At the Flutterwave 10th Anniversary Gala Night, held on February 11, 2026, at The Delborough Lagos, the legendary founder of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka (CON), delivered a masterclass in entrepreneurial mindset. His speech was a blend of humorous regret for missing out on early investment in Flutterwave and profound advice for Nigeria’s younger generation.
The event, which celebrated a decade of fintech innovation, was a “who’s who” of African leadership, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma.
1. The “Bypassed” Investor: A Humorous Lament
Maduka began by playfully chiding the Flutterwave founders for not approaching him during their early funding rounds.
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The “Uncle” Factor: He joked, “The only thing that surprises me is how did you people bypass me? There was no opportunity to tell me; Uncle, can we put money together? I don’t like good things passing me by.”
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Recognition of Vision: Despite the missed opportunity, he described the company’s rise as a “celebration of clear thought” and a testament to the intellectual capacity of Nigerians.
2. The Philosophy of Wealth: Salary vs. Enterprise
In one of the most viral moments of the night, Maduka addressed the dependency on paid employment:
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“Medicine for Poverty”: He famously stated, “Salary is medicine for poverty; it does not cure it.”
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The Call to Value: He urged young Nigerians to stop looking for jobs and start identifying talents that can create value, wealth, and employment for others.
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National Pride: Reflecting on his decision to stay in Nigeria rather than emigrating, he said, “To be a true Nigerian, you must share in her shame and glory.”
3. Leadership and Economic Foundations
Maduka used the presence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to highlight the importance of “Enabling Environments.”
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Policy Legacy: He credited the Obasanjo administration’s reforms (particularly in telecommunications) for laying the groundwork that allowed companies like Flutterwave to exist.
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Institutional Support: He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support of the tech ecosystem in Lagos, calling for even stronger institutional backing for technology-focused events.
Flutterwave: A Decade of Growth (2016 – 2026)
“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.” — Dr. Cosmas Maduka, February 2026.
