The Billionaire Who Finally Spilled the Beans – A review of Femi Otedola’s Making It Big
Title: Making it Big
Author: Femi Otedola
Year of Publication: 2025
Number of Pages: 284
Category: Memoir
If you’re Nigerian, you don’t need a prophet to tell you that once you pick up this book, you’re already eyeing billionaire status. I mean, who doesn’t want the express lane to “making it big” around here? No wonder young people are snapping up copies of Femi Otedola’s Making It Big. Let’s be honest, we’re all chasing that “big” life.
Femi Otedola needs no introduction, but in case you’ve somehow been living under a rock, the book cover makes sure you can now put a face to the name.
If you’re expecting a classic rags-to-riches story, you might be surprised. Otedola didn’t start from nothing, he grew up privileged but don’t let that fool you. The book is packed with sharp business lessons, personal reflections, and hard-earned insights.
Approach Making It Big with an open mind and you’ll find plenty to learn. Otedola clearly wrote this with the intention of mentoring young entrepreneurs, and many of his insights are pure gold. Still, some readers might find a few parts discouraging, many of his lessons assume access to resources most people don’t have. Yet, his principles can still spark ambition and challenge readers to think bigger. And really, should privilege disqualify someone from sharing their story?
From manicures to finance, downstream oil trading, shipping, real estate, and power, Otedola has dipped his hands into almost everything. He may not strike you as much of a talker, but here, he opens up, something many Nigerian moguls shy away from.
He even lets us in on personal moments like the time he dropped out of school. (And no, that’s not your cue to drop out too!) While most Nigerian parents boast about their flawless grades, Otedola admits he wasn’t exactly the brightest student. That honesty makes the book refreshingly human. With its simple, direct language, it’s an easy and entertaining read.
One moment, he’s telling his life story; the next, he’s teaching history, preaching motivation, or switching into businessman mode. He’s restless, impatient, bold, maybe even a little crazy, judging by some of his deals. Visionaries will find him inspiring; those content with the simple life might find him overwhelming. He owns his mistakes, boasts about his wins, and never pretends to be perfect. You’ll see sides of Femi Otedola you’ve never seen before.
Still, if you’re not ready to face the kind of storms he weathered, maybe keep living your ordinary life because this billionaire path isn’t for the faint-hearted. His experiences are eye-opening, showing that wealth comes with both grit and grief.
Then there’s the cheeky side of Otedola. When he writes things like “let the haters go and eat grass,” you know this isn’t your typical polished billionaire memoir. He names names and says things only a billionaire can get away with. Some of his former employees might not find this read so nostalgic.
In the end, Making It Big does more than tell one man’s story, it sets a precedent. It’s a call for more African leaders to step forward and share their journeys honestly with the younger generation.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial
