Everyone loves to talk about success, but very few tell the truth about the failures, sleepless nights, and impossible decisions behind it. You try to copy motivational quotes, attend seminars, even read “get rich” tips, but somehow… you’re still stuck.
Here’s the twist: in his new book, “Making It Big,” Femi Otedola doesn’t just talk about wealth. He opens the door to his real journey, the mistakes, the near-collapses, and the lessons that shaped him into one of Africa’s most recognized business figures.
In Nigeria and across Africa, wealth is often discussed like magic: sudden, glamorous, and easy if you’re “lucky.” But the truth is, many young people don’t see the full story. According to a 2024 survey by PwC, 70% of Nigerian youths believe wealth comes from connections more than hard work.
This mindset creates frustration. People chase shortcuts, only to crash. What’s missing are honest, practical stories from those who built fortunes step by step. That’s exactly what Otedola’s book provides.
How “Making It Big” Changes the Game
“Making It Big” isn’t your typical business book filled with recycled motivational lines. It’s more like a behind-the-scenes diary of a man who built, lost, and rebuilt empires in oil, finance, and investments.
Think of it like watching a football match, but instead of highlights, you’re given access to the training, injuries, and locker-room talks that shaped the victory. Otedola pulls back the curtain on how deals are made, how crises nearly swallowed him, and why resilience mattered more than money.
From his oil ventures to recent high-profile investments in power and banking, the book reveals not just the strategy, but also the human side, a man driven by vision, risk, and sometimes, sheer survival instinct.
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What This Means
1. Lessons on Risk and Resilience
Otedola’s empire didn’t grow in a straight line. He faced major losses, yet each failure became a stepping stone. For entrepreneurs, it’s proof that setbacks aren’t the end—they’re part of the journey.
2. Power of Reinvention
From oil magnate to investor in energy and banking, Otedola shows that reinvention is survival. In a fast-changing economy, flexibility is more valuable than stubborn pride.
3. Beyond Money—Values Matter
The book highlights not just profits but also values like legacy, family, and giving back. Otedola’s philanthropy reminds readers that true wealth extends beyond bank accounts.
4. Practical Insights, Not Theories
Unlike textbooks, Otedola shares real-life case studies from his own boardroom battles. It’s advice grounded in experience, not speculation.
Why It Matters to You
Imagine standing at a crossroads in your career, do you take the safe path, or risk everything for growth? Instead of just guessing, you get a mentor-in-a-book, guiding you with lived experiences. That’s what “Making It Big” offers.
If you’re an entrepreneur, student, or even a corporate worker dreaming of more, Otedola’s story reminds you that wealth is not magic. It’s built on bold choices, resilience, and learning from failure. And yes—you can make it big too.
The Big Takeaway
“Making It Big” isn’t just about Otedola’s billions; it’s about the mindset behind them.
The book strips away the myths of easy money, showing that true success in Nigeria (and anywhere else) comes from risk, reinvention, and resilience. The future belongs to those willing to learn from stories like this, not chase shortcuts.
So the next time you wonder if you can rise from nothing, remember this: Femi Otedola already walked that path, and he’s handed you the playbook.
