How I learned to say no to family business requests

My uncle call me last week. He say him want to start a tomato paste business and he need my company to handle the distribution. He say I should give him advance payment on the goods, like 2 million naira, and he will pay me back after three months.

I just tell him no. Simple no. No explanation, no apology, no promise to think about it. Just no.

Two years ago I would have said yes. I would have borrowed from my working capital to help family. But after what Tunde did to me, I learn something. Business and family don't mix well in this country. When money enter the matter, love exit. My uncle is a good man but I cannot risk my company for his dream. The reality is I have 3,000 farmers depending on me. I cannot let one family request bring us down. Nagode for the lesson, even if it was painful.