been left financially drained. But by investing first, I created a system where my projects are funded by profits rather than capital, reducing financial stress.
The Power of Investing First
There’s another biblical wisdom I applied here, found in 2 Kings 4:7: Sell your oil, pay your debt, and live on the rest. The money I was supposed to use for roofing has now turned into a source of continuous profit, ensuring that even in old age, I can generate income without stress.
Moreover, I bought 47 acres of land here at minimal cost. By establishing this institute, the value of surrounding land has increased tenfold. That’s wisdom—by making strategic moves, I indirectly created wealth without direct effort.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritize business growth before luxury projects.
Invest wisely so that your money works for you.
Use strategic positioning to increase property value.
Apply biblical wisdom in financial decisions.
By wisdom, a house is built; by understanding, it is established; and through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and precious treasures.
God bless you!
