Cosmas Maduka was quite little when he had to join the streets. He lost his father at 6. And that was the day that brought an end to his childhood. 

Since he had no time to mourn, he started hawking akara (bean cakes) on the fish roads of Lagos state. On some days, new would return home with a sweaty face and empty stomach. But doing wasn't an option since he had no Plan B.

As at 17, Cosmas had already learnt the in and out of the spare parts business. He started by helping out some motor parts shops, learning to use those types and watching how it all worked. It was the barest minimum of anything glamorous. Cleaning the floors, running errands and getting shouted at were stuff he had started getting used to. Yet he paid attention each day. 

As if thing could actually get any better, he was sacked, just like that. Neither a warning nor a goodbye. 

Most of his mates would have given up after such, but Cosmas want anything like them

Using a loan of ₦200,000 and a name he had faith in, he started Coscharis Motors. Without a fancy office. Without any staff. Just himself, his vision, and that strong belief that he could actually do better. 

Every deal he had was taken really personally, even if it meant traveling round Africa with a single sit and a secondhand briefcase. But his reputation grew gradually. It was silent and slow. But it was steady too.

Coscharis is not just a business today. It's a well recognized brand. A billion naira conglomerate with branches in technology, automobile, healthcare and agriculture. 

Yet I'm so sure he still remembers those streets. He still remembers that boy whose hands were stained with oils from Akara. That boy who just wanted a better life. Effort is all it takes and that boy could be you.

Maybe that's why he gives a lot to others. Through scholarships, through youth programs. And donations to support those who are just like he once was.

Cosmas Maduka didn't inherit wealth. He built it. One step after the other. 

And it all started with akara.