When Dr. Cosmas Maduka’s father died while he was only four years old, anyone could have thought that was the end for the little boy and his family. But that he is today the founder, President/CEO of Coscharis Group, a multimillion dollar company is a clear indication this was not the case. His is an amazing story of grit against all odds.
The Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, who has at every turn in his life perfected the art of starting over, was born Cosmas Maduabuchukwu Maduka on December 24, 1958 in Jos, Plateau State. Two years after his father died, Maduka, who hails from Nnewi, Anambra State but has made his home in Lagos, set out on his entrepreneur journey when he dropped out of primary school to hawk bean cake. He was only six then but knew that for him and his family to survive, he had to pitch in.
At seven he was apprenticed to his uncle in Lagos but that relationship ended on a sour note when his uncle paid him a mere N200 after working with him for up to 10 years. But that did not stop the inimitable Maduka from going into the spare parts business with his brother. That venture also ended on a sour note. He was now left with no other option than to go into business on his own. At which time he had already met and married his wife, Charity, whose first name and his form the company name, Coscharis.
But who can forget his imbroglio with Ifeanyi Uba the cost of which runs into billions of naira. Comeback from that Maduak also did.
Coscharis Motors, which was the name he gave his startup, today echoes from all corners of the world where he does business with diverse interest in manufacturing, ICT, petrochemical, auto care and auto components, automobile sales and services, agriculture and agro allied business.
Maduka seats on the board of several reputable companies and organisation.
Bet you didn’t know that notwithstanding his tremendous wealth Cosmas Maduka lives an austere life never resulting to mindless opulence.