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Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business
- GenresBusiness
296 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2025
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127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 5, 2025
"Autobiography is only to be trusted when it reveals something disgraceful. A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying, since any life when viewed from the inside is simply a series of defeats." George Orwell.
I found Otedola's book very interesting.He gives a good account of how he built his wealth from running his father's printing press to running a shadow bank and then taking advantage of the government monopoly on diesel supply and the inefficiencies in that sector to really launch his enterprise and profile.
The main nuggets were the insights into how the Nigerian elites engage in the trading of favours and access for their own advantage . Sometimes these actions may seem borderline unethical. He speaks about using his contacts to access President Obasanjo multiple times and appealing to his Messiah complex in building a relationship that resulted in the deregulation of diesel supply - to the author's advantage. He casually mentioned how he repaid that favour by contributing to the construction of a church at the Presidents request and then makes subsequent campaign contributions.
Another example is when he gazumps a ships cargo of diesel by calling a friend very late in the night and getting him to renege on a contract by offering a higher price.
The book tries to swing some of these actions into principles on how to be a successful entrepreneur. However the true principle that's shared is opportunism. There's nothing unethical or immoral about opportunism in itself . However when it involves swinging government policy to only your obvious advantage as in diesel deregulation or AMCON debt restructuring, some eyebrows might be raised . Some of those
Sometimes what is not said reveals a lot more than what is said. For instance, there are scandals that the author was involved in but which he didn't bother to share details on like the Farouk Lawan Bribery scandal or the Matharoo sisters alleged extortion attempt. I was hoping we might also learn about his recent acrimonious takeover of First Bank but there's no mention of it. He hardly mentions other serious personal challenges like disagreements amongst his siblings about his father's estate or how he has been successful as a parent to a child with special needs.
What this book actually reveals is that making it big in Nigeria is a function of opportunism, influence peddling and a lot of luck. It also helps if you are a prominent politician's son.
My main takeaway is what the book reveals about Nigeria and it's elite. It confirms their apathy and disinterest in improving the country unless there's an angle in it for them. There are also no structures in place where ingenuity, enterprise. or innovation by itself will be highly rewarded without political or social influence .
I found Otedola's book very interesting.He gives a good account of how he built his wealth from running his father's printing press to running a shadow bank and then taking advantage of the government monopoly on diesel supply and the inefficiencies in that sector to really launch his enterprise and profile.
The main nuggets were the insights into how the Nigerian elites engage in the trading of favours and access for their own advantage . Sometimes these actions may seem borderline unethical. He speaks about using his contacts to access President Obasanjo multiple times and appealing to his Messiah complex in building a relationship that resulted in the deregulation of diesel supply - to the author's advantage. He casually mentioned how he repaid that favour by contributing to the construction of a church at the Presidents request and then makes subsequent campaign contributions.
Another example is when he gazumps a ships cargo of diesel by calling a friend very late in the night and getting him to renege on a contract by offering a higher price.
The book tries to swing some of these actions into principles on how to be a successful entrepreneur. However the true principle that's shared is opportunism. There's nothing unethical or immoral about opportunism in itself . However when it involves swinging government policy to only your obvious advantage as in diesel deregulation or AMCON debt restructuring, some eyebrows might be raised . Some of those
Sometimes what is not said reveals a lot more than what is said. For instance, there are scandals that the author was involved in but which he didn't bother to share details on like the Farouk Lawan Bribery scandal or the Matharoo sisters alleged extortion attempt. I was hoping we might also learn about his recent acrimonious takeover of First Bank but there's no mention of it. He hardly mentions other serious personal challenges like disagreements amongst his siblings about his father's estate or how he has been successful as a parent to a child with special needs.
What this book actually reveals is that making it big in Nigeria is a function of opportunism, influence peddling and a lot of luck. It also helps if you are a prominent politician's son.
My main takeaway is what the book reveals about Nigeria and it's elite. It confirms their apathy and disinterest in improving the country unless there's an angle in it for them. There are also no structures in place where ingenuity, enterprise. or innovation by itself will be highly rewarded without political or social influence .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
"When Femi Otedola, one of Nigeria's and Africa's most successful entrepreneurs, decides to capture his experiences in the form of a book, it is important." - Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DG, World Trade Organization.
That was my exact motivation for picking up this book.
As a Nigerian and an African, it is one thing to read self-development books and autobiographies of successful people like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and others. It is another thing entirely to read about an African billionaire who has lived through the peculiar realities of Nigeria, understands the struggles that exist within our system, and still made it regardless.
Before starting the book, I knew only a few things about Femi Otedola: he's a billionaire, and he went through a period of great depression before making an even stronger comeback.
After finishing, I can say it's one of the best books I've read all year – if not the best.
Not because it provided a definitive pathway to success or an all-practical approach to entrepreneurship, but because this is one of the few opportunities we get to step inside an African billionaire's mind and lived experiences, written with such structure and raw honesty.
My favourite aspect of the book was how it revealed the not-so-rosy details that happen behind the scenes and the tremendous hard work and dedication it takes to truly succeed. It teaches us to appreciate and acknowledge the privileges that exist around us, utilise them to the fullest, and continue forging ahead regardless of setbacks.
The book shares numerous life and business lessons: "Failure happens, indiscipline ruins, forgive those who hurt you, have a mentor," among many others.
Not once did I get bored while reading. Each page, each chapter, is packed with valuable advice. Honestly, it needs more than one read to digest fully.
If you are considering entrepreneurship or are simply someone who is serious-minded and seeking a book that puts life, success, and ambition into perspective, then this is the book for you. Bonus points if you need encouragement to dream big.
You don't have to follow every piece of advice to the T, but you're sure to find value inside.
10/10. Highly recommended.
That was my exact motivation for picking up this book.
As a Nigerian and an African, it is one thing to read self-development books and autobiographies of successful people like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and others. It is another thing entirely to read about an African billionaire who has lived through the peculiar realities of Nigeria, understands the struggles that exist within our system, and still made it regardless.
Before starting the book, I knew only a few things about Femi Otedola: he's a billionaire, and he went through a period of great depression before making an even stronger comeback.
After finishing, I can say it's one of the best books I've read all year – if not the best.
Not because it provided a definitive pathway to success or an all-practical approach to entrepreneurship, but because this is one of the few opportunities we get to step inside an African billionaire's mind and lived experiences, written with such structure and raw honesty.
My favourite aspect of the book was how it revealed the not-so-rosy details that happen behind the scenes and the tremendous hard work and dedication it takes to truly succeed. It teaches us to appreciate and acknowledge the privileges that exist around us, utilise them to the fullest, and continue forging ahead regardless of setbacks.
The book shares numerous life and business lessons: "Failure happens, indiscipline ruins, forgive those who hurt you, have a mentor," among many others.
Not once did I get bored while reading. Each page, each chapter, is packed with valuable advice. Honestly, it needs more than one read to digest fully.
If you are considering entrepreneurship or are simply someone who is serious-minded and seeking a book that puts life, success, and ambition into perspective, then this is the book for you. Bonus points if you need encouragement to dream big.
You don't have to follow every piece of advice to the T, but you're sure to find value inside.
10/10. Highly recommended.
November 22, 2025
"The secrets of great men are in their stories." This was how I willed myself to buy this book.
I genuinely appreciate his candour and honesty. It takes a lot for people to talk openly about their failures the way Femi Otedola did. In outlining his mistakes, he told his story clearly, showing his pitfalls so others can avoid them, while also showing how he reinvented himself and bounced back from the troubles that besieged him. He broke down his business acumen into bite-sized points and highlighted insights for both established and upcoming entrepreneurs to learn from.
From business to family life, friendships, financial advice, governance and more, FOte$ basically laid bare his life for his readers, to do with the information whatever we will. And it’s as real as it gets.
However, I couldn’t help but see his story through the lens of privilege. His father is Michael Otedola, and he got the opportunity to play in circles already skewed towards the top 1–5% of Nigerians. This doesn't in any way discredit or downplay the work he put into building his businesses, but we must acknowledge this privilege. It is not the same for the majority of business owners in Nigeria today, especially small business owners who struggle from the bottom up and don't have access to the same kinds of privileged beginnings. Any small business owner who is reading this book should just take the principles behind the lessons, but know that there are many things he did, that may not be immediately replicable without access to the same kind of wealth and opportunities.
This isn’t just a book for businesspeople. Every serious-minded person, and anyone looking to be intentional about their life should read it. There’s also a lot of humour in it, which I absolutely love. Also, on a side note, the paper quality? Top tier, premium stuff.
Read the rest of my review here: https://medium.com/nwamaka-ezeanya/bo...
I genuinely appreciate his candour and honesty. It takes a lot for people to talk openly about their failures the way Femi Otedola did. In outlining his mistakes, he told his story clearly, showing his pitfalls so others can avoid them, while also showing how he reinvented himself and bounced back from the troubles that besieged him. He broke down his business acumen into bite-sized points and highlighted insights for both established and upcoming entrepreneurs to learn from.
From business to family life, friendships, financial advice, governance and more, FOte$ basically laid bare his life for his readers, to do with the information whatever we will. And it’s as real as it gets.
However, I couldn’t help but see his story through the lens of privilege. His father is Michael Otedola, and he got the opportunity to play in circles already skewed towards the top 1–5% of Nigerians. This doesn't in any way discredit or downplay the work he put into building his businesses, but we must acknowledge this privilege. It is not the same for the majority of business owners in Nigeria today, especially small business owners who struggle from the bottom up and don't have access to the same kinds of privileged beginnings. Any small business owner who is reading this book should just take the principles behind the lessons, but know that there are many things he did, that may not be immediately replicable without access to the same kind of wealth and opportunities.
This isn’t just a book for businesspeople. Every serious-minded person, and anyone looking to be intentional about their life should read it. There’s also a lot of humour in it, which I absolutely love. Also, on a side note, the paper quality? Top tier, premium stuff.
Read the rest of my review here: https://medium.com/nwamaka-ezeanya/bo...
November 28, 2025
This was more of a doing business with political allies book than one of strictly business. No one can deny his hard work and grit. And I like that he doesn’t deny the privileges he had. But on the father part and other sides to life of a business person it was found lacking. The whole political talk tired me at some point and I wondered that without the powers that be how can the common man survive?
He leaves out some details like being a father to a special need child and how that plays out in the sibling dynamic. His relationship with his siblings or friends. What is life like outside of these things? Overall I appreciate his writing style, it was clearly delivered, but one can’t help but look at what was not said given what was said. There’s a lot to digest and given the title being lessons from a life in business, it indeed told the story of a life in business.
Some parts were hilarious like when his CEO then confidently said the prices won’t drop and then the prices dropped leading them into problems.
It makes me wonder if one does not have this much political connections he had, would they have survived paying off that much debt? I don’t also understand how his debt was 220 billion naira and AMCON bought it at 140 billion naira, how? What happened? Anywho there are lessons to be taken indeed but don’t delulu yourself into thinking the rules would have applied without some substantial network in political powers.
He leaves out some details like being a father to a special need child and how that plays out in the sibling dynamic. His relationship with his siblings or friends. What is life like outside of these things? Overall I appreciate his writing style, it was clearly delivered, but one can’t help but look at what was not said given what was said. There’s a lot to digest and given the title being lessons from a life in business, it indeed told the story of a life in business.
Some parts were hilarious like when his CEO then confidently said the prices won’t drop and then the prices dropped leading them into problems.
It makes me wonder if one does not have this much political connections he had, would they have survived paying off that much debt? I don’t also understand how his debt was 220 billion naira and AMCON bought it at 140 billion naira, how? What happened? Anywho there are lessons to be taken indeed but don’t delulu yourself into thinking the rules would have applied without some substantial network in political powers.
September 8, 2025
We need more African leaders, business persons and people of influence sharing their journeys and stories.
Resting this felt like looking in the mirror and believing in what can be, a book of grit, motivation and drive. From humble beginnings to the top of the world and back down to only come back twice as big and determined. Femi’s story and lessons from his life in business gives the reader a glimpse of the chase, rise and fall from grace all whilst staying true to oneself and belief in if one can achieve great heights and lose it all; where there is a will there is a way to get back up regardless of how long or hard one has to fight.
The emphasis on starting small and getting big is a big theme, and working alongside those that can help you reach the heights you want to reach is also utterly important (even though one might face serpents along the way). Never give up, as what is destined for you no one can takeaway. With God anything is possible.
Something that resonated was “You are born into a particular family for a reason. You carry along attributes that characterize this family, and the history of your forebears has much to do with your future”. His upbringing, his history and his ancestors all play a role on who he is and who he became . It is not accident, it is all destined.
Four words: Providing, success, legacy, perseverance
Resting this felt like looking in the mirror and believing in what can be, a book of grit, motivation and drive. From humble beginnings to the top of the world and back down to only come back twice as big and determined. Femi’s story and lessons from his life in business gives the reader a glimpse of the chase, rise and fall from grace all whilst staying true to oneself and belief in if one can achieve great heights and lose it all; where there is a will there is a way to get back up regardless of how long or hard one has to fight.
The emphasis on starting small and getting big is a big theme, and working alongside those that can help you reach the heights you want to reach is also utterly important (even though one might face serpents along the way). Never give up, as what is destined for you no one can takeaway. With God anything is possible.
Something that resonated was “You are born into a particular family for a reason. You carry along attributes that characterize this family, and the history of your forebears has much to do with your future”. His upbringing, his history and his ancestors all play a role on who he is and who he became . It is not accident, it is all destined.
Four words: Providing, success, legacy, perseverance
January 19, 2026
This book is full of practical lessons for all stages and levels of life and business. It is written with so much honesty, and vulnerability. His authenticity and writing style feel like sitting down for a conversation making you wish the book did not end.
Some critics (who I assume have not read the book) have cited the writer having come from a well-to-do background implying that that is how he simply made it but in this book he shares his own journey on family, building, success, losses and rising again. He is honest on his advantages without trying to paint a sufferance picture and even encourages using it - “Having an advantage is invaluable to success in business” .But you will also see that having certain advantages doesn’t take away the hard and all that is required in doing business, or big losses.
As a young mom, I also picked some parenting lessons from how he related with his father to his relationship with his children encouraging them to charge their own paths while offering guidance.
If you are an African entrepreneur seeking mentorship and guidance on business and life from someone who has walked the walk this is the book you should be reading.
Some critics (who I assume have not read the book) have cited the writer having come from a well-to-do background implying that that is how he simply made it but in this book he shares his own journey on family, building, success, losses and rising again. He is honest on his advantages without trying to paint a sufferance picture and even encourages using it - “Having an advantage is invaluable to success in business” .But you will also see that having certain advantages doesn’t take away the hard and all that is required in doing business, or big losses.
As a young mom, I also picked some parenting lessons from how he related with his father to his relationship with his children encouraging them to charge their own paths while offering guidance.
If you are an African entrepreneur seeking mentorship and guidance on business and life from someone who has walked the walk this is the book you should be reading.
September 12, 2025
Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, provides lessons on entrepreneurship, business, family, and life using his extensive experience in several ventures as examples. If you are looking for the juicy details about the political economy of Nigeria, you will be a tad disappointed because this is not exactly a tell-it-all book. It does tell some though - from his father's campaign to become Governor of Lagos, to his friendship with members of Saani Abacha's military government, to him funding campaigns of Obasanjo and Yaradua.
Otedola does not make any secrets about the importance of his upbringing in becoming who he became, but he also seeks to clarify that his own risk-taking and entrepreneurial drive converted what would've been a pretty comfortable life into an extremely wealthy one.
An entertaining read in parts, but this is essentially a guide for business way more than it is a biography. And I think that lies at the heart of my disappointment.
Otedola does not make any secrets about the importance of his upbringing in becoming who he became, but he also seeks to clarify that his own risk-taking and entrepreneurial drive converted what would've been a pretty comfortable life into an extremely wealthy one.
An entertaining read in parts, but this is essentially a guide for business way more than it is a biography. And I think that lies at the heart of my disappointment.
September 23, 2025
I found this to be a fun read. Getting into the mind of a billionaire is a rare treat.
Femi’s relentless drive especially in the early days of getting into diesel was quite inspiring.
This is written well.
Only complaints are that I felt some of the ideas/points were quite scattered. In addition, I feel like many of the ideas are for those who have “already” made it - so I was confused on more than one count as to who the target is.
All in all, good read if you’re interested in business, or the behind the scenes take from one of Africa’s most accomplished businessmen.
Femi’s relentless drive especially in the early days of getting into diesel was quite inspiring.
This is written well.
Only complaints are that I felt some of the ideas/points were quite scattered. In addition, I feel like many of the ideas are for those who have “already” made it - so I was confused on more than one count as to who the target is.
All in all, good read if you’re interested in business, or the behind the scenes take from one of Africa’s most accomplished businessmen.
August 30, 2025
A decent book filled with life lessons from a successful uncle. My fav parts are where he admonishes about taking your health seriously. The book, in my opinion, should be read primarily (as an autobiography similar to Vantage by Olumide Soyombo) to know Otedola's story and if there are any new lessons one learns then that's more like an icing on the cake.
October 3, 2025
Really great book and clear writing. Femi Otedola, one of Africa’s richest men explains the motivation for starting his businesses, his capital raise(s), his successes and his failures and most importantly, how he bounced back from those failures.
A truly great book for any budding entrepreneur from Africa.
A truly great book for any budding entrepreneur from Africa.
November 27, 2025
The author provides specifics on how he was able to navigate business, family & success. I love that it is practical, personal and hits the soul of its reader encouraging one to dream big and take that business leap required for growth. This book is special in that it’s very detailed with dates, names and locations. I recommend this book to any aspiring entrepreneur in Nigeria & Africa.
October 20, 2025
This is one of the best business book have read. it share lights into so many things . it gives better insight into nigeria business world. A must have book by Egbon Femi Otedola . who can tell it better than the doer itself.
August 30, 2025
AMAZING ❤️...
September 12, 2025
Business and Achievements.
September 15, 2025
Great book on the reality of African entrepreneurship. His ability to close deals reminds me of Stephen Schwarzman.
At the end of the day, wealth is more of social capital created over day.
At the end of the day, wealth is more of social capital created over day.
October 15, 2025
I have learned so many life and business lessons while reading this book. I will forever be grateful for all these lessons. This book is indeed truly a blessing.
November 9, 2025
Great use of storytelling and humour to pass on lessons worth learning
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews