Cosmas Maduka: From Apprentice to Billionaire

In Nnewi, a town known for business and hard work, the name Cosmas Maduka stands out. His journey from a poor boy to the owner of one of Nigeria’s biggest companies is a true story of determination, faith, and hustle.

Early Life and Struggles

Cosmas was born on December 24, 1958, in Jos, Plateau State. When he was just 4 years old, his father died. This left his family in deep poverty. At 6 years old, Cosmas stopped going to school so he could help his mother sell Akara (bean cakes) to survive.

At age 7, he was sent to Nnewi to learn a trade as an apprentice under his uncle, who sold motorcycle spare parts. Cosmas was a hardworking boy, but at age 14, his uncle suddenly sent him away after a disagreement.

Instead of giving up, Cosmas used ₦200 (a big amount back then) to start his own small spare parts business in Nnewi. He named it Coscharis, combining his name Cosmas and his wife’s name Charity.

He had no shop at first – just a small table and some parts. But Cosmas worked day and night. He saved money, treated customers well, and slowly grew the business.

His Big Break

In 1992, Coscharis got a major deal, he became the official dealer of BMW cars in Nigeria. This was a big turning point. Later, he added other big brands like Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Rolls-Royce. Today, Coscharis Group is a successful company that does more than sell cars. It also works in:

Farming (especially rice)

Health care

Technology

Car manufacturing and assembly

Coscharis is now known across Nigeria and Africa.

Coscharis motors

Coscharis Rice Plant

Cosmas is a deep Christian and says God helped him succeed. He believes in honesty, hard work, and helping others. He supports the Igbo apprenticeship system, where young people learn a trade under a mentor.

One of his popular quotes is “God lifted me from the streets. If I can make it, anybody can.”

Cosmas has won many awards. In 2012, the Nigerian government gave him a national honor, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

He has also been featured by Harvard Business School, and speaks often at business events and church programs.

Family Life

Cosmas was married to Charity Maduka, and together they raised their children and built the business. Sadly, Charity passed away in 2021. Despite the pain, Cosmas continues to honor her memory and the work they did together.

A True Nnewi Legend

Dr. Cosmas Maduka is a living example that you can succeed no matter how you start in life. From selling Akara and spare parts to becoming a billionaire and business leader, he shows the power of hard work and vision.

His story inspires many young Nigerians, especially in Nnewi, where business and self-reliance are a way of life.