Founder of Coscharis Group Cosmas Maduka shared his early life struggles as part of a message to young Nigerians during Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary gala held at The Delborough Lagos.
Mr. Maduka said he lost his father at a young age and was unable to pursue formal education beyond the primary level.
He added that despite pressure to remain abroad, he chose to return to Nigeria and build his business.
“To be a true Nigerian, you must share in her shame and glory,” he said, noting that his decision to return home later allowed his business to expand internationally, including acquisitions in Japan, where Nigerians now employ expatriates.
Speaking to youths, Maduka cautioned against overreliance on paid employment, stressing that salaries alone do not guarantee long-term wealth.
“Salary is medicine for poverty; it does not cure it,” he said, urging young people to discover their talents and create enterprises capable of generating wealth and jobs.
He used Flutterwave’s 10-year journey as an example of innovation repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, commending founder and CEO Olugbenga Agboola for showcasing Nigerian capacity internationally.
Cosmos Maduka also praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for establishing economic policies that supported private enterprise.
“Leaders set the foundation and give people opportunity. Once that opportunity exists, Nigerians will prove that there is no limitation to what we can achieve,” he said.
The business leader encouraged young Nigerians to remain patient and committed to nation-building, highlighting that sustained effort and innovation can produce results.
He further acknowledged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting initiatives that promote job creation and innovation.
The gala night drew political leaders, business executives and figures from the entertainment sector to celebrate Flutterwave’s 10 years of operations in the fintech sector.
