For Femi Otedola, business started long before the boardroom. At just seven years old, he was already charging visitors to his parents’ Lagos home a small fee for nail-cutting services, diligently logging his profits in a notebook. It was an early sign of the discipline and business instinct that would later define his career.
Today, Otedola is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most prominent entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and wealth-builders. His new book, “Making It Big”, traces his remarkable journey through the highs and lows of Nigeria’s challenging business landscape, offering both a candid memoir and a practical guide for aspiring entrepreneurs.
From building what became Nigeria’s largest diesel import and distribution network, to losing it all almost overnight, and then reemerging as a major player in oil, power, banking, and real estate, Otedola’s career embodies resilience, adaptability, and relentless drive.
But “Making It Big” isn’t just about business triumphs. Each chapter distills lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and personal growth, with advice drawn directly from Otedola’s own experiences. He highlights the importance of finding mentors, protecting one’s health for peak performance, and knowing when to delegate and simplify — a skill he admits he struggled with in his early days.
One of the book’s most striking themes is Otedola’s philosophy on family and business. Rejecting the common practice of installing children into corporate empires, he advocates for independence: his children must chart their own paths, make mistakes, and succeed on their own terms.
The narrative also provides rare insight into the intersection of politics and business in Nigeria. Otedola recounts how strategic relationships, including persuading former President Olusegun Obasanjo to deregulate the diesel market, were pivotal in reshaping entire industries. These anecdotes underscore the value of influence, networks, and timing in entrepreneurial success.
While some readers may wish the book continued into the present political era, “Making It Big” remains a compelling blend of biography and business playbook. Its direct writing style, coupled with the concise “Takeaway” summaries at the end of each chapter, make it both inspiring and practical.
For anyone navigating entrepreneurship in Africa — or anywhere else — Otedola’s story is a reminder that success is rarely linear. It is earned through courage, persistence, and the ability to reinvent when setbacks strike.
