OBINNA IYIEGBU: THE MAKING OF A BRAND JOHN ELEMI

writes that Iyiegbu aka Obi Cubana has written his name in gold

In the realm of business where money moves mastery and quality human network reigns supreme, an extraordinary young Nigerian, Obinna Iyiegbu aka Obi Cubana has transformed into a shining light in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

His remarkable odyssey from a humble background as an ambitious young corps member to evolve into the chairman of Cubana Group with extensive interests that traverse different businesses is a compelling study. His emergence as the ‘Man of the Year’ in the Nigerian Leadership Excellence Awards of 2021 bears eloquent testimony to the exploits of this freethinker who has defied all logic to set up a successful conglomerate to the admiration of the Nigerian and African business community. This riveting transformation has ingrained in it, an enduring lesson that—we can be who we really want to be if we are courageous enough at heart to dance without the fear of breaking our legs. And a demonstration of the fact—fortune favours the brave!

Undeterred by humble beginnings and uninspiring material conditions, he had his university education as his only bragging rights in a highly competitive world where success is defined by achievement, affluence, class, and man-know-man. After decades of struggle in fierce romance with the streets, the enduring lessons in the University of Experience were well learned and internalized. Armed with his tall ambition, sound philosophy, and indomitable spirit, Obi Cubana emerged victorious in the epochal battle to make a bold statement in the business world.

Complete icons from diverse walks of life find themselves astonished by the exploits of this great and exceptional corporate titan who continues to deliver businesses master class that are inspiring, bold, and well-horned. To state that the consequential business nuggets he continues to put in place are shaping the world of business in our clime through creativity, and profound vision is to state the obvious. Indeed, his imprimatur which befuddles even his most implacable competitors leaves even the masters of the game speechless.

The best way he could show the world that his inventive mind and immersive and creative brain are all his is in his unique ability to weave through obstacles as if guided by an invisible hand–demonstrating strong character, resilience, and a positive mental attitude in the process.

Obinna Iyiegbu’s collaborations which he forges with ease and his uncanny ability to recognize opportunities and take action to benefit from them that continue to influence universal touchstones especially where many never thought was ever possible is a class act, and evidence that the spirit of business flows through his veins.

The propelling force driving this master of imagination and originality is

forged on the wings of an indomitable spirit, which has successfully beat down doors of limitations, expanded boundaries of opportunities nurtured by unshakable faith in his innate ability to create the success that has defined his life.

Backed by a stubborn faith of historic proportions, Obi Cubana knows no word as ‘impossible.’ Impressively, he converts stumbling blocks into stepping stones and warms the hearts of many Africans with his benevolence, humanity and common touch. He is the definition of one filled with nourishing milk of human kindness.

Moreso, the consistency of his effervescent and generous spirit, and the

humility he evinces marks Obinna Iyiegbu as a thoroughbred and inspiration, particularly to the younger generation of Nigerians. Instructively, in spite of his achievements in life through hard work, his humanity, refreshing candour and common touch have not departed him.

For sure, his impact goes beyond his exceptional business expertise and

fineness; beauty radiates from each of his stripes as he combines superior processes and a profound sense of timing to seamlessly revolutionize solid multibillion naira industries in real estate; sociopreneur; hospitality; valuetainment; beverages; and trans-industry.

His story is not just about rejigging old ideas into new use for exclusive value and services; it speaks about the triumph of the human spirit, the elevation of the audacity of imagination, and the universal language of passion that transcends all boundaries.

It is, therefore, not surprising that this well-cultivated chief of organized preparation and human alliance commands attention not only through his entrepreneurial brilliance, but also through his charming, assertive, and magnetic personality; a blend of confidence, elegance and determination. His passion for human civilization shines through the very essence of his personality, unleashing the genius which inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream without limitations.

Leading the entertainment, hospitality, and valuetainment industry in Nigeria, the Cubana Group drives some of the most exclusive, classic, and solid infrastructure including Ibiza Club, Abuja; Cubana Owerri; Opium Cubana Owerri; The Grind, Cubana Lagos; Montana, Cubana Lagos; Pablo Cubana Lagos; Cubana Signature Abuja, Puzzo, Cubana Abuja; Caledonian Suites Abuja; Hustle and

Bustle, Abuja; Grand Cubana H

otels Abuja; Crave Cubana Abuja; Cubana Gustavo Enugu; and VENUE 295 London. This business mogul stands tall as one of Africa’s biggest brand influencers and

partners of Samsung West Africa, and GAC Motors Nigeria; collaborating with the latter to found one of the safest and most luxurious e-hailing transport services–Enviable Transport in strategic states in Nigeria including the FCT, Abuja.

Obi Cubana is also the golden finger behind the most famous Nigerian Energy Drink, nicknamed the Roll Royce of Bitters -Odogwu Hammer, for its exclusivity. A unique high-quality, Caffeine-free beverage, meticulously crafted using premium ingredients with varieties including Odogwu Vodka Mix (Hammer); Odogwu Energy Drink (MALAY); and Odogwu Hush. 

Indeed, a corporate Czar of sorts, and an extraordinary employer of labour—Obinna Iyiegbu is worth his weight in gold. Without mincing words, Obi Cubana is a renaissance man and a shining example the younger generation of Nigerians should emulate in principles, character, and practice.

No government anywhere in the world can completely solve the worsening challenges of unemployment. Young Nigerians must therefore wake up and embrace strong characters like Obi Cubana to challenge their brains to pay the price for success every single day of their lives. Just as his humble background and the many challenges he faced on his way up didn’t deter him from grinding through; but rather motivated him to keep on paying the price for success, and providing needed services in exchange for the kind of fortune he had always desired, young Nigerians must become more resilient.

As a protagonist in the Nigerianness Project, Obi Cubana’s distinct ability to create enviable openings here in Nigeria and bettering his life and that of many others is a testament that success knows no location, geographical delineation or race if only one can insure his brain and put it to its most valuable use. The Nigeria of our dreams is not only possible but realizable even inside Nigeria in great faith and work!

 Elemi, Head Research, Global Initiative for Leadership Success writes from Utako, Abuja