image source
In the heart of Osun, amidst the vibrant market. The businesses were moving as expected, and many people were making sales. There was a powerful man in this market, his name was Chief Amuda. He was a market leader. He was able to attain this position due to his generosity to those people who learned a trade but they couldn't get start-up capital, and those who needed money for business expansion, he used to lend them money. They will be paying back the installment with no interest.
One day, John the impatient man, and his friend Adetokunbo. They just finished their apprenticeship and they could not get money to start a business so they were roaming the streets. They decided to approach Chief Amuda for financial assistance to facilitate their business, and he was glad to assist them because lazy hands are the instrument of the devil. But before then, he advised them to be focused on their business, and in no time they will become important people in society. Both of them said thank you for your candid advice, We were going to take your advice.
They left Chiefmuda’s residence and headed to their home. When they were on their way, there was a rumor about the new investment people are making in town. This so-called business, if you put #10 there now, you are going to get #30 in two weeks.
“Really, are you sure that if we invest money now, in two weeks we are going to cash out triple our investment? This is wonderful!” Said John.
Adetokunbo nodded.
“Hmmm, I can't buy this idea of investment that I don't know much about. John! John!! John!!! How many times have I called you?”
John frowned at his unfriendly face.
Say whatever you want to say, you called me three times. I know that you are going to kick against it, that we should not do it, as far as I am concerned I am going to do it. In just two weeks, I will get both capital and interest back. Definitely, I will return Chief Amuda’s money, and the rest of the money is mine. Think Adetokunbo!
“Okay now, I wish to ask one silly question. I need sincere answers to it. Did you know about their office? Are they going to give you a contract agreement that authenticates the transaction between you and them? If you lose money now, how will you get your money back? As for me, I can never embark on the journey of no return. This money is not our own, Chief Amuda assisted us in using it to start a business when we could not raise money. So, I want you to think about it very well before you do it.” Said Adetokun.
John raised his unfriendly eyes once again.
I know that you are the enemy of progress. Why am I friends with you? You are not in my caliber. That's how they depart.
Adetokunbo started a business with his portion of money and he was able to perform very well in his business to the extent that he had started paying back the loan to Chief Amuda gradually, while John was nowhere to be found.
After some months, Adetokunbo opened another branch of his business outside the town and he wants experienced people who can manage it for him.
Meanwhile, John was still roaming the streets and applied for a position in Adetokunbo’s company branch. However, after some time John was gainfully employed. Adetokunbo wants to meet with his new staff and discuss with them about the modality of his business.
All of them were sitting in the conference room waiting for the chairman to come and address them. Later, he showed up at the conference room. Immediately, John spotted Adetokunbo; he could not look at his face. He was hiding his face, so that Adetokunbo would not see him.
Welcome address from the chairman.
Adetokunbo addressed all of his staff that they should run away from sharp practice and lay their hands on legal things because of the future. “First of all, I did not know that I would be in this position some years back, but look at me today. Perseverance and painstaking work pay a lot. If you are contemptuous of the little you have, God will elevate you to the position you don't expect in life.” I will hand you over to the general manager to tell you about the company's expectations.” Said Adetokunbo.
He went straight to his office. Later, he called the general manager to assist him and inform John that his attention was needed in the chairman's office.
He was feeling reluctant to show up. When he eventually got there, he could not look at Adetokunbo’s face. He was just looking at the other side.
Adetokunbo said Mr. Man, so you want to tell me that you don't know me again. What is it?
John knelt on his knees. and said Please forgive me for my attitude towards you in the past, I did not know anything about life. But I have learned my lesson now.
Adetokunbo cuts in.
“Learning lessons in what ways? I don't understand what you are saying?”
“Hey, don't pretend as if you don't understand where I am going. I have been deceived, and I lost all the money in gambling. That was the reason why I left the town because of shame.” Said John.
Adetokunbo exclaimed.
“Ah! I thought you just came here to see how to do things, to enable you to do the same. You are just a fool. I must be frank with you. This is what I was telling you that time and you were telling me that I am an enemy of progress. Only a foolish person can act the way you did. We borrowed money to start a business and you squandered it. A foolish person will remain a fool forever. If I followed your path, what is going to be my gain today? Although, I have returned the money to Chief Amuda when he declared you a wanted person. Your greediness cost me a lot. I spotted you immediately when I entered the conference room, that was the reason why I addressed everyone like that. I don't want to disgrace you in their presence, but rather I still want them to learn from your mistakes.”