Founder of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka, has expressed regret over missing the opportunity to invest in fintech giant, Flutterwave, describing the development as one that “surprises” him.
Maduka spoke at Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary gala night held at The Delborough Lagos, where political leaders, industry players and entertainment personalities gathered to celebrate the company’s decade-long journey in the financial technology sector.
Reflecting on the firm’s rise to prominence as one of Africa’s leading fintech brands with global recognition, the businessman wondered how the investment opportunity passed him by.
“The only thing that surprises me is how you people bypassed me.
There was no opportunity to say, ‘Uncle, can we put money together?’ I don’t like good things passing me by,” he said.
He described Flutterwave’s growth story as a testament to clarity of vision and purpose, noting that the company’s achievements underscore the intellectual capacity and entrepreneurial resilience of Nigerians despite prevailing national challenges.
Maduka commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for what he termed laying a solid economic foundation that enabled private enterprises to flourish.
According to him, the primary responsibility of leadership is to create an enabling environment for citizens to succeed.
“Leaders set the foundation and provide opportunities. Once that opportunity is there, Nigerians will prove that there is no limit to what we can achieve,” he said.
He urged young Nigerians to remain patient and committed to building the nation, adding that Flutterwave’s success demonstrates how innovation can reposition Nigeria positively on the global stage.
Sharing his personal journey, Maduka recounted losing his father at a young age and being unable to advance beyond primary education.
He said he once faced pressure to remain abroad but chose to return to Nigeria to establish his business.
“To be a true Nigerian, you must share in her shame and glory,” he stated, noting that his decision to come back home eventually paid off as his company expanded internationally, including ventures in Japan where Nigerians now employ expatriates.
Addressing entrepreneurship, Maduka cautioned youths against depending solely on paid employment, stressing that salaries do not guarantee lasting wealth.
“Salary is medicine for poverty; it does not cure it,” he said, urging young people to identify their talents and build value-driven enterprises capable of creating jobs and wealth.
He also lauded Flutterwave’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Olugbenga Agboola, for projecting a positive image of Nigeria globally at a time when negative narratives often dominate international discourse.
“You don’t quarrel with results; they speak for themselves,” Maduka added.
The Coscharis boss further commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for supporting initiatives that drive innovation and employment, noting that celebrations of enterprise and technology deserve institutional backing.
The gala night marked Flutterwave’s 10 years of operations in the fintech industry, highlighting its contributions to digital payments and financial inclusion across Africa and beyond.