Otedola to release blockbuster memoir on business success, entrepreneurship

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola is set to release a much-anticipated memoir chronicling his journey through the world of entrepreneurship, sources close to the business mogul have told PREMIUM TIMES.

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According to the sources, the upcoming book will detail Mr Otedola’s decades-long business odyssey, highlighting the obstacles he faced and the strategies he employed to overcome them.

While the memoir’s title, release date, and publisher remain undisclosed, the sources said preparations for publication are in advanced stages.

Mr Otedola, 62, offered a strong hint of the release on Wednesday morning when he posted a message on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, reflecting on the evolution of entrepreneurship in Nigeria and his own business journey.

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“Over the past decade, doors have opened for entrepreneurs in Nigeria that once seemed firmly shut,” he wrote. “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 will 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.”

When contacted Wednesday morning, the businessman declined to comment on the forthcoming book.

Mr Otedola, one of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures, is best known for his leadership roles in the energy, finance, and industrial sectors. He served as the chairman and CEO of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, and was a major shareholder in Forte Oil Plc (now Ardova Plc), from which he later divested.

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Since then, he has focused his interests on power generation through his investment in Geregu Power Plc, which he successfully listed on the Nigerian Exchange in 2022. In recent years, Mr Otedola has also attracted attention to his strategic moves in the financial services sector, including share acquisitions and board leadership at First Bank of Nigeria Holdings.

Beyond business, Mr Otedola is a noted philanthropist and patron of the arts, having made substantial donations to causes in education, healthcare, and youth development.

The forthcoming memoir is expected to provide rare insight into the mind of one of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs and could serve as a guidebook for aspiring business leaders across the continent.