John Taiwo Adeniji

Mosobalaje Ridwan Ayinde popularly known as “Mr NAF” is a furniture expert famous for his strategic business acumen. In this interview, he shares the remarkable story of how he developed his business with John Taiwo Adeniji.

Introduce yourself, please. (your full name, and what you love to be called, job description, background)

Mosobalaje Ridwan Ayinde (a.k.a Mr Naf Furniture works). I am from Abeokuta, Ogun state. I come from a humble family. I am the first born of my parents. I also come from a polygamous family with 3 males and 3 females. And father is a mechanic while my mother sells cloth.

How did you come about the name Mr NAF? Was there a name you started with or it has always been Mr NAF?

I woke up in the library after reading over-night. Suddenly the idea struck my mind that I need a name for my brand. So I came up with the name “NEW ADVANCED FURNITURE” ( NAF): The name signifies my ambition to have a company that will make advanced furniture to every part of the world. Although I initially thought of “THE ADVANCED FURNITURE” ( TAF), but I later changed my mind on it, as it does not signify my expectations. However, “M.R” is my full name- Mosobalaje Ridwan. So, when you are calling MR NAF, you are calling my name and my company’s name. It is the combination of my name and my brand name.

What led to Mr NAF furniture? Has delving into furniture-making been what you have always liked?

I love furniture works because of the sound and the rhythm of the hammer.

For how long have you been in this profession?

I signed as a furniture apprentice under more than 20 bosses. So I learnt for 7 years, before I started mine. 

How would you describe your growth compared to when you started and now?

It is massive. I thank the Lord Almighty for his mercies. I started with nothing but now it is great. NAF is now everywhere in the university. It is by the work of God not mine. Again, the growth is massive! Before, I had 3 ankara clothes. When I wore one I washed the other so that I could find something to wear. Before I would wear slippers as I could not afford to buy clothes and sandals then, but now the story is different.

How demanding is your work in terms of hours or days of finishing a project?

Two days upward.

Which project would you describe as the least time demanding in your line of duty?

Let me say a wardrobe project.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business, and other aspect?

At work, I have faced a lot of challenges. I have slept at the workshop as an apprentice. At some  point I had a near death encounter at work, and suffered a number of things before getting to where I am today. I left family and relatives to go to places where I do not know anyone, falling sick consistently, sometimes lasting for months. A community has once strived with me for no obvious reasons, other than mere hatred. But I thank God Almighty for His help and for the helpers He sent me. Also, it is every work I get that comes with its own challenges but with discipline, determination, hardwork and punctuality, it has always been a success.

How have you been able to overcome challenges?

I have been able to overcome challenges as a result of how I was brought up. I was brought up like someone who does not have relatives. When I know that I am living like someone who does not have relatives, I work harder to make sure I overcome whatever the situation is. Though it is not easy, God has always been helping me.

Considering how demanding your work is, how do you balance work and education?

I will not lie to you. I can not leave my academics for my furniture profession. Neither can I leave my furniture profession for my academics. I combine everything together by diligence, being serious and hard-work. I learnt this while I was in SSS1 when I had to go to school from 7 am to 2pm, then resume work from 2pm afterwards till night; and wake up to read at mid-night.

What is your advice to upcoming entrepreneurs or business owners?

Business is like a bitter leaf, it will first give you a bitter taste, before the sweet taste. That means a business owner must be disciplined, be determined, be hardworking, be punctual and so on. Then, build on your talent, build on what you like doing, exercise patience at the point of learning, work hard, and be consistent. And do not listen to what people say about your brand negatively. Keep pushing! It will be successful in the end.

Do you perhaps have a future plan for your business? What are your projections for the years to come?

It is my ambition to be doing new and advanced furniture like those in advanced countries. My target is for NAF to be known all over the world. Dangote did it, Elon musk did it, I will do it. I want to own a massive furniture company where I will be making furniture for every part of the world.

What is your unique sales point i.e what distinguishes you from other competitors in the furniture industry?

My unique sell point is the business strategy, the way I advertise my products.

What do you like best about owning your own business?

What I like about owning my business is the ability to control my business the way I want.