Nigerian billionaire and business mogul Femi Otedola has officially unveiled the website for his forthcoming memoir, Making It Big, signaling the start of a high-profile pre-release campaign. The site — www.makingitbigbook.com — went live this week and will serve as the exclusive platform for pre-orders ahead of the book’s official launch on August 18, 2025.
More than just a sales channel, the website offers early visitors a glimpse into the themes of the book, with short previews and an option to register for updates. The memoir is being positioned as a personal and strategic reflection on Otedola’s journey through Nigeria’s business landscape — from humble beginnings to boardroom triumphs.
A Memoir Rooted in Experience
In a personal message shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Otedola described Making It Big as “a deeply personal account” that chronicles his formative years, professional detours, and defining victories.
“The lessons, setbacks, and triumphs that shaped my path are almost ready for you,” he wrote. “In these pages, I’ve shared the key principles – the moments of doubt, the breakthroughs, and the wisdom that guided me through it all. I look forward to opening this conversation with entrepreneurs and visionaries across the world.”
The book, he added, is aimed not just at documenting his story, but at inspiring others to chart bold, values-driven paths of their own.
Social Media Buzz and Public Anticipation
The announcement has triggered widespread anticipation across social platforms, with readers, business analysts, and young entrepreneurs hailing the memoir as both timely and essential.
Interest was further amplified by posts from his daughter, Florence “Cuppy” Otedola, whose comments about the book being “long overdue” have driven thousands of likes, shares, and reposts. Early reactions from the entrepreneurial community suggest that Making It Big is being viewed not just as a memoir, but as a manual for modern Nigerian business leadership.
With the pre-order window closing on August 18, early buyers have been urged to reserve their copies quickly, as no alternative sales channels have been announced.
From Manicures to Market Moves: Otedola’s Corporate Odyssey
While the full content of Making It Big is still under wraps, its narrative arc is expected to draw heavily on Otedola’s expansive portfolio of business ventures — each of which has helped shape modern corporate Nigeria.
His entrepreneurial streak, as the book hints, began at the tender age of six when he launched a manicure business named FEMCO, complete with handwritten receipts. That early flair evolved into a commodity trading career in his 20s and 30s, before culminating in the 2003 launch of Zenon Petroleum and Gas, which rapidly became a major force in Nigeria’s diesel supply chain.
In subsequent years, Otedola would go on to acquire and rebrand African Petroleum as Forte Oil, ushering in a wave of transformation before eventually exiting the downstream oil sector altogether. His next pivot — into the power sector — would prove equally strategic.
Geregu Power and the Power of Vision
Through Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s first publicly listed power generation company, Otedola has solidified his role as a pioneer in the nation’s energy infrastructure. As executive chairman and majority owner, he has presided over explosive growth: Geregu’s Q2 2025 net profit hit ₦13 billion, a 61% year-on-year increase, while its share price has appreciated by over 1,000% since listing.
Steering FirstHoldCo to Record Profits
In January 2024, Otedola made headlines again with his appointment as Chairman of FBN Holdings — now rebranded as FirstHoldCo. His leadership brought an aggressive but structured push for transformation. The result: the group reported ₦781.88 billion in pre-tax profit in 2024, marking a 125% year-on-year increase, with after-tax profits of ₦663 billion.
This hands-on, reformist approach has earned Otedola growing recognition in financial circles. At the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards, he was named Activist Investor and Market Maker of the Year — a nod to his ability to reshape companies and command investor confidence.
What to Expect Inside Making It Big
Although an official table of contents hasn’t been released, insiders suggest that the memoir will blend storytelling with strategic insights, touching on:
- The rationale behind his divestment from Forte Oil
- The acquisition of FBN Holdings and his goals for banking reform
- The rise of Geregu Power and its positioning as a future-facing utility firm
- Personal philosophies on wealth creation, philanthropy, and long-term resilience
- Lessons on risk-taking, decision-making, and leadership under pressure
More than a memoir, Making It Big promises to be a blueprint for business transformation, told from the perspective of one of Nigeria’s most dynamic first-generation billionaires.
As the countdown to August 18 continues, one thing is clear: Femi Otedola is ready to let the world in — and many are eager to listen.