From the outset, billionaire Femi Otedola has always showcased his shrewdness and brilliance as a businessman.
Those who were in doubts had a rethink after he bought over and turned around the moribund African Petroleum, AP, which he rechristened Forte Oil.
Blessed with proven magic wand, he successfully re-jigged the company from its former declining state to a flourishing one that became a brand to beat in the sector.
This, as he has reiterated on several occasions, did not come without a sweat.
He actually toiled and sweated to put the oil company on a competitive edge today.
It was, therefore, understandable that many expressed great shock when news broke that he was planning to sell of his 75% share in the
company.
It was the biggest story not only in the business sector, but also among many across all walks of life.
For those who know him too well, Otedola, it is believed, must have thought it out.
“Femi Otedola is, indeed, a guru in the field. He knows when to invest and he knows when not to. He is an encyclopedia and a cognoscenti in the business world,” a source said.
Just as the story of his Forte Oil sales made the biggest story, his diversification into power is currently a major discourse and enjoying
front cover on the dailies.
For many who don’t know the Lagos State -born business mogul, he is not new in the power sector, he acquired Geregu Power plant in 2013.
It was disclosed that he is only shooting up his stake and giving his all in the sector, just as he did in the oil sector.
A source divulged that with the new billions of Naira he just invested in Geregu Power Plant, he is already giving his rivals sleepless night.
He is fully showcasing his new forte.‘’ With the new funds he injected and his full attention and focus, the power sector in Nigeria will definitely not remain the same again,’’ another source added.
The deep pocket businessman’s life is a challenge to those who were born with the silver spoon but, out of sheer indiscipline and lack of focus, abused the privilege; and his life is also an inspiration for people from humble backgrounds that they should never entomb their dreams, even in the face of adversity. It was gathered that while he was growing up, he had displayed traits of a child destined to be great in life. He was precious to the admiration of all. While growing up, he had nursed a beautiful dream to be one of the greatest businessmen in the world. As a son of a former Lagos State governor, the late Sir Michael Otedola, providence has been magnanimous enough to him. So, many would argue that his paths were already laced with roses because of his background. But what many do not know is that he himself had sowed with sweats. In other words, foundation of his business empire was laid with sweat, determination and hard work. Of course, you cannot rule out the divine grace in his life, a situation that further attests to his first name: Femi (it literally means God loves me).
Many years after he floated his business, he resolved to pursue his dream on a global stage. Though it looked an impossible task, he was determined to pursue his ambition of ruling the world with unwavering doggedness. Today, the company is not only recognised around the world, but the Lagos State- born has become a shining light in the Africa’s business firmament and has been listed as one of the richest on the continent of Africa.
