Nigerian nightlife entrepreneur and entertainment personality Pascal Okechukwu (popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest) has lauded businessman and hospitality mogul Obinna Iyiegbu (known as Obi Cubana) with shaping his career, describing him as a visionary entrepreneur whose greatest strength is mentoring and building successful business leaders.
  
Reflecting on his decade-long journey in Nigeria’s hospitality and nightlife industry, Cubana Chief Priest said his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the country’s most recognisable entertainment figures was made possible through years of apprenticeship, dedication and learning under Obi Cubana.
  
Speaking on the turning point in his career, he said bringing the Cubana brand to Owerri in 2016 transformed his fortunes and laid the foundation for his emergence as one of the industry’s leading promoters.
  
“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.
  
According to him, the success of Opium Cubana in Owerri became the springboard for the rapid expansion of the Cubana hospitality brand, leading to the establishment of outlets in Lagos, Enugu and Abuja, alongside other hospitality investments across the country.
  
Cubana Chief Priest praised Obi Cubana’s leadership style, describing him as a bold entrepreneur who is willing to take calculated risks while creating opportunities for others to thrive.
  
“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 always ready to explore and deliver,” he said.
  
He added that within three years, the Cubana brand had experienced remarkable growth, attracting partnerships with leading beverage brands and establishing itself as one of Nigeria’s best-known names in hospitality and nightlife.
  
Expressing gratitude to his mentor, Cubana Chief Priest encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace apprenticeship, service and value creation as essential ingredients for long-term success.
  
“Obi Cubana, you are my don for life. You taught me the business wholeheartedly. 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.