Nigerian Graduate resigns from Police Force to become a Food Vendor.

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Meets a young, vibrant, versatile and visionary youth who resigned from the Nigerian Police Force to become a food vendor in Calabar. Does it not seem stunning and somewhat unimaginable? You might be wondering his reason for such a seemingly rash decision. However, for Emmanuel Green, it is a decision he can never regret and will stick to it for a lifetime.

 In this interview with Global Achievers, Emmanuel vows that nothing else can take him away from his food vending business which he considers lucrative and fulfilling. He is so passionate about the food industry. He prepares and serves food to his customers in Calabar. He owns a motorcycle which takes him round to accomplish his food business. For him, nothing else matters to him than serving God and growing his business. He is also a good family man and speaks well of his young wife, Anita whom he describes as "a rare gift" and his children (two boys) whom he refers to "blessings from God.

Lets take you into the world of Emmanuel Green.

GA: Can we meet you?

Green: My name is Emmanuel Green. I am a proud chef. I come from Nto-Etukudo in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. I was born thirty-two years ago into the family of Rev. Dr. Israel Green and Inspector Rachael Green. My father is a pastor at Salvation Evangelical Mission in Akwa Ibom State. My mother is a police officer.

GA: Can you lead us into your educational background?

Green: I am a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Calabar. I did my secondary education at Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. I attended Adiaha-Obong Nursery and Primary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state for the preliminary levels.

GA: What were you doing before food vending?

Green: I worked with the Nigerian Police Force for five years. Then,  I resigned.

GA: A lot of people desire to work for the federal government because of the pay and job security? Why did you resign?

Green: I did not seem to have the desired satisfaction and fulfillment working there. So, I had to resign. I left with a clean record. I had no stain in my file. I felt it was not right for me to be there and merely earning salary. There was this urge to do something different. Something that could help me impact more and better on lives. Most importantly, earn a better income to contribute in church and projects that can improve the wellbeing of humanity. Shortly after I resigned from the Police Force, I started working for my church; God's Heritage Global Mission. But that was not for long. I also resigned from there and started my business.

GA: Why did you resign from working for your church?

Green: I felt I was taking rather than giving to the church. As I said earlier, I also needed to make a lot of money so that I could contribute in the church project. I am so passionate about the expansion of God's kingdom on earth. I have always liked to give so I needed to do a business that can afford me the financial liberty to make a positive financial impact in the service of God through his church.

GA: How lucrative is your food vending business?

Green: It is one business I will stick to for a lifetime. For me it is lucrative and fulfilling. I cannot leave it for any civil service or official job no matter the pay. I can be a consultant to government on food related matters or partner with organizations to expand the food industry. But leaving the food business is never possible. It is a business I have chosen and I promise to remain faithful and steadfast in it until life is over.

GA: What is so particular about this food business that really drives your passion?

Green: Food is life. No one can survive without food. It is essential for living. Everyone needs food to survive. It is a basic need for every human person. I feel so privilege that a lot of people depend on me to deliver food to them. I prepare food and take to the doorsteps of my customers wherever they are in town. I feel happy each time people call on me to bring food for them. When I do, they buy and pay me for it. In other words, a lot of people depend on me to deliver food to them. It would not be nice if my customers call on me tomorrow to deliver food to them and I tell them I am no longer in the business. So, I am in the business and would so remain.

GA: What are some of your challenges in this business?

Green: I cannot serve many meals for now. My concentration is more on Ekpang nkukwo and rice. It is so because I am yet to own a spacious vehicle or van that can contain coolers of food that I can carry around. For now, I am using an old motorcycle which poses lots of challenges. The motorcycle cannot cover a long distance. Besides, it is an old one. So, I spend a lot of money for repairs and maintenance of the motorcycle.

GA: What is your wife's impression about this your chosen line of business?

Green: My wife has been a great source of encouragement. Though I went through a catering school before I delve into the food business, I attribute most of my culinary skills to my wife. In fact, she puts finishing touches to the meals I prepare. Besides, she washes my apron and cap and makes them ready for my use every time I have to go out to sell and serve food to my customers. She is such a wonderful woman. In fact, she is a rare gift from God.

GA: Where do you hope to take this business to in the near future?

Green: Amazing question! In the next few years, my business will go places. I plan to buy vehicles that will deliver food to homes, offices, business shops and spots of all those who demand for our food. We want to spare our potential customers the stress and inconveniences of going into the rain or heat of the sun to go and look for food to eat. We will run an all day mobile food delivery service. All you need then, is to call us and place your order and you will have the food delivered to you at your doorstep.

GA: How much is your plate of food?

Green: Five hundred naira, a plate.

GA: Do you have any message for the government?

Green: Yes, I do. Government should create enabling environment for businesses to thrive. There are lots of young entrepreneurs in this country who need assistance to grow their businesses. Government should create platforms for them and offer them the needed assistance.

GA: What is your aspiration in life?

Green: I do not desire for too much. I am satisfied with my food business. I do not want a white collar job anywhere no matter how fat the pay may seem to be. All I want is to expand my food business. I want to be a factor in the food industry. I will do everything I can and with God by my side, to make food available to all. I want to be an employer of labour in this industry. When the business expands, there will be several roles and responsibilities to be carried out and that will be done by people. For me, I am no longer interested in any civil service or government job. I could consult for government or partner with organisations or individuals at percentage sharing basis on food related matters but never to be an employee again.

GA: How do you relax?

Green: I watch movies or cartoons with my kids. My children are blessings from God. I cherish their company. I love to spend time with my family. I also write. I love to write.

GA: What would you want to be remembered for?

Green: I have always love to work for God. Again, I give in my best to whatever I find my hands doing. Let people remember me for my service to God. Let them remember me for my zealousness about my food business; the greatest food vendor who ever lived.

GA: Thank you so much for granting us this interview. We wish you the best in your food business.

Green: I am so grateful. God bless you.