High Chief Royal Ifechukwu Asianya is the Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO ) of Royal C. Investment Company (Nigeria) Limited. In this interview with our Correspondent, AMAECHI PERCY ONYEJEKWE, High Chief, Asianya , the Mmilinezolu Ora Nnewi speaks on his early business struggles, Nigeria business environment, the youths among other issues. Excerpts.
Chief, kindly throw more light on your person for our readers delight.
I am Royal Ifechukwu Asianya Ogbuefi Ugochinyelu, Mmilinezolu Ora Nnewi, the humble son of Chief Ogbuefi Ugonabu Godwin Asianya of Ndimgbu Otolo Nnewi.
What was your business struggles like ?
I started business as a trainee at Nkwo Nnewi Spare parts market under one Mr. John. In 1993, I underwent apprenticeship under Mr. Basil Obinna, a native of Mbaise of Imo State at Nkwo Nnewi Spare parts market.
We started importation of spare parts with Emmagon (Nigeria) Limited. After some years I ventured off into fairly used motorcycles from Taiwan , Republic of China with the help of Chief Cletus Ibeto, Omekannaya Nnewi who stood by me and served as my guarantor through his bank, the Ibeto Community Bank.
The business flourished and expanded. When the Taiwan fairly used motorcycles parts collapsed in 2003, I ventured into importation of fairly used cars and trucks from Asia, USA and other countries.
After spending some years on that I specialized on fairly used Coaster and Hiace buses. Currently, We, Royal C. Investment company, are the leading importers of fairly used Coaster and Hiace buses.
Given your philanthropic gestures in and outside Nnewi and Anambra State have you received any honorary awards?
There are many of them among which include The Champion Newspaper Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2024/25, and I have been pencilled for the 2025/26 of same award.
There is also the Auto Dealers Most Outstanding Dealer of The Year Award 2025.
Just recently, you were also honored and conferred with Mmilinezolu Ora Nnewi title by the Monarch of Nnewi, His Royal Highness Kenneth O.N.Orizu 111 during his centenary birthday and 62nd year on the throne celebration. How do you see that?
I think the honor is because of my contributions and efforts towards Community development. I have awarded scholarships to indigents , constructed some kilometers of road, donated to Charity and churches in Anambra and Lagos States. And we are not going to stop doing our best for humanity.
To whom do you dedicate the award?
I dedicate the award to God, the less privileged and my great grand father, Ezeagha , the famous and strongest monarch that ruled Nnewi.
Ezeagha was one of the most famous rulers of Nnewi that I cherish so much.
What does the recent chieftaincy title, Mmilinezolu Ora Nnewi conferred on you mean to you?
To me, the honor is a call for more work, more effort at serving humanity and God.
When God blesses you, it is good to extend the blessing to others. It gladdens my heart that people recognize my good work in the community, Nigeria and outside Nigeria.
So, many people can testify to my kind gestures.
When you look back at the past do you feel satisfied at the moment?
It was a struggling past. It was hectic ,a struggling life but now I can look back and say all glory and honor be unto God for his blessings on me.
Life is really full of ups and downs, so when in your life would you describe as the saddest?
That was when I lost my elder brother, late Anene Asianya, I was shattered. He was my closest brother, friend and confidant. It was the saddest moment in my life. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.
After rain there is usually sun shine. In that light, when in your life do you see as the happiest moment?
The happiest moment was when I saw God crowning my efforts with success. It gives joy when you see that your labour, your hard work are not in vain.
Given the lifestyle of youths today and their attitude towards riches, what is your advice to them?
I would advise the youths to imbibe the spirit of hard work, perseverance, truthfulness, consistency are the only keys to success.
How do you compare business environment in those days and Nigeria business environment today?
The Nigeria business environment has always been promising. However, in those days it was analog and things were okay.
But today, it is a digital business world. We have gone digital and people can see what you are doing from any part of the globe. It has aided business.
However, some government policies are a bit harsh on business today. But we have no other choice than to persevere and remain law abiding patriotic Nigerians.
