Ubi Franklin whose full name is Ubi Ekapong Ofem is a Nigerian music artist manager and the famous founder of record label Made Men Music Group (Triple MG). Ubi Franklin was born on the 2nd of February, 1986. At the moment, he is one of the most successful music managers in Nigeria. He has managed popular talents such as Tekno, Emma Nyra and Iyanya. There is much to know about Ubi Franklin. This article provides you with more information on the billionaire entrepreneur such as his biography, business deals, net worth, controversies and family life.
Ubi Franklin Biography, Career & Lots More
Read on below:
Ubi Franklin – Early life
Ubi Franklin was born in Cross River State on the 2nd of February 1986 (which makes him 34 years of age as at the year 2020). He was born into a large family with 15 children and he was the 11th child. He was born a twin but his twin brother is dead. His father was a high court judge. Ubi Franklin never had a lot of privacy due to his big family life.
Ubi Franklin had his primary and secondary education in Calabar. He hoped to become a lawyer or a governor someday. The young entrepreneur studied Law at Madonna University. However, life took a different turn and turned out better than he expected.
Ubi Franklin created his Tripple MG Label (Made Men Music group) and was able to sign in three super popular artists that made him thousands of dollars.
Personal life
Presently, Franklin has four children from four different women, three daughters and a son. Ubi Franklin once admitted that from sometime in July 2016 to March 2017, he struggled with depression and had almost committed suicide.
In 2017, Franklin was almost killed by a Chinese man at Lifemate Furniture located at Palms, Lekki-Lagos. He was saved by the quick intervention of his cousin. The attacker was eventually arrested. He claimed he was angered because Franklin had said “See this Chinese man o”
Marital life
On November 1, 2015, Ubi Franklin married Lilian Esoro. A year later, they both had a son called Jaden. He was born on the 17th of July 2016. There were lots of rumours surrounding Ubi Franklin’s wedding. In 2015, one of which is his other love interest, Emma Nyra. According to Ubi Franklin, Ubi and Emma’s relationship did not work out. This was why he got married to Lilian in November 2015. Lilian Esoro is one of the leading actresses in Nollywood. She is also an entrepreneur. She is the CEO and founder of Goldie Locks – one of the best and most fashionable hair salons in Nigeria.
`There are rumours that Ubi Franklin and Lilian Esoro are no longer in conjugal bliss. The rumours started when Lilian unfollowed Ubi Franklin on Instagram. She also returned to her maiden name on her Instagram account which raised lots of brows and more suspicion. One of the last events the duo was working on together was a Charity project in Abuja. Ubi attended this Charity event alone with his son. Many have continued to spread rumours about the possible problems in Ubi Franklin’s marriage. However, there has not been any official confirmation from the couple about their being together or divorce.
Career and Journey
Ubi Franklin has come a long way in his journey as an entrepreneur. He worked as an assistant to Julius Agwu before going on to work with AY Makun (the comedian) and other artists. Back then, his work was to promote shows. It was there he began learning about how to run events and businesses.
In 2010, he became Iyanya’s manager. This was before the song “kukere” was released. Kukere became a hit. In 2014, when the label had expanded, other artists such as Tekno, Emma Nyra, and Selebobo were signed.
In 2016, Ubi Franklin was named City People Music Awards’ Music Manager of the Year. In 2020, Ubi Franklin was appointed as Special Adviser on Tourism by Cross River State, Governor Benedict Ayade.
Franklin is also a public speaker. He was a speaker at the Youth Enterprise Conference organized by Nairabet’s founder, Otunba Akin Alabi. He has also shared stage with chairman of First Bank, Ibukun Awosika, and Veteran Nollywood Actor Richard Mofe Damijo at the Hub Business Conference organized by Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA). He was also one of the speakers at the Digital CEO Africa Summit, and the Niger Delta CEO’s Summit.
Other Businesses of Ubi Franklin
Instant Pickup
Instant Pickup was launched on the 20th of July 2017 at the Landmark Centre, Oniru, Lagos. It is an online service focused on retailing laundry and dry-cleaning services in Nigeria. Instant Pickup is a comfortable, stress-free online market place that seeks to connect dry cleaning services to their clients. The online service offers immediate home pickup and delivery of laundry.
Instant Apartment
In the same year Instant Pickup was launched, Ubi Franklin also launched Instant Apartment, an online platform that offers luxury apartments for rent. Instant Apartment offers short to medium term accommodation for those who need it for purposes such as vacations and business trips. The good thing about these apartments offered on Instant apartments is that they are like proper houses, with a kitchen so guest can feel at home even when away from home.
Instant Ryde
In October 2018, Ubi launched Instant Ryde, an online taxi service operational in his home town Calabar, Cross River state and Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Instant Ryde operates cab services similar to Bolt and Uber. However, they are only present in Abuja, Uyo and Calabar. Ubi Franklin launched the mobile application in 2018. The service is affordable and provides comfort to its riders.
Ubi Franklin – Net worth
Ubi Franklin’s net worth is estimated to be about $1.5 million.
Philanthropy work
In 2017, Franklin launched the Ubi Franklin Startup fund. This is a platform established to fund existing business ideas and plans. Through the fund, he has supported several businesses with startup capital and funds
Controversies
Ubi Franklin has been involved in a number of online controversies. First is that of Emma Nyara who was an artist signed under his record label. She accused him of abuse with physical and verbal force. She also denied ever dating him. Another controversy is that of one of his baby mamas, Nicole Siyo who called him out for not haven seen his child since he was born, even though the child was now clocking one year at the time. Ubi Franklin has also gotten into controversies with other artists signed in his record label, one of such is Iyanya.