Summary of Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business

Femi Otedola is one of Africa’s most respected entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and business leaders. A self-made billionaire and Forbes-listed icon of wealth creation, Otedola dreamed of starting his first business before the age of ten and made his first billion dollars by forty-one. His journey captures the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit in Africa—ambition, resilience, and the drive to succeed against all odds.

In Making It Big, part memoir and part business strategy guide, Otedola reveals his extraordinary story of building wealth, facing setbacks, and returning stronger. This inspiring book takes readers through his rise from humble beginnings, to creating billion-dollar companies, to losing it all, and then regaining it through discipline, innovation, and perseverance. Today, Otedola uses his success to fuel philanthropy and leadership development, giving back to Africa while shaping the next generation of business leaders.

A true disruptor in Nigeria’s oil and energy industry, Otedola transformed Forte Oil Plc into one of the top-performing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. His impact on Nigeria’s economy and society earned him the prestigious national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2010. His influence extends globally—he was named Vice-President of Save the Children in the UK in 2021 and currently serves as Chancellor of Augustine University in Epe, where he invests in education and innovation.

Making It Big is more than a billionaire success story—it is a business playbook, a mindset manual, and an entrepreneurship masterclass. Packed with motivational lessons on leadership, financial discipline, risk-taking, philanthropy, and personal growth, the book is a roadmap for anyone who wants to build wealth, grow a business, and leave a legacy. Whether you are an African entrepreneur, a global business student, or simply someone who wants to develop a winning mindset, Making It Big delivers practical wisdom, timeless principles, and hope for those who dare to dream.