Chapter 17: The Apprentice's Journey

The Beginning of Emmanuel's Journey

He had been in Onitsha for six years serving in apprenticeship to Chief Okafor, a big man in the wholesale pharmaceutical industry. The hustle and bustle of Onitsha, with its numerous markets and seemingly unending streams of traders, were the opposite of what the rural life that Emmanuel had been used to was like. But that was history. He had found it quite easy to make this transition due to a valiant ambition for success and a heartfelt desire to repay his mother.

Chief Okafor had a thriving pharmaceutical business. He was into the wholesale distribution of pharmaceutical products. His warehouses at times were so busy with all the coming and going of trucks that came to load or offload stacks of medicines, medical equipment, and supplies from warehouses for the storage of the products awaiting their dispatch to a whole multitude of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacy outlets in the region. Emmanuel had started from the bottom—working very long hours in the warehouse, packing and unpacking the boxes, arranging the shipments, so as to learn the entire details of the pharmaceutical supply chain. That was grueling work, but Emmanuel treated it with the diligence and focus with which his mother had always entrusted him.

One evening, Emmanuel was just closing the warehouse when Chief Okafor reached him. The older man's demeanor was imposing, and his keen gaze took in every facet of Emmanuel's activity. The older man's figure, clad in his normally neatly pressed white shirt and trousers, was no less an idol in his eyes.

"Emmanuel," Chief Okafor called, his voice heavy with authority, "you have been here now for six years. Six years of hard work, of discipline and dedication. I have assessed and watched your actions for some time now, and I must say that you have made an impression."

Emmanuel stood straighter, wiping the sweat from his brow. He had always had that one moment in mind. The moment that Chief Okafor would finally concede that he deserved some praise. "Thank you, sir," came Emmanuel's voice, calm yet charged for his expectation.

Chief Okafor nodded, his eyes sitting in an inward gaze. "You have learned a lot these six years," he continued, "you have come to know what business is about, responsibility of leadership, and the virtue of patience. More than that, however, you have shown me that you have the character to thrive in the business. And now, it is time for me to settle you."

Beacon music pumped into Emmanuel's heart. Stories had been told by other apprentices about how Chief Okafor had sent some of his servants who had completed their services away empty handed, while some he had settled generously, giving them the means and backing to begin their own businesses. He had served him diligently and with all honesty, but he never thought he would be one of the lucky ones.

"Sir," said Emmanuel, gratitude spilling from his voice. "I have no words. This means everything to me."

Chief Okafor stopped him with his hand. "Do not thank me at this stage," he said. "This is neither a gift nor a handout; it is simply an opportunity. And opportunities come with their own set of obligations. Are you ready for that?"

Calendars tormented Emmanuel. "I am ready, sir," he said. "I won't let you down."

Chief Okafor, almost for the first time, rewarded Emmanuel with a tentative smile. "That is good to hear," he said. "It is not a game in wellness-the pharmaceutical business is quite relentless. It demands precision along with integrity and commitment to quality with a great sweat for one to really make it."

Manifold dreams raced through Emmanuel's mind; the last six years had meant every armament, from sourcing products to inventory management to supplier negotiation. Many nights were spent researching market trends and poring over all kinds of volumes on business, just so that one day his own desire to open a business shall see the light of day. Now, the moment seemed overwhelmingly attainable.

Earning Respect and Responsibility

In the following weeks, Chief Okafor would begin passing on the mantle of more responsibility to Emmanuel. No longer an apprentice but rather a full-fledged member of Chief Okafor's team, one that was engaged in the day-to-day running of the warehouse and even accompanying Chief Okafor to meetings with suppliers and clients.

One fine day, Chief Okafor summoned Emmanuel into his office, which was of decent size and well furnished; that is how its elegance could be defined, a mahogany desk and shelves filled with books and awards. "Sit down, Emmanuel," were the words of Chief Okafor, indicating a chair.

Emmanuel sat down, the pounding of his heart audible. He had never been in Chief Okafor's office before.

"I have been watching you," Chief Okafor said in earnest. "Unlike the others, you are focused, disciplined, and have a good head on your shoulders. I want you to take on a new role-assistant manager of the retail division."

Emmanuel's mouth dropped in surprise. "Thank you, sir," he said, appreciatively. "I won't let you down."

Chief Okafor leaned back in his chair, appearing pensive. "I know you won't," he paused. "But remember, greater responsibility comes with greater challenges. Are you ready for that?"

Emmanuel nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'm ready, sir."

Going Big

Emerging into independence and into bigger shoes, Emmanuel began dreaming big. He dedicated his evenings to reading business books and researching market trends in hopes that he would one day be able to start his own pharmaceutical company. He believed that his success would amount to his mother's sacrifice, and he was keen to proudly honor that memory.

One evening, while he was going through a draft for a business plan, Chief Okafor appeared in the office. "Still around?" he asked with a smile.

Emmanuel lifted his head and maintained a serious composure. "Yes, sir," he said. "I have been thinking that one day I would like to start my own business. Something that will endure, something that will bring change."

Chief Okafor thought about this for a moment. "That's a good goal," he said slowly. "But remember, success does not come overnight. It takes time, patience, and extremely hard work."

Emmanuel nodded. "That is what I know, sir. And I will work for it."

Reconnection with Elsie

Some weeks later, Emmanuel returned to Lagos to visit his family. He had not seen them in months and was excited to tell Mama about how much he had advanced.

When he arrived at the house, Elsie was waiting for him at the entrance, and tears filled her eyes. "Emmanuel," she said, hugging him tight, "I have missed you so much."

Emmanuel held her in an equally warm embrace, almost choked with emotion. "I have missed you too, Mama," he replied. "But I have been learning so much. I want to tell you everything."

They sat together in the sitting room as Emmanuel began narrating his story—what he had passed through, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. With pride shimmering in her eyes, Elsie listened with rapt attention.

"I am truly proud of you, Emmanuel," she said, her voice quavering. "You have grown to be one young man strong and capable. And I know you will do great things."

Emmanuel smiled from the heart. "I couldn't have done it without you, Mama," he said. "You have always been my inspiration."

Emmanuel felt strongly grateful as they sat there amidst the warm family love, for there was a long way to go, but he felt that the journey had just begun with his mother right behind him for whatever lay ahead.