Arguably, the media had little knowledge of billionaire businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, before the flamboyant burial ceremony of his mother.
The ceremony brought many influential persons to one gathering in Oba, Anambra state. Politicians, entertainers, business people, and other individuals from various industries honoured him as he laid his late mother to rest.
Apart from the cash gifts he received, more than 300 cows were donated for the burial ceremony. Consequently, those who graced the occasion showcased their wealth. Money spraying became the main attraction and it promted many persons to question the source of his wealth.
Some days ago, Obi Cubana gave a comprehensive interview to BBC News Pidgin. He spoke on his humble beginnings, the need for hard work and the result of consistency. In this article, we look at five lessons to learn from the life of the celebrity business man.
1. Hard work pays
In the interview, Obi Cubana consistently mentions the need for hard work. He states that miracles do not give wealth, neither does ‘babalawo‘. Some persons may desire to cut corners to achieve wealth. However, Obi Cubana stated that when one puts in the effort, there will be results.
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2. Do not despise your small beginnings
As a graduate of Political Science, Obi Cubana stated that he searched for jobs to no avail. He started with the little that he had at the time. They were six altogether – his brothers and some friends – who lived in one room in Abuja, hustling. In his words, they had to “turn sand to garri.” It was not an option for them to stay low. They had the zeal to succeed. Hence, they did not allow their little beginnings to discourage them.
3. Consistency gives you an edge
At a time, he experienced setback when the then FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai ordered the demolition of the area where he ran his business in Abuja. He was not deterred; he pushed on. Likewise, some of his businesses failed but he refused to dwell on it. Because no one celebrates failure, he determined to make a name for himself and ran with that vision.
4. Patience is a virtue
He advised young people to be patient. Youths in their 20s who are desperate to make it are urged to take things easy. The 46 year old businessman said that it took him a while to achieve all that he has. Hence, people in their 20s still have many years ahead of them to achieve all their hearts’ desires. Furthermore, he admonished his listeners to show integrity by being clean in their dealings.
‘’Do not put your eyes in what is not yours. Stay focused on what is yours and work with it. Do not cheat others and God’s grace will multiply yours,’’ he said, paraphrased.
5. Helping others is rewarding
It is pertinent to note that a great number of persons who showed up at the burial of Obi Cubana’s mother were those he had helped at one point or the other. His level of influence is noteworthy. He believes in rising by lifting others. Hence, those he has helped felt the need to reciprocate his kind gesture by ‘’turning up’’ for the burial.
He states that he did not plan that the burial would turn out that way. On guests throwing money in the air, he maintains that he cannot dictate to people how to spend their money. More so, he is not concerned about the negative comments on the source of his wealth. He said he would rather focus on making more money than listen to people who probably do not have anything to keep them busy.
Obi Cubana passes as a quiet businessman. However, being in showbiz has brought him to the limelight. The burial of his mother has brought him more fame than before.
Consequently, the burial of his mother placed his town, Oba, on the world map. Beyond the show of wealth, lessons have been learnt from the life of the billionaire whom many describe as a philanthropist and a benefactor to many.
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