Meet Iwuagwu Emmanuel Nigerian ex-international footballer who left the leather ball for Nollywood, he spoke with Obaland Magazine Chidinma Tijani about how the Turkish club didn’t play well and more.
Can we meet you?
My name is Iwuagwu Emmanuel a Nigerian from Imo state, I’m 29 years old. I was born in Okrika Rivers state. I am the CEO of EmmasonMovies.
What did you do before starting your
business?
I started the business after my two years in Turkey without good payment from my football club.
How/why did you start your business?
I join my brother who deals in Turkish product, wears, and shoes, I had to get pictures and started looking for customers, I got one man on LinkedIn who I did school uniform for in a large number, with the help of God I got more clients from him also, though most of them needed Turkish doors and furniture which I had no idea then, so I have to get into the Turkish market to get what people need, a few months later business of doors and furniture was good and I post more effort on it because it was moving well.
Why did you go into entertainment?
As a young man who had dreams and passion for acting, even tho am a bit shy I still love acting, so I thought of investing in movie production, I made some inquiries and got all the names of the equipment needed for production and I bought it all and started production in Nigeria.
What makes your business unique?
In business what one needs for success is honesty and integrity that’s what makes my business unique, because how do you explain it that people will trust you even when they don’t know you in person, integrity is most in business.
How did you decide what market to target?
In building a business the most difficult part is knowing what the people need in such cases all you do is make few posts of different products and see Which is moving well only then you know what the people need.
What type of person do you think should be an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur should be humble, trustworthy, self-confident, tolerant These are a few ones should have at least and you be a good entrepreneur.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in starting their own business?
My advice is never discouraged by words from people or how slow business may be from the start, keep doing it no matter how little and stay focus, don’t be distracted, pay attention and know what is needed to keep your business going.
What do you regularly have as breakfast?
Talking about breakfast, most time I don’t even remember having breakfast from my house, I do that when I get to the office and get my Turkish coffee is native and is healthy.
What’s your favorite thing you do in your free time?
I play FIFA soccer once am free and spend a lot of time with my wonderful family on video calls, gisting, and more.
Why did you leave football?
I left football because it was not paying me in Turkey. They value players that have made names international that will enable them to make a good profit.
Are you married?
I’m not married but about to get married.
Can you really say football didn’t play well in your active days?
I made money from football, but it was not about what pays more. The leather ball game was more than a game of money for me, but I was getting out of age and I had so many bills to pay, I needed a legit business to pay more.
Would you like your children to play football?
Yes, it is my most prayer that my kids play football, but it has to be their choice and not my choice.
How did you get into the movie industry?
I had a passion for acting and I know I was going to invest in the movie industry. It’s was a dream come through and fulfillment to me. I’m grateful to God for that.
Can you say that the Movie industry has paid more than a football game?
I’m always grateful for today as I hope for a better tomorrow, I live a life full of happiness and free spirit.
