Today, I’m sharing a chapter from my forthcoming book, titled 55 TIMELESS SUCCESS SECRETS where I spotlight 55 Nigerians and how they turned obstacles into stepping stones; carved their names in golden plates of success with grit, strategy, and courage.
This chapter focuses on Cubana Chief Priest—the shoemaker’s son from Aba, who rose to become a nightlife king, influencer, and millionaire brand. His story isn’t built on certificates or connections, alone—it’s built on hustle, bold strategy, and what he famously calls “packaging.”
Behind the glitz is a raw, practical blueprint for anyone serious about breaking limits. Read on. Study the mindset. Steal the principles. Apply them. Rewrite your story.
See the chapter!!!!!!!!
Cubana Chief Priest on Success: Principles, Journey, and Guidance for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Make sure you appear rich. That’s the fastest access to open doors… If you no add packaging for your life, you go suffer tire.”
— Cubana Chief Priest
Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, widely known by his showbiz moniker Cubana Chief Priest, is one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant and influential entrepreneurs. Rising from humble roots in southeastern Nigeria, he has become a symbol of success, blending business acumen with showmanship and street-smart philosophy. His journey from a shoemaker’s apprentice to a nightlife mogul is both inspirational and instructive, especially for young Africans seeking to define success on their own terms.
Brief Biography and Humble Beginnings
Born on April 2, 1981, in Umuhu Okabia, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, Cubana Chief Priest is the second of his parents’ children. He spent his formative years in the bustling commercial town of Aba, Abia State—where his entrepreneurial instincts were honed early on in his father’s shoemaking trade.
Despite the challenging environment, he was able to combine education with hustle, studying at Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri while running side businesses. It was during this time that he reportedly made his first ₦1 million, a milestone that marked his transition from hustler to aspiring mogul.
“You fit dey hustle, but if your hustle no dey loud or clean, people no go notice you.”
— Cubana Chief Priest
Rise to Fame: From Behind the Bar to Owning the Night
Cubana Chief Priest’s big break came when he became General Manager of Cubana Grand Hotel in Owerri, a popular hospitality brand owned by Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana). While there, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes, managing logistics, hosting celebrities, and driving marketing efforts. His visibility soared in 2018 after he played host to Nigerian music superstar Davido and his then-girlfriend Chioma—an event that exploded across social media.
“By this time five years ago, I was a staff… The greatest gift anyone can be blessed with is when you want to end it, end it well.”
In December 2020, he launched his own luxury nightclub, Club Xhrine, in Owerri. The grand opening, attended by top celebrities and influencers, cemented his position as a boss in Nigeria’s nightlife and hospitality scene.
Principles of Success According to Cubana Chief Priest
1. Strategic Self-Presentation (a.k.a. “Packaging”)
Cubana Chief Priest believes that the way you present yourself can determine how seriously the world takes you. For him, image is leverage.
“Na fake life go bring you real life. If you no add packaging for your life, you go suffer tire.”
This “fake it till you make it” mantra is less about deception and more about creating the aura of success that attracts real opportunities.
2. Hard Work and Dedication
Despite his showy lifestyle, Cubana Chief Priest remains a strong advocate of grit and persistence. He’s quick to remind people that his wealth did not come overnight.
“You no go see when I dey hawk shoe, carry cement, dey run bar. But now everybody wan shine.”
His work ethic includes relentless networking, brand building, and a hands-on approach to every venture he undertakes.
3. Learning from Experience
Success, in his eyes, is traceable and earned through stages. He emphasizes the need for mentorship and experience, especially before branching out.
“My success has a clear path; I’ve worked hard under people, and everything about me can be traced.”
His time with Obi Cubana served as a launching pad, and he regularly acknowledges the influence of those he worked with.
4. Faith and Positive Affirmation
Cubana Chief Priest is also deeply spiritual. He refers to himself repeatedly as “a chosen”, indicating that success, for him, is partly spiritual favor.
“I’m a chosen. Money stops nonsense. If God dey your back, e go shock people how you go take blow.”
This belief fuels his bold declarations, resilience, and confidence, even in the face of public controversies or criticism.
From Philosophy to Practice: Applying the Cubana Blueprint
Cubana Chief Priest’s philosophy is not built on theory alone—it’s a lived experience. His strategic branding and appearances on social media, alongside celebrities and luxury symbols, have become essential parts of his business strategy. This “packaging” draws attention, endorsements, and clientele.
Behind the scenes, he puts in the work—managing events, liaising with entertainers, and leading marketing campaigns. His dedication is also evident in his investment in people, mentoring young talents and supporting small businesses through his platform.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in Africa’s informal economies, Cubana Chief Priest offers a relatable, non-academic model of success—one that combines vision, showmanship, and spiritual grounding.
Four Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Look the part before you become the part. Packaging is perception; perception creates access.
Work like a nobody, shine like a superstar. Never skip the grind.
Learn before you lead. Start under someone, and learn the ropes.
Declare your destiny. Faith and positive affirmations fuel confidence and resilience.
“Success no be by grammar, na by grace, strategy, and grind.”
— Cubana Chief Priest
Sources
BBC Pidgin – “Cubana Chief Priest: The Man Behind Nigeria’s Nightlife Influence”
https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-55783488
The Nation Nigeria – “How I Made My First Million – Cubana Chief Priest”
Pulse Nigeria – “Pascal Okechukwu aka Cubana Chief Priest: From Shoemaker to Celebrity Barman”
https://www.pulse.ng
Vanguard Newspaper – “I Package Myself for Success – Cubana Chief Priest”
https://www.vanguardngr.com
