Businessman and Cubana Group Chairman, Obinna “Obi Cubana” Iyiegbu, has urged entrepreneurs to focus on building strong systems and institutions capable of surviving beyond their founders.
Iyiegbu spoke at the Ahava Business Conference 2026 held in the United Kingdom on Saturday, where African entrepreneurs and business executives discussed sustainable wealth creation, enterprise development and business growth.
The conference, hosted by Barrister Ebele Iyiegbu, brought together business leaders including Ned Okonkwo, Grace Ofure and other entrepreneurs to share experiences on building enterprises amid economic uncertainty.
Speaking during a Founders’ Chat, Obi Cubana drew from his experience across hospitality, entertainment, real estate, beverages and manufacturing to highlight the need for businesses to develop structures that reduce dependence on their founders.
He warned that premature expansion, weak organisational structures and excessive reliance on business owners could undermine otherwise successful enterprises.
According to him, diversification should go beyond owning businesses in different sectors to creating interconnected enterprises that reinforce one another, create jobs and generate wider economic opportunities.
He also stressed the importance of financial discipline, capable management teams and effective operational systems in sustaining businesses as they grow.
The businessman encouraged emerging entrepreneurs to develop their own strengths instead of attempting to copy established business figures.
The conference, organised around entrepreneurship, investment and wealth creation, also examined how African entrepreneurs in the diaspora can build stronger networks and develop businesses capable of competing across international markets.
Host Ebele Iyiegbu said the initiative was designed to move beyond discussions about financial success by providing entrepreneurs with knowledge, relationships and strategies for building lasting economic value.
The event also focused on the role of entrepreneurship in creating employment and empowering others, with participants urged to view wealth creation as a process that should extend beyond personal financial success.
Iyiegbu said the Ahava initiative would continue to promote enterprise development, financial independence and strategic partnerships among entrepreneurs.
The conference ended with emphasis on the need for entrepreneurs to combine vision and adaptability with sound business systems, integrity and long-term planning to create enterprises that can thrive across generations.
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