Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business

When Femi Otedola, one of Nigerias and Africas most successful entrepreneurs, decides to capture his experiences in 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. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA, Director General, World Trade Organization (from the Preface)

FEMI OTEDOLA is one of Africas 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 Otedolas ambition, hard work, successes, challenges, and setbacks from making a billion, to losing a billion to making it back again and, as one of Africas richest men, settling into a philanthropic role to give back to the continent.

Otedolas role as disruptor in his countrys 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 Nigerias 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 everywhere.

The book is a must-read for all business leaders, policy makers, and young people venturing into the world of entrepreneurship and business. DR. AKINWUMI A. ADESINA, President, African Development Bank Group

As someone who came from an entrepreneurial family myself [] I vividly relate to this enriching account, which effectively unpacks useful insights for surmounting business hurdles and connecting many corporate dots for budding entrepreneurs. This is a highly recommended read for anyone who aspires to be successful in a challenging environment. ALIKO DANGOTE, GCON, President/CEO, Dangote Group