Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has opened up about the turning point in his journey to wealth. It wasn’t just hustle—it was a lifeline from his late father, Sir Michael Otedola – a former governor of Lagos State.
“My father gave me a loan of £250,000,” he wrote. “That support gave me the confidence to seize opportunities in the fuel retail market.”
That loan became the seed for Zenon Petroleum, which later grew into one of Nigeria’s biggest oil trading firms.
Otedola’s memoir, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, was released on August 18. Within days, it climbed to number three on Amazon’s Best Sellers in Business Biographies and Memoirs.
The book blends personal stories with business lessons. It traces his rise from a young man working in his father’s printing press to becoming a billionaire by age 41.
He shares how he dropped out of school before completing his A Levels, choosing instead to chase business dreams in Surulere.
“All I wanted was to get involved in business,” he wrote. That decision, once resisted by his mother, became the foundation of his empire.
Legacy, Mentorship, and Giving Back
Otedola also reflects on his role as a father and mentor. He recalls giving his daughter, Florence “DJ Cuppy” Otedola, ₦10 million for her first major show at age 16.
“It was a lesson in perseverance despite its poor turnout,” he said.
The memoir also highlights his philanthropic work in education, healthcare, and community development. He donated ₦300 million to complete the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja and serves as Chancellor of Augustine University, Epe.
“Mentorship and financial backing shaped my journey,” he wrote. “They remain central to how I support my children and guide the next generation.”
The book is available on Amazon, with readers praising it as a must-read for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
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