“The entrepreneur possesses a remarkable ability to envision a goal and translate that vision into a tangible reality.” – Robert L. Schwartz
Before the highly publicized funeral of Ezinne Uche Iyiegbu in July 2021, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, the driving force behind the Cubana Group of companies, operated under the radar, known only to close associates, family, friends, and loyal customers. However, the funeral turned into a turning point for him. Obi Cubana, previously avoiding the media spotlight while diligently and ingeniously building his businesses, found himself thrust into the limelight in his hometown of Oba. The funeral became a spectacle, with many perceiving it as more of a carnival than a celebration of life.

In truth, the events in Oba, Anambra State, were not an extravagant burial or a display of ostentation, as some mistakenly assumed. It was a culmination of the immense goodwill Obi Cubana had invested in the lives of others over the years. The funeral provided an opportunity for those indebted to him to reciprocate his generosity—a true return on investment (ROI). Obi never anticipated it would become such a grand affair.
When you genuinely invest in people without expecting anything in return, it is akin to sowing seeds of goodwill that will inevitably yield an abundant harvest someday. Those who have followed Obi Cubana’s journey to wealth and stardom know that he is not one to flaunt his riches, despite being involved in luxury businesses. He is a model of humility, civility, and humanitarianism, epitomizing elegance.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Following his mother’s burial, some ill-informed commentators propagated a narrative suggesting that Obi Cubana was an overnight success who stumbled upon immense wealth without the ability to manage it responsibly, other than lavishly spending it. Those of us familiar with the triumphs and failures of the chairman of Cubana Group were astounded by such biased and malicious opinions disguised as informed perspectives.

In 1999, after graduating from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a Second Class Honors (Upper Division) degree in political science, young Obinna Iyiegbu ventured to the nation’s capital to serve his country. As a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he was among the first batch of corps members assigned to the National Assembly following the return of democracy.
While serving, Obinna Iyiegbu aspired to secure a prestigious government job like the NNPC or CBN at the end of his national assignment. However, as the curtain fell on his NYSC program, he realized that opportunities for such coveted positions were scarce. Obinna Iyiegbu had two choices: return home to his parents and bemoan his joblessness, lamenting the perceived hopelessness of the country, or transform his own circumstances. Energized and ambitious, he took to the streets and dove headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship, recalling Martin Luther King, Jr.’s inspiring words: “Take the first step even when you do not see the entire staircase.”

Starting as a low-level contractor, he achieved his first major breakthrough with a contract from the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), which earned him his first million naira. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of indulgence that often befalls young people experiencing a significant financial breakthrough, he used the money to venture into the hospitality business. Obinna Iyiegbu opened his first restaurant, located at Noo Gardens, Area 7, Abuja, specializing in African delicacies, palm wine, soft drinks, and alcohol. Positioned between Garki Hospital and the popular UTC Plaza, the restaurant began to attract publicity and gain traction. Obinna Iyiegbu believed he had overcome the gravitational pull of unemployment and poverty with the success of his restaurant business, but then adversity struck.
A few days before Valentine’s Day, a time when the hospitality industry experiences a surge in business, Obinna Iyiegbu had stocked his restaurant to the brim in anticipation of the high volume of customers. However, on February 12th, 2006, his world turned upside down. Without warning, bulldozers from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) demolished his structures at Noo Gardens. It was as if day turned into night for the young entrepreneur. Years of effort and hard work were reduced to rubble. To compound matters, this happened on the same day his fiancée, Ebere, now his wife, had come to spend Valentine’s Day with him. As she witnessed the scene of devastation, tears streamed down her face.
Yet, like Thomas Edison when his factory burned down, Obinna Iyiegbu chose not to wallow in despair. He could have wept, raged in anger, or succumbed to depression. Instead, he persevered. Many other young entrepreneurs whose businesses were also demolished by the el-Rufai administration left the city with a sense of hopelessness. But Obinna saw an opportunity amidst the setback. He gathered the remaining pieces, returned to the drawing board, and conceived even grander business ideas. And so, Ibiza Restaurant was born.
From the success of Ibiza, the Cubana Group emerged, expanding into various branches of the hospitality and entertainment industry. Everywhere you look within the conglomerate, Obinna Iyiegbu’s touch of gold is evident. He possesses the ingenuity and grace to turn adversity into success. His business acumen and emotional intelligence are exceptional, and they shine through in his management of nightclubs, bars, hotels, and restaurants.

From Ibiza Restaurant in Abuja to Crave Cubana in Abuja, Opium Cubana in Owerri, Cubana Rhapsody in Lagos, Gustavo Cubana in Enugu, Hustle and Bustle in Abuja, Grand Cubana Hotels in Abuja, and many more, the story remains the same—a touch of gold and an unwavering commitment to excellence embodied in Obi Cubana. The Cubana Group serves as a platform to showcase Obinna Iyiegbu’s superior ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial prowess in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Today, as the undeniable king of nightlife and a master of showbiz in Nigeria, Obi Cubana has not only revolutionized the hospitality and entertainment business but has also created thousands of jobs for the youth, continually opening new avenues of opportunity for the younger generation.
His tremendous support for up-and-coming entertainers is both inspiring and commendable. He is a valuable asset to the nation’s economy. With his touch of gold, Obi Cubana has set a remarkable standard of excellence in the hospitality industry, a benchmark that will be challenging to match.