Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola has announced he is writing a new book titled Making It Bigger, the sequel to his award-winning memoir Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business. The revelation was made from Geneva, Switzerland, where Otedola was spotted enjoying a bicycle ride, sparking widespread interest in what lessons one of Africa's most accomplished businessmen still has to share.
A Sequel to an Award-Winning Memoir
The announcement comes less than a year after Making It Big was released in August 2025, making waves across Africa's business community. The memoir chronicles Otedola's journey from a young entrepreneur with ambitious dreams to becoming one of Nigeria's best-known billionaires. Rather than presenting an airbrushed success story, the book explores the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from billion-dollar wins to painful setbacks, and the resilience required to recover from them. It also offers practical lessons on leadership, long-term investing, business strategy, and philanthropy.
The first book earned endorsements from prominent figures including Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Akinwumi Adesina. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala wrote the preface, describing it as a rare account from a successful African entrepreneur willing to openly document his journey for future generations. Akinwumi Adesina praised the memoir as essential reading for business leaders, policymakers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Earlier this year, Making It Big won the Gold Medal in the Business category at the 2026 Axiom Business Book Awards in the United States, placing it alongside internationally recognized business titles. More recently, the memoir was named first runner-up at the 2026 Business Council for Africa (BCA) African Business Book of the Year Awards in London, sponsored by the Africa Finance Corporation. The award celebrates books that contribute meaningfully to conversations around entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic development across Africa. Otedola's memoir secured second place and a $5,000 prize.
More Than a Billionaire: Otedola's Business Journey
Over the past three decades, Otedola has built businesses spanning oil and gas, shipping, power generation, and financial services. After founding Zenon Petroleum, he transformed African Petroleum into Forte Oil before making a strategic exit and expanding into electricity generation through Geregu Power. His latest business move saw him deepen his investment in First HoldCo, where he serves as Chairman, reinforcing his reputation as one of Nigeria's most strategic long-term investors. According to Forbes, Otedola's wealth is estimated at around $1.7 billion, making him one of Nigeria's richest businessmen.
What 'Making It Bigger' Could Offer
If Making It Big focused on achieving success, Making It Bigger hints at something beyond financial wealth. It could explore legacy, nation-building, leadership, mentorship, or even the responsibility that comes with influence. For young Nigerian entrepreneurs navigating economic uncertainty, startup founders searching for practical wisdom, and business leaders looking beyond quarterly profits, the sequel could become another valuable addition to Africa's growing library of homegrown business literature.
