Encomium
You can now preorder Femi Otedola’s ‘Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business’ from anywhere in the world!
The business memoir of the Chairman of First HoldCo PLC and Geregu Power PLC—which took over seven years to package, from interviews to writing, editing, printing and getting it ready for sale—details the early life of the 62 year-old billionaire from Odoragunsin, near Epe (Lagos State), his first business, major breakthroughs and setbacks, and finally triumph.
You can preorder ‘Making It Big’ on amazon.co.uk, amazon.com, rhbooks.com.ng and narrativelandscape.com, among others.
On amazon.co.uk, the 298-page paperback is available for £14.99. And on amazon.com, it is $19.99.
The paperback on rhbooks.com.ng and narrativelandscape.com is discounted at N13,500, while the hardcover is N22,500.
Three leading lights recommended ‘Making It Big’ with their testimonials splashed on the back cover of the book.
The three blurbs—by Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and Alhaji Aliko Dangote —labelled the memoir unputdownable.
Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of World Trade Organisation, and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria (2011 – 2015), wrote:
“When Femi Otedola, one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs, decides to capture his experiences in the form of this book, it is important! As the author himself notes, there are very few books by successful African business leaders documenting their journey and sharing lessons learned for posterity, but in particular for a younger generation.”
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (2010 – 2015), penned:
“FEMI OTEDOLA is one of Africa’s greatest philanthropists. The self-made entrepreneur and Forbes-rated billionaire dreamt of his first business before he was ten years old and made his first billion by the age of 41.
“Part business book, part memoir, this book charts Otedola’s ambition, hard work, successes, challenges and setbacks – from making a billion, to losing a billion to making it back again and, as one of Africa’s richest men, settling into a philanthropic role to give back to the continent.
“Otedola’s role as disruptor in his country’s oil industry transformed Forte Oil Plc into one of the highest performing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In 2010 he was awarded the prestigious National Honour of ‘Commander of the Order of the Niger – CON’ in recognition of his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s economy and for his philanthropy. He was appointed a vice-president of Save the Children, the UK-based charity in 2021, and he is the chancellor at Augustine University, Epe.
“Making It Big is a masterclass in attaining and maintaining a positive mindset and a reminder that it is possible to defy the odds, no matter how stacked they are against you. Packed with personal philosophies and business lessons, this is a book of hope, backed up by solutions, written to inspire entrepreneurs in Africa and from everywhere.
“The book is a must-read for all business leaders, policy makers and young people venturing into the world of entrepreneurship and business.”
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, scripted:
“As someone who came from an entrepreneurial family myself […] I vividly relate with this enriching account, that effectively unpacks useful insights for surmounting business hurdles, as well as connecting many corporate dots for budding entrepreneurs. This is a highly recommended read for anyone who aspires to be successful in a challenging environment.”
The stylish man of means first announced the much anticipated book last week via his social media accounts—X, Facebook and Instagram.
On Wednesday, July 16, he posted:
“Over the past decade, doors have opened for entrepreneurs in Nigeria that once seemed firmly shut. This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of perseverance, resilience, and the lessons learned from countless setbacks.
“I’ve walked this path myself, facing challenges and breakthroughs that shaped not just my career but my outlook on what it means to succeed. In the coming weeks, you’ll be learning about these experiences and my journey to becoming one of Africa’s most successful businessmen. I hope these insights will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“I will be sharing something very exciting in the coming days.”
He followed the teaser on Thursday, July 17, with the announcement that the memoir will be available from Monday, August 18:
“I am excited to announce the forthcoming release of my new book, Making It Big, set to launch on August 18th.
“Just a month to go.
“The lessons, setbacks, and triumphs that shaped my path are almost ready for you. In these pages, I’ve shared the real stories — the moments of doubt, the breakthroughs, and the principles that guided me through it all.
“I look forward to opening this conversation with entrepreneurs and visionaries across the world, and to seeing how these experiences might inspire your own journey forward.”
‘Making It Big’ has been in the works since 2018 when the 62 year-old tycoon announced via social media that he’s working with Kunle Bakare (publisher of Encomium magazine) and Simon Kolawole (publisher of thecable.ng).
He had announced on November 23, 2019, on Instagram:
“It’s a wrap! Finally concluded interviews with my friends, Kunle Bakare and Simon Kolawole, on my debut book on business lessons. Interviews spanning 18 months across Lagos, Monte Carlo, Paris, New York, London and now Dubai.”
From ‘Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business’ to Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business’
