Nigerian nightlife entrepreneur and entertainment personality, Cubana Chief Priest, has credited businessman and hospitality mogul Obi Cubana for his success in the hospitality industry, describing him as “a ruthless builder” whose mentorship and leadership transformed his career.
Reflecting on his 10-year journey in the hospitality and nightlife business, Cubana Chief Priest said his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential figures in the entertainment and hospitality sectors was made possible through years of apprenticeship, dedication and learning under Obi Cubana.
Speaking on the turning point in his career, he recounted how the establishment of Opium Cubana in Owerri in 2016 became a defining moment.
“Did Not Bring Opium Cubana To Owerri In 2016. I For No Be Chief Priest. I Did Not Just Lap Him Rather I Contributed & Became The Motion Of The Business. The Motion Was Heavy & Everyday Was A Shutdown,” he said.
According to him, the success of Opium Cubana in Owerri paved the way for the rapid expansion of the Cubana brand across Nigeria.
He said the momentum led to the opening of Pablo in Victoria Island, Lagos, opposite the office of billionaire businessman Mike Adenuga, followed by Montana Cubana in Ikeja and Gustavo Cubana in Enugu. He added that Crave Cubana was already operating in Abuja alongside Cubana Suites, Habit, Liquor Empire and Cubana Hotels, further expanding the brand’s national presence.
Cubana Chief Priest also commended Obi Cubana’s leadership style, describing him as an entrepreneur who is always prepared to seize opportunities and invest in people.
“Obi Is Born Ready, He Has Lifestyle & He Is Ready To Spend, He Is Not Afraid To Lose, Learn & Move. He’s An Aries Like Me So I Had Everything I Wanted From Artist, Lifestyle, Brands, Everything Was Available. Very Smart Dude. 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 & Deliver,” he said.
He noted that within three years, the Cubana brand experienced remarkable growth, attracting the confidence of leading beer, champagne, whisky and brandy brands while becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognisable names in the hospitality industry.
Expressing gratitude to Obi Cubana, Cubana Chief Priest urged young entrepreneurs to embrace apprenticeship, service and value creation as the foundation for long-term success.
“I Want To Leave It Here For Today But Before I Go Obi Cubana, You Are My Don For Life, You Are A Winner, An Achiever, You Taught Me The Business Wholeheartedly. Invest With Him, He’s Solid, Man Is A Walking Blessing.
“The Lesson For Today Is Value. Be A Man Of Value. I Did Not Just Meet Him, I Came To Serve, Learn & Grow Myself. When You Are Working For Someone You Are Working For Yourself. Apprenticeship Is Key. You Must Serve Before You Become Odogwu,” he added.
His tribute has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many users describing it as a reminder of the importance of mentorship, loyalty, discipline and purposeful leadership in achieving lasting success.
Cubana Chief Priest is a Nigerian entrepreneur, nightlife promoter, businessman and brand influencer widely recognised for his contributions to the growth of the Cubana brand and Nigeria’s hospitality and entertainment industries.
