Nigerian nightlife entrepreneur and celebrity barman, Pascal Okechukwu (better known as Cubana Chief Priest) has credited businessman and hospitality mogul, Obinna Iyiegbu (alias Obi Cubana) with shaping his career.
He described Obi Cubana as a ‘builder of men’, saying his mentorship and leadership were pivotal to his rise in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
The entertainment personality made the remarks while reflecting on his decade-long journey in the nightlife and hospitality business, recounting how his decision to work under Obi Cubana laid the foundation for his success.
According to Cubana Chief Priest, his transformation from an apprentice to one of Nigeria’s most recognised hospitality entrepreneurs was driven by years of dedication, discipline and a willingness to learn under the guidance of the Cubana Group founder.
Speaking about what he described as the turning point in his career, he recalled relocating the Opium Cubana brand to Owerri in 2016, a move he said significantly contributed to the expansion of the Cubana brand across Nigeria.
‘If I did not bring Opium Cubana to Owerri in 2016, I for no be Chief Priest. I did not just follow him; I contributed and became the motion of the business. The motion was heavy and every day was a shutdown’, he said.
He explained that the success of the Owerri outlet created momentum for the establishment of several other hospitality businesses under the Cubana brand, including Pablo in Victoria Island, Lagos; Montana Cubana in Ikeja; Gustavo Cubana in Enugu; Crave Cubana in Abuja; and Cubana Suites, Habit, Liquor Empire and Cubana Hotels.
Cubana Chief Priest also praised Obi Cubana’s approach to entrepreneurship, describing him as a fearless investor who embraces risk, learns from setbacks and consistently empowers those around him.
‘Obi is born ready. He has a lifestyle and he is ready to spend. He is not afraid to lose, learn and move. He really put me on, not minding how famous I was becoming. Baba na ruthless builder. He gets anything he wants. He is indeed the Pablo. He’s always ready to explore and deliver’, he stated.
He noted that within three years, the Cubana brand had grown rapidly, securing partnerships with leading beer, champagne, whisky and brandy companies and establishing itself as one of Nigeria’s most recognised hospitality brands.
Expressing gratitude to his mentor, Cubana Chief Priest described Obi Cubana as ‘a walking blessing’, and credited him with teaching him the fundamentals of the hospitality business without reservation.
‘I want to leave it here for today, but before I go, Obi Cubana, you are my don for life. You are a winner and an achiever. You taught me the business wholeheartedly. Invest with him; he’s solid. The lesson for today is value. Be a man of value. I did not just meet him; I came to serve, learn and grow myself. When you are working for someone, you are working for yourself. Apprenticeship is key. You must serve before you become Odogwu’, he said.
The remarks have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users describing the tribute as a reflection of the importance of mentorship, loyalty and apprenticeship in business development.
Observers said the comments reinforce the growing recognition of apprenticeship as a pathway to entrepreneurship, particularly in Nigeria’s hospitality and entertainment sectors, where many successful business owners have emerged after years of learning under established entrepreneurs.
Obi Cubana, chairman of the Cubana Group, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality entrepreneurs and has built a reputation for mentoring young business owners who have gone on to establish successful careers within and beyond the Cubana brand.
