The founder of Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka, has said he wished he had the opportunity to invest in Flutterwave at its early stage, describing the company’s growth over the past decade as significant for Nigeria’s technology sector.

Maduka made the remarks on Tuesday night at Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary gala held at The Delborough Lagos.

Speaking during the event, he said he was surprised he had not been approached when the company was raising capital in its early days.

“The only thing that surprises me is how you people bypassed me,” he said. “There was no opportunity to say, Uncle, can we put money together? I do not like good opportunities passing me by.”

Maduka described Flutterwave’s rise as evidence of what he called disciplined thinking and entrepreneurial clarity, noting that Nigerian innovators continue to demonstrate global competitiveness despite domestic challenges.

He also acknowledged the role of policy environments in shaping business success, commending former President Olusegun Obasanjo for economic reforms introduced during his administration, which, he said, expanded opportunities for private enterprise.

According to Maduka, leadership is most effective when it creates enabling conditions for citizens to thrive. Once opportunities exist, he argued, Nigerians are capable of delivering strong results.

Drawing from his personal background, the businessman recounted losing his father at a young age and ending formal education after primary school. He said he once faced pressure to remain abroad but chose to return to Nigeria to build his enterprise.

“To be a true Nigerian, you must share in her shame and glory,” he said, explaining that his decision to invest locally eventually led to international expansion, including business operations in Asia.

Addressing young Nigerians, Maduka encouraged entrepreneurship, cautioning against relying solely on salaried employment for long-term financial security.

“Salary is medicine for poverty; it does not cure it,” he said, urging young people to identify their talents and build enterprises capable of creating value and employment.

He further commended Flutterwave’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Olugbenga Agboola, for positioning Nigeria positively within the global fintech landscape.

Maduka also acknowledged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noting the importance of institutional support for innovation and job creation initiatives.

The anniversary event attracted political leaders, business executives and entertainment figures from across Africa, marking a decade since Flutterwave’s establishment in 2016.

Over the past 10 years, the company has expanded its digital payment infrastructure across multiple African markets and international corridors, becoming one of the continent’s most prominent fintech firms.