Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business - Femi Otedola

Otedola, Femi: - Femi Otedola, iconic Nigerian businessman who has graced the front cover of Forbes Africa, is a philanthropist, and former chairman of Forte Oil PLC. He hails from one of Nigeria's prominent families, and is the son of the late Sir Michael Otedola, former governor of Lagos State, and Lady Doja. His vision transformed Forte Oil PLC into one of the highest performing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which grew exponentially to become a model of possibilities inherent in Nigeria, winning accolades, and crucially becoming the investment of choice within the Oil and Gas Industry, including the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A business magnate, he founded Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, and is the owner of several other businesses across shipping, real estate and finance. Recognized for his contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy, he was awarded the prestigious honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in May 2010 and is the current Chancellor of Augustine University in Ilara, Epe, Lagos State. He has held several board memberships from president of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping; past chairman of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja; member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, member of the National Economic Management Team and Honorary International Investors Council under the leadership of Baroness Lynda Chalker. A philanthropist at heart with strong values, and a keen involvement in educational causes, Femi Otedola continuously demonstrates his passion for his community, Epe, Lagos State, and Nigeria, through generous donations supporting financially disadvantaged students via the Sir Michael Otedola Scholarship Awards Foundation. In November 284 Making It Big 2019, he donated $14m (USD) to the Save the Children Fund, supporting programmes for destitute children in the north-eastern region of Nigeria. He is the vice-president of Save the Children UK. A family man, he is married with four children.