Renowned Nigerian billionaire and energy mogul, Femi Otedola, has released his much-anticipated book, Making It Big. The Femi Otedola memoir provides a deeply personal account of how he rose to the top of Africa’s business world without completing a university degree or even finishing high school.
In the 286-page book, Otedola shares how his struggles in academics led him to abandon formal schooling and instead focus on business. His first exposure came through his father’s printing company, Impact Press, where he developed hands-on entrepreneurial skills. By 1994, he founded Centre Force Ltd. with ₦10 million capital, laying the foundation for a career that would later span oil and gas, shipping, real estate, power, and finance.
Today, Otedola is celebrated for his leadership in Forte Oil, transformative investments in Geregu Power Plc, and his role as Chairman of FirstHoldco Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest financial groups. His story proves that while formal education is valuable, vision, persistence, and resilience can be equally decisive in building sustainable wealth.
For Nigeria’s property and infrastructure stakeholders, the Femi Otedola memoir is a powerful reminder that opportunities exist in emerging sectors. From real estate investment in Abuja to the growing market for shortlet apartments in Lagos, Otedola’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the importance of spotting growth trends and acting decisively.
His reflections also connect with broader global conversations on entrepreneurship. As Forbes highlights, many of the world’s most successful business leaders carved their paths outside the traditional academic route. Otedola’s lessons are therefore not only relevant to Nigerians but also to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
In the end, Making It Big is more than a memoir — it is a roadmap for those who dare to challenge conventions, embrace resilience, and position themselves for long-term success in business and real estate.
