They say fortune will smile at those who aspire, translated loosely could mean “Fortune favors the bold”. It means that taking initiative, working diligently toward one’s goals, and being courageous in the face of challenges increases one’s likelihood of achieving success…
But, in the case of jerry, his full name Ekuma Jeremiah Iziogo, fortune was hidden right inside his own sense of compassion and kindness for others.
Sometime in 2022, the internet space was hit with a viral video showing a street hawker who was magnanimous enough, not minding his own “misfortunes” to stop by and freely “feed” the poor or better still offer help to the helpless and needy individuals.
The story began when Jerry, then a roadside vendor, was captured in a viral video offering ₦100 notes to inmates in a Nigerian Correctional Service van in Ajah, Lagos.
Though Jerry himself was struggling to survive, his instinct was to give. That small gesture, performed in the midst of his own hardship, caught the attention of millions.
One of the very many individuals who took interest in Jerry’s act of kindness was billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana.
He not only took interest but also performed such an act—one that would alter not only the future of a young hawker named Ekuma Jeremiah Iziogo, but also inspire countless others across Nigeria. Today, Jerry, who once roamed the streets of Lagos selling bottled water, proudly wears the title of a law graduate from the Class of 2025.
His journey stands as living proof of the power of compassion and how genuine generosity can multiply into life-changing opportunities.
During a live Instagram session with broadcaster Ifedayo Olarinde (Daddy Freeze), Obi Cubana promised to take full responsibility for Jerry’s education. He pledged not only to pay Jerry’s tuition through university but to support him up to a master’s degree if Jerry wished. It was a bold promise, but Obi Cubana’s word has long been known to carry weight.
At the time, Jerry had dropped out of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) where he had been studying law, his dream cut short by financial hardship. With Cubana’s intervention, his admission was reinstated, and what had once seemed like an impossible dream suddenly became achievable again.
What makes this story remarkable is not just the financial sponsorship, it is the spirit behind it. Obi Cubana could easily have praised Jerry online and moved on. Instead, he chose to intervene directly, using his influence and resources to rewrite the young man’s story.
In doing so, he showed that philanthropy is not merely about charity but about empowerment, about creating opportunities where there were none.
But Cubana’s kindness did not stop at money. Jerry received mentorship, encouragement, and steady support from Cubana and other well-wishers, including Daddy Freeze. He wasn’t simply left to navigate university life on his own.
He had guidance, a support system, and the reassurance that someone believed in his potential. This is a crucial part of what made Jerry’s journey possible, and it underscores the transformative power of mentorship.
Fast forward to 2025, and Jerry has graduated with a law degree. For him, it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. For Obi Cubana, it is the confirmation that one good deed can spark extraordinary change. Reflecting on Jerry’s achievement, Obi Cubana wrote on Instagram:
“On 19th January 2022 when the offers were placed before you, you chose education! You made the best choice, today you are a 2025 law graduate!! You could have chosen to take the money and walk away to a temporal comfort and live for the moment, but you were wise to choose education! Today you have both education and the money, and more ahead!!! Congratulations Jerry, the world is yours!!!”
These words reveal another layer of Cubana’s act of kindness: it wasn’t just about giving; it was about challenging Jerry to make the right choice. When presented with options, Jerry chose education over temporary comfort. That decision, combined with Cubana’s support, has changed his life forever.
The ripple effect of Obi Cubana’s gesture extends far beyond Jerry. Across Nigeria, countless young people have followed this story, inspired by what kindness can achieve. Many now see that generosity, when matched with determination, can unlock futures that once seemed unattainable.
For some, Jerry’s story has become a beacon of hope; for others, it is a call to action—to support, to mentor, to give back in whatever way they can.
For Obi Cubana, this is not an isolated case. He has long been known for his philanthropy, whether it is through educational sponsorships, community development, or youth empowerment initiatives.
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Yet, Jerry’s story shines especially brightly because it was born out of a moment of pure compassion—an ordinary hawker showing extraordinary kindness, met with extraordinary generosity.
Today, Jerry steps into a future filled with possibilities, as a lawyer, an advocate, and an example of what can happen when society invests in its young people. His journey proves that kindness is not wasted, that when the powerful extend a hand, destinies can be rewritten.
And for Obi Cubana, this story cements his legacy not only as a businessman but as a man whose kindness transforms lives. His act of compassion has given Jerry more than an education; it has given him dignity, confidence, and a platform to inspire others.
Jerry’s story is a reminder that true wealth is not measured only in material possessions, but in the lives touched and the futures transformed. Obi Cubana’s simple yet profound act of kindness continues to echo, reminding us all that generosity, when put into action, can change the world—one life at a time.
Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and entertainment mogul. Born on April 12, 1975, in Oba, Anambra State, he is the founder and chairman of the Cubana Group, a leading hospitality and lifestyle brand with interests in nightclubs, restaurants, lounges, and hotels across Nigeria.
Obi Cubana rose to national prominence not only for his successful businesses but also for his reputation as a generous philanthropist and mentor. He first captured wide attention in 2021 during his mother’s lavish burial ceremony in Oba, which became a major social and cultural event in Nigeria.
Beyond the glitz, Obi Cubana is known for his commitment to empowering young people through mentorship, financial support, and educational sponsorships. His acts of kindness, such as sponsoring the education of Jerry the hawker who is now a law graduate, reflect his belief that true wealth lies in uplifting others.
With his combination of business acumen, philanthropy, and influence, Obi Cubana has become one of Nigeria’s most admired figures, embodying the values of success with social responsibility.
