 |
| Image: Google |
Prominent Nigerian businessman and industrialist, Cosmas Maduka, has reacted strongly to comments made by nightlife entrepreneur Cubana Chief Priest, following a comparison that placed him alongside some of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
In a video that has since gone viral, Maduka reflected on his extraordinary rise from humble beginnings, emphasising that his life story stands apart due to the obstacles he overcame. He recounted how he rose from having only a third-grade education to sitting on the boards of two publicly quoted banks in Nigeria and serving as chairman of a credit committee.
Maduka also highlighted his global exposure, revealing that his business interests span five continents and that he had been invited by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Vienna — a feat he described as remarkable, given his limited formal education.
Addressing the comparisons with billionaires such as Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote, Maduka stated that he would never place himself on the same pedestal, stressing that their backgrounds and opportunities were vastly different from his.
“If they came from where I was coming from, they would have been much more successful people,” he said.
The industrialist further criticised what he described as a growing culture of empty bragging, suggesting that material display without substance has become fashionable in recent times.
“Noise making with empty pocket is a new currency. That’s what that means. He took me on and started saying I should never equate myself with Femi Otedola and the rest. I will never equate myself with Aliko and the rest of them. If they came from where I was coming from, they would have been much more successful people,” he said.
Maduka went on to underline the significance of his journey, pointing out that unlike many wealthy individuals who had access to quality education and family opportunities, he built his success from the streets.
“Don’t measure me with a person whose father gave opportunity to go to school and have BSc or MSc. I am a street boy who came from ground zero and worked myself up to sit in two public quoted banks in Nigeria and a chairman of a credit committee. With my third grade education I was invited by United Nations industrial development in Vienna.
“I also do business in 5 continents of the world.”
Beyond his personal achievements, Maduka revealed his long-standing commitment to raising a new generation of wealthy entrepreneurs in Nigeria. According to him, in 2011, he set a personal goal to mentor 1,000 billionaires, a mission he says is steadily progressing.
“In 2011, God put it in my heart to go out there and create a thousand billionaires in Nigeria. I have 67 of them I can count on my fingers who I have mentored and they have become billionaires,” he added.
Maduka’s comments have sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians praising his resilience, humility, and dedication to mentorship. Others described his story as a powerful reminder that determination, hard work, and vision can overcome even the most difficult beginnings.
#CosmasMaduka
#NigerianBillionaires
#CubanaChiefPriest
No comments:
Post a Comment