I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I want to share three principles I learned from the Igbos that transformed my financial life and outlook. My life changed when I was posted to Igboland, specifically Aba, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. If you don’t believe in God, you’re missing out; I believe it was God who placed me there. My name didn’t even appear on the initial NYSC list, so I had to go to the office myself. They finally posted me by hand to Imo State (back when Imo and Abia were one).
On arriving in Aba, I was taken aback by the buildings lining the streets of Fox Road—four-story buildings so close that you could practically shake hands from one balcony to another. What struck me was that many of these were being built by young men, which spurred me to study the Igbo people’s approach to life. Their wisdom, community spirit, and sheer resilience taught me lessons that I still carry with me today. Here are three principles that made a difference in my life.
1. Communalism
The first principle is communalism, the idea of supporting one another as a community. When one person, let’s say “Akaraka,” starts a business, others join in to help it grow. It’s not just talk; they put in real work, helping each other rise. When someone completes their service, they’re “settled,” and then the next person starts. This creates a ripple effect, where wealth and support flow through families and communities.
Seeing this inspired me to practice it in my own life. Even recently, a young man who helps with videos on my farm has been struggling to find his footing. Despite my advice, he often thinks he knows better, which is a mistake I see people make—thinking they see more than those who are experienced. I offered him money to start a point-of-sale (POS) business, estimating he could make around 3,000 naira daily. But he dismissed it, saying that’s “a business for girls,” not realizing that some of those girls work for men who are profiting.
Still, I’ll give him the money because God directed me to. If people around us are willing to learn and act responsibly, our support can lift them up and benefit everyone.
2. Enterprise and Hard Work
The Igbo have an incredible work ethic. An Igbo man can turn anything into a successful business because he’s relentless and throws his energy into whatever he does. I adopted this principle early on, and it has shaped who I am. Just yesterday, I hopped on a bike to visit properties I own and check on those I’ve sold. Even though I was recognized along the way, I didn’t mind because that commitment to work has always been key for me.
I remember when I was starting out—working in a hospital, visiting lepers, preaching to prisoners, and caring for those in need. Hard work paid off. In life, intelligence alone isn’t enough; you have to match it with hard work. A diligent, less intelligent person will always outshine an intelligent but lazy one.
3. Frugality and Delayed Gratification
This third principle, delayed gratification, is the anchor of my message. In 2004, I traveled to Germany with my family and ate at a restaurant where, for a fixed price, you could eat all you wanted. Initially, I didn’t understand the concept—I piled my plate high, only to learn I could go back as many times as I liked. On later visits, I learned to take small portions and taste different things without overindulging.
This lesson was profound for me. When I sold my hospital to go into ministry, my wife and I had to make significant adjustments. We moved with our four children from a stable life to one of uncertainty, where even simple things like soap and tissue paper were hard to come by. But I learned to conserve. When given soap or tissue in a hotel, I’d keep them for my children, stretching resources as much as possible.
During those times, insults came from all directions. People questioned why a doctor would leave a respected career to become a pastor. Even family members couldn’t understand my choices. But I took those insults as motivation. Today, the story is different. What people saw as foolishness back then has given birth to success. So, when you’re working toward a goal, remember that insults don’t stain you; they may scare you, but they won’t hold you back if you stay focused.
In Conclusion
These three principles—communalism, hard work, and delayed gratification—have shaped my financial journey and life philosophy. Live below your means, save wisely, and don’t be in a rush to display wealth. The Igbo have shown me that by supporting others, working diligently, and practicing patience, wealth can be built gradually and meaningfully. May these principles guide you as they have guided me.
