By Azuh Arinze
Very few books, I must confess, have generated as much excitement – long before their release and even after – as Femi Otedola’s Making It Big. And the reason is obvious: many readers also want to learn how to “make it big” like the son of the late Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, former governor of Lagos State.
Born on November 6, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State – though originally from Odoragunshi in Lagos – Femi Otedola, or “FO” as close friends fondly call him, is currently one of Africa’s richest men. He is married to the elegant Nana Otedola, MD/CEO of Garment Care, and they are blessed with four children: *Tolani, Temi, Ife, and Fewa.
Now to the book itself. The first thing that grips you as you open the 286-page memoir is FO’s brutal frankness and refreshing fearlessness. He lays his life bare – no sugarcoating, no embellishments and no colourations. In fact, very few things were left unsaid and unmasked.
Undoubtedly one of the best memoirs I’ve read and proudly reserved a special place for in my personal library, here are my 11 nuggets from a book that is not only steeped in fluid prose but also rich in timeless lessons:
1. Dream Big, Start Early
FO began dabbling into business before he turned ten. Even though he didn’t fully understand what he was doing then, he still kept going – learning, stumbling, and refusing to give up. His journey, thus, underscores the power of ambition combined with long-term focus. His advice? “Leave family out of your business.” That wisdom, one suspects, must have come from hard-earned experience – and despite having family members among his first set of customers.
2. Resilience amid Setbacks
At his lowest point, FO lost billions. Yet, with grit and grace, he bounced back, proving that success is not just about avoiding failure but also turning crises into platforms for comebacks.
3. Strategic Reinvention
Otedola has shifted across industries – from oil to shipping, power, real estate, and finance. Each transition was timely and deliberate, underlining the importance of adaptability and strategic reinvention. “Maximize opportunities and expand to meet demand”, he advises.
4. Disruption Creates Opportunity
If there’s another name for FO, it is “Disruption.” His transformation of Zenon/Forte Oil and his bold play with First Bank Holdings are proof that genius lies in shaking up the status quo.
5. Innovation and Expertise Go Together
Rather than focusing solely on product, FO innovated through systems – acquiring fleets, merging depots, controlling jetties, and leveraging finance to beat competitors. Innovation and expertise, he shows, must walk hand in hand.
6. Understand Political and Economic Realities
FO reminds us that business and politics are inseparable, especially in Nigeria. His turning point came during the 2004 diesel scarcity under President Olusegun Obasanjo, a crisis that transformed his fortunes. It was a powerful lesson on how policy, infrastructure, and enterprise collide.
7. Access to Power Matters
Many would avoid admitting this, but FO is blunt: access to the corridors of power plays a decisive role in success. Talent and hard work are vital, but without influence and access, the climb can be steeper.
8. Branding, Marketing, Publicity Still Work
Nobody could ignore Making It Big. From teasers to strategic promotions, FO’s rollout showed the enduring power of visibility. Publicity, well executed, therefore, remains indispensable to success.
9. Philanthropy Builds Legacy
Through massive support for education, healthcare, religion, and disaster relief, Otedola has written his name in gold. He reminds us that wealth without giving back is empty – and that philanthropy cements legacy.
10. Education Helps, But Isn’t Everything
FO did not earn a university degree. Yet, his vision, drive, and discipline lifted him to billionaire status – employing countless graduates along the way. His story is a reminder that formal education is good, but determination and purpose can sometimes take one even further.
11. Know What to Say – and What Not To
FO was silent on the bitter clash between him and his close friend, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. That omission leaves readers curious, but his advice in the book, nonetheless, rings clear: “Forgive those who hurt you.” Forgiveness, he insists, is a key ingredient in life and business.
In conclusion, Femi Otedola’s Making It Big is not just a memoir – it is a masterclass in ambition, resilience, reinvention, and legacy. It strips success down to its raw elements: vision, persistence, adaptability, access, and grace. To the proud, Otedola counsels: “To prosper, accept that nothing is beneath you.”
Azuh Arinze is Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books including The CEO’s Bible 1 & 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything & Everything Journalism, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, and Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career, My Story of Many Colours.
