Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest has responded sharply to remarks made by billionaire businessman Dr. Cosmas Maduka, founder of Coscharis Group, who recently condemned the “money na water” mentality among the younger generation.
In an earlier viral video, Maduka criticized the trend of lavish spending and public display of wealth, describing it as a “dangerous mindset” that promotes waste and undermines the values of hard work and discipline.
“I have never heard any wealthy person say ‘money na water,’” Maduka said. “Those who truly understand wealth know the sacrifice it takes. It’s people who don’t understand value that throw it around carelessly.”
He warned that celebrating reckless spending instead of meaningful investment could “destroy the next generation” if not addressed.
But Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, fired back in a passionate Instagram post, arguing that the new generation uses visibility to empower others and redefine wealth.
“While your generation built fences to protect their wealth because they don’t want to help, our generation builds platforms to project it,” he wrote. “Silence once symbolized power, today presence does.”
He went further to defend the philosophy behind “money na water,” saying that figures like Tony Elumelu and Femi Otedola, whom Maduka referenced, represent a new wave of philanthropists who use their wealth to give Africa visibility.
“You mentioned Elumelu — that’s my mentor. He doesn’t just say ‘money na water,’ Papa lives it. Likewise, Don Otedola. These are people who used their wealth to give Africa proper visibility,” Chief Priest said.
In a fiery close, he challenged Maduka’s outlook on wealth preservation.
“Remove your name from that Otedola and Elumelu list. You don’t belong there, sir. Your name dey Nnewi billionaires list,” he added, suggesting that Maduka’s mindset belongs to an older, more conservative generation of businesspeople.
The online debate has since divided social media users. While some praised Maduka for promoting financial discipline, others sided with Chief Priest, saying modern entrepreneurs use social media visibility and spending to inspire, not waste.
