Finance:Making It Big
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| Author | Femi Otedola |
|---|---|
Publication date | August 18, 2025 |
| ISBN | 9-786-97748-3 |
Making It Big: Lessons from a life in Business is a memoir and business guide authored by Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist Femi Otedola. It was officially released on August 18, 2025, both in hardcover and paperback formats.[1] Otedola launched an official website for the memoir in July 2025, offering options for pre-orders, previews, and updates ahead of the release.[2] The book was publicly unveiled in London, accompanied by a simultaneous global launch via major outlets and the author's website.[1]
Combining memoir with practical business lessons, Making it Big chronicles Otedola's journey from modest beginnings to becoming a billionaire by the age of 41. The book unfolds his entrepreneurial ventures which includes disruptions in Nigeria's oil and gas,[3] shipping, power, real estate, and financial sectors. As well as his ability to recover from major financial setbacks.[4]
Beyond business, the memoir also focuses on Otedola's philanthropic commitments toward education, healthcare, disaster relief, and religious institutions, and reflects on legacy, African identity, and responsible leadership.
Themes and structure
- Resilience and Reinvention: The book underscores Otedola's strategic pivots during crises,losing and regaining wealth and his continual reinvention.[5]
- Philanthropic Vision: The memoir communicates Otedola's belief in giving back and building enduring legacies through philanthropy.[5]
Endorsements
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, called it “a rare book by a successful African business leader documenting his journey and sharing lessons... especially for younger generations.[6]
- Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, termed it “a must-read for all business leaders, policy makers and young people venturing into the world of entrepreneurship and business.[7]
- Aliko Dangote,[8] President/CEO of the Dangote Group, described it as “highly recommended read for anyone who aspires to be successful in a challenging environment.[7]
Some critics believe this book is totally useless for average Nigerians.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Times, Premium (2025-08-18). "Femi Otedola officially releases much-anticipated memoir "Making It Big"" (in en-GB). https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/814933-femi-otedola-officially-releases-much-anticipated-memoir-making-it-big.html.
- ↑ Olaitan, Ayoola (2025-07-29). "Otedola launches official website for upcoming memoir "Making It Big"" (in en-US). https://nairametrics.com/2025/07/29/otedola-launches-official-website-for-upcoming-memoir-making-it-big/.
- ↑ "Our History – Ministry of Petroleum Resources" (in en-GB). https://petroleumresources.gov.ng/our-history/.
- ↑ Okonkwo, Amarachi (2025-07-16). "Otedola to publish memoir on business, setbacks, success" (in en-US). https://guardian.ng/news/otedola-to-publish-memoir-on-business-setbacks-success/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hagan, Thomas (2025-08-18). "Femi Otedola Launches Memoir 'Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business'" (in en-US). https://www.einpresswire.com/article/840768894/femi-otedola-launches-memoir-making-it-big-lessons-from-a-life-in-business.
- ↑ Daramola, Ayomikunle (Jul 30, 2025). "Okonjo-Iweala: Otedola's book will inspire young African entrepreneurs". https://www.thecable.ng/okonjo-iweala-otedolas-book-will-inspire-young-african-entrepreneurs/. Retrieved Sep 14, 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Abdulmalik, Abdulrahman (2025-07-29). "Dangote, Okonjo-Iweala, Adesina praise Otedola's Making It Big as book goes on sale" (in en-GB). https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/artsbooks/810448-dangote-okonjo-iweala-adesina-praise-otedolas-making-it-big-as-book-goes-on-sale.html.
- ↑ Dangote. "Aliko Dangote" (in en). https://dangote.com/about-us/aliko-dangote/.
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