BY MOSES NOSIKE

Like other children born into different family background, Chinedu was born into the family of late Chief Silas Iwuoha. He had his primary, secondary and university education during his growing up. But the interesting thing with Chinedu was, when he wanted to start a journey to his destiny as a man, he left his profession and became an importer.

Today, Chinedu Iwuoha, who believes in hard work, commitment, dedication, focus and diversification is the Managing Director/CEO, Bestway Group of Companies. Excerpts:

Your background

My name is Chinedu Iwuoha. I’m a trained lawyer but I’m not practising law. I’m a lawyer cum businessman. I have passion for business and that is why I started with importation business importing goods from China. What you studied in the university sometimes doesn’t matter. You can diversify in life to achieve results and make a success.

You’re a lawyer but now into transport business

I’m not only into transport business, I’m a hotelier as well. Business is all about trying many things that can give you success you need in life and taking you to the climax. I get fulfilled handling more than one business at this level and at this point in time.

Chinedu Iwuoha

Your growing up

My growing up was not too different from what other people had said in the past. I had a wonderful beginning and wonderful parents. My father is late and my mother is still alive. It was good, I had a happy upbringing.

Can you recall one of your growing up challenges?

I wouldn’t say it is a challenge really. The task there was for me to set for my education any other thing surrounding it was wonderful.

Before age 40, you had become Managing Director/ CEO, how did it start?

Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of four companies, yes. It is good to lay a foundation. Actually one of the companies is a hotel in Abuja, Bestway Luxury Suit, the new entrant into Bestway Group of companies. I founded it but for some other companies had been there before I came in as the MD.

Talking about cultivated man, can you tell us the success story?

I believe that before one becomes successful, you have to believe God. I believe in God and I also believe in myself. Being hard working. I also learn from my past mistakes to make a better future. You can’t be a cultivated man without passing through many waters. But what is there, you have to make up your mind that they are there but they will never stop your success in life. Too, your ability to plan well and remain focused.

Foreign trips you embarked that thrilled you and added meaning to lifestyle

Before now, I was into importation. I was in that business travelling to China for ten years before I moved into some of these things that you are seeing today. Every trip had been wonderful and memorable except the first two trips when I started the importation business it didn’t go well with me for that first two. Notwithstanding, it added to my experience and wisdom.

On dress code, what type of attire do you like putting on often?

My mood actually determines my dress style. I cherish being in trouser and shirts, suits and some other times caftan.

On brand of shoes

I’m a gucci person. I really love Gucci shoes and I have quite a collection of it.

Considering your background and with the level of your achievement, what is your propelling factor?

My propelling factor is nothing but the desire to work hard and banish poverty because I want to make an impact on humanity. I love to share part of success with the less privileged and I’m happy seeing them tapping from me to make ends meet.

Do you have a mentor?

Actually having a good mentor in life would help you succeed and minimise mistakes. My late father, Silas Iwuoha (MON). I am here today because he was there yesterday. I learnt a lot from him. He was my mentor in addition to books that helped sharpen me.

Moment of regrets?

I don’t really live on regrets. I don’t actually like regrets. Most of my mistakes in the past, I see it as a platform to move further in life and for a better tomorrow. Yes I had. I can’t really forget my first trip to China. I did some of those things I promised never to do in my life again.

Do you have some level of people you are aiming to be like, and your target in life?

Actually I’m not looking at any man’s level of achievement in life. I only pray to God to give me His own speed and achievement. I like to work on God’s speed and wherever God and hardwork take me to that is where I want to stay.

Business growth, what do you want to take this company to in the next five years?

Taking passenger bus services to a different level in Nigeria and setting a standard as it is in abroad, not what it had always been in the year past here. That is why you see the rebranding new buses we imported as well.

Helping the less privileged

Yes. It’s part of the company’s policy. For some years now, we have been taking out some percentages of the company’s profits to the less privileged. And in Bestway Group, we have a secondary school which is highly subsidized in my village, Mbano. I think that is also an arm of the company to give back to the society.

Word of advice for the youths

Like I said earlier, believe and trust in God and also believe yourself, follow hard work because the environment is very challenging and the sky will be your limit. Think how to improve your self from time to time. Learn to visualise and pursue your dreams with vigour. Learn how to rise early in life and avoid evil.

Your philosophy of life

Take each new day as it comes. Don’t worry about yesterday. Use the mistake of yesterday to mould your tomorrow for a better day. This has been guiding me.

Your marriage life

I’m married to a beautiful woman. I have three lovely kids. In spite of work demand, I do make out time to relax with my family. Your family first before any other thing. You have to make them happy.

What is your perception of success?

Success in life is not all about acquiring everything. In my own opinion, it first starts from the home front. Your family, kids, bringing them up in a proper way before you begin to talk about businesses and things that surround it. The success of your family must be part of the business success.

Coming from a wealthy background, is this a guarantee of future success?

Coming from a rich home is not a guarantee. I think that is where the problem lies. I think it’s difficult to control and manage well wealth you inherited. It is more challenging than even starting with nothing.