Obi Cubana celebrates 50th birthday, reflects on life journey

Popular Nigerian businessman and nightlife mogul, Obi Cubana, has opened up about his journey at 50, describing his life so far as a rare testimony of divine grace, good health, loyal relationships, and consistent visibility.

In a heartfelt reflection on the milestone, the entrepreneur expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing his life and keeping him relevant for half a century. “It is 50 years of good health, strength, wealth, and prominence. These are the things money cannot buy. I’m not here because I’m the most righteous or the hardest working, but because God chose to give me uncommon grace,” he said.

Life Lessons at 50

For Obi Cubana, turning 50 is not just about celebrating achievements but also acknowledging lessons life has taught him along the way. “I’ve learned that no matter the disappointments, human beings remain the best investments,” he noted, reflecting on the overwhelming show of love and support from people around the world in recent weeks.

He emphasized that even the smallest acts of kindness leave lasting impressions. “Some things we do for people may never make it to social media, but those people remember. That’s why many chose to identify with me—it tells me I must have done something right all these years.”

On Building a Business Empire

Obi Cubana, born Obinna Iyiegbu, is the founder and chairman of the Cubana Group—an empire that spans hospitality, real estate, transportation, and entertainment. He revealed that the inspiration for the brand name “Cubana” came during a visit to South Africa while his wife was expecting their second child.

“I saw a place called Cubana in South Africa. I loved the name and business model and decided to bring it back to Nigeria, which is a bigger market. Now people think the South African version copied us,” he joked.

Money, Hustle, and the Nigerian Market

Speaking about wealth creation, the socialite stressed that honesty and innovation remain his guiding principles. He dismissed the notion that Nigeria is too tough to thrive in.

“There’s money in Nigeria. Out of over 200 million people, you only need about 200,000 people who buy into your product or service daily. Find out what people need to survive, plug into it, and you’ll be fine,” he advised.

Surviving Close Calls and Staying Grounded

Obi Cubana also reflected on a harrowing close shave with death that claimed the life of his friend, Emeka. “We were together, we ran in different directions, and he didn’t make it. That could’ve been me,” he recalled. “God kept me alive for a purpose.”

On Fame, Temptation, and Family Values

With fame and fortune come endless temptations, especially from women hoping to tap into his success. Yet, Obi Cubana says he has remained grounded, thanks to his marriage and personal discipline.

“I’ve never hidden the fact that I’m happily married. I used to have girlfriends, but I chose my wife and made a commitment to stay married. Temptation comes every second, but I don’t take it seriously. Sometimes, I even show my wife what comes into my phone. If not, I just ignore and move on,” he said.

The Bigger Picture

As he turns 50, Obi Cubana is not just celebrating a personal milestone but using it as an opportunity to inspire others. For him, true success is not just in wealth or visibility, but in the lives one touches, the values one upholds, and the grace one enjoys—unearned, yet priceless.