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Tag: Otedola’

  • I’ll rather be a Dangote, Otedola or Adenuga in the next world than be A POLICEMAN–Retired DIG Adebanjo

    Foluso Ayodeji Adebanjo is a former Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. Adebanjo who retired in March this year after serving in the Nigeria Police Force for 33 years, speaks with KUNLE AKINRINADE on his life as a policeman, his experience in service and what should be done to improve policing in the country.

    How was your early life and what led you to join the Nigeria Police Force?

    I was born in Lagos on March 15, 1958, to the family of the late Chief Emmanuel Olukoya Adebanjo and the late Mrs. Omobola Adebanjo. I attended Lagos City Council Primary School, Okesuna, Lagos. I also attended CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos and Government College Epe, Lagos State. I then proceeded to Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America (USA), now (University of Central Oklahoma) where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Management and Administration. However, I was very idealistic as a young adult. I wanted to save the world, so to speak, because I had seen so many cases of injustice against people in the society in my early life.

    I believe in justice for both the rich and the poor and had a desire to ensure justice for all. That was why I joined the police. Tell us about your various postings and trainings before your elevation to the rank of a Deputy Inspector General of Police. I enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1985. I had served in various states and zonal commands all over the country and held strategic positions in almost all the departments in the Force.

    I also served in the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (INTERPOL) and the Presidential Task Force on Trade Malpractices, a forerunner to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) at Ikoyi, Lagos. I was Commissioner of Police Anti-Bomb Squad also known as Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), Force Headquarters, Abuja. I also served as Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, Commissioner of Police in charge Administration, Force Headquarters Abuja, and Commissioner of Police River State Command. I attended several local and international courses both in Nigeria and abroad. I am a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and several professional and international organisations.

    How would you describe your years in the Police Force?

    First of all, let me thank the Almighty God for protecting me throughout my career. I will also miss the Inspector General of Police and members of the management team who have all been wonderful and great colleagues. I will also miss other senior officers; officers and men that worked with me in one way or the other. Most of them have been wonderful and highly disciplined. I hope I won’t miss waking up very early and closing very late, and not having to switch off my phones even for one minute. I have enjoyed virtually every minute in the force.

    Can you share some of your unforgettable moments as a police officer?

    My lowest point was the day four of my men were brutally murdered by ruthless kidnappers while they were trying to foil a kidnap incident. It happened in Edo State when I was the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state. It was always a low point when any officer was killed by ruthless criminals anywhere in Nigeria. There are so many experiences that are worth sharing too. Let me give you another example of what happened in the Edo State (Police) Command.

    I remember the slogan in my maiden press briefing, asking criminals to repent from their criminal ways or relocate from Edo State. While discussing me among themselves, one particular suspect, according to an informant, boasted that he would kill me. Eventually the suspect was arrested and I directed that he should be brought to me for a chat. After confessing to his criminal activities, he said, ‘Oga, I am ready to repent now and relocate.’ That was after he had killed so many people with his gang members. Anyway, he is cooling off in the prison now.

    Prison officials confirmed that there was wild jubilation in prisons in Edo State when I was removed as Commissioner of Police to proceed on a course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Jos. Is it true that the notorious bank robber and kidnapper, Kelvin, confessed that he relocated from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos during your time as CP because the heat from your men was unbearable for him?

    Edo State was crime-infested when I reported in the state, and by the grace of the Almighty God, it was reduced to the barest minimum within two years. This is due to the determined and purposeful leadership that was willing to sacrifice for the good people. Officers were equally mobilised to the war on crime. It was a battle of good over evil. The support of the state government and the people was equally important. We had the support of the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who provided the logistical support in ensuring the relative peace that we achieved. We were very close to getting Kelvin arrested because most of his men had been arrested and it was only a matter of time before he would be arrested.

    What is your assessment of the police force you are leaving behind?

    My assessment is with mixed feelings. I see a lot of very good and hardworking officers being maligned due to the excesses of very few officers who engage in corrupt practices and indiscipline and have no respect for the rule of law and human rights. That should not be allowed to deteriorate. Also, it seems that most officers don’t check the junior ones who are misbehaving anymore. We must check them so that our image does not nose dive to a level that casts aspersions on the good officers and men of this noble profession. However, I have enjoyed virtually every minute of my years in the Force. But what about the poor welfare of policemen?

    The general welfare of officers and men are what you can call work in progress. There is the urgent need to improve on the general welfare of officers and men, and I also know that it has to be in the budgetary proposal. Seriously speaking, there is an urgent need to improve the welfare of officers and men, and I am sure that President Muhammadu Buhari will surely do that with time. Funding for the police is very poor and the money approved by the National Assembly is usually not released up to 30 to 40 per cent by the Federal Government.

    There is need to improve the general welfare of the police if we desire a good country where crime is reduced to the barest minimum. I am also urging the National Assembly to pass the Nigeria Police Development Fund Bill for the sake of all Nigerians, if they desire a peaceful country because we are all going to be ex-this, ex-that someday. If that is their only achievement, it will be their greatest achievement ever, and they will look back one day and tell their children that they were one of the people that made this country better. Mark my words, if we don’t act fast, Libya will be a child’s play. How can corruption be eradicated in the Police Force?

    The Force and its hierarchy do not tolerate or condone corrupt practices among the officers and rank and file. Of course, I cannot tell you that the Force is free of corrupt practices or that we don’t have bad eggs. We have the X-Squad that was created and mandated to fight corruption among its officers and men. I can assure you that those that are caught are never spared. The punishment for corrupt practices after an orderly room trial has always been dismissal from the force or reduction in rank. Supervisory officers at all levels must ensure corrupt practices are eliminated or drastically reduced.

    The police no doubt is a reflection of Nigerian society, but we must endeavour to stamp out corruption amongst us in order to be able to deal with corruption in the private or government agencies. Police welfare must be greatly improved for better service delivery.

    What is your position on the clamour for establishment of state police?

    My position on state police is mixed; mixed in terms of looking at the past, present and the future. Looking at the past, not many people will give it a serious thought because of the abuse by past leaders. The present day Nigeria is full of unbelievable challenges such as terrorism, herdsmen/ farmers clashes, kidnapping to mention a few. The future is troubling because of the present challenges, but I can tell you that the challenges are not insurmountable if we are serious as a people or government. Majority of state governments cannot fund state police because security is expensive.

    The present Nigeria Police are grossly underfunded, so what do we do to get out of the present complexity of criminality and security challenges?

    Looking at the clamour for the restructuring of the country and the unprecedented clamour for state police, it will be undoubtedly difficult to ignore it. It is an idea that is worth experiencing, no matter our fears, as we can put in checks to control abuse by state governments. The American and other models should be carefully studied at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, in Kuru, Jos.

    What is your advice to officers who are still serving?

    They must uphold the dignity and power of the force. The Nigerian Police is the foremost internal security agency and must be at the forefront in the fight against all forms of criminality. We cannot afford to play the second fiddle to any other organisation. Of course, there must be synergy between the police, the military and other security agencies.

    They must ensure that discipline, which is the bedrock of the force, is maintained by all officers, especially the rank and file of the force. Impunity must not be condoned under any guise.

    If you have the chance to come back to the world the second time, would you still want to be a policeman?

    I will like to be a business tycoon, so that I can make more money like Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola and others big boys, so I can use the money to help the downtrodden to better their lives. I am looking forward to setting up a non-governmental organisation that would take care of the less privileged in the society.

    What is your advice to the nation as we get set for another general election?

    I am in the process of publishing a book on election security. Election should not be a do-or-die affair. Politicians must know that there will be winners and losers. Every one running for election must adhere to the electoral laws; not buying arms and ammunition for thugs to cause mayhem. There should be a level playing field for contestants by all political parties, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and other security agencies. We should not destroy this country because of elections.

    What are your favourite relaxation destinations?

    I love travelling to the United States and Europe. Now, I want to explore travelling more to African countries.

  • US, UK envoys, Otedola hold talks on economy

    OVER breakfast, United States Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Stuart Symington has urged Chairman of Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola to partner international business to create more jobs for youths. At Otedola’s Ikoyi, Lagos home, the U.S. ambassador praised the energy magnate for his investments and for being a role model for other indigenous entrepreneurs.

    The American envoy drew Otedola’s attention to Nigeria’s growing population, noting that the private sector has a critical role to play in creating opportunities for youths to be gainfully employed. This, Symington added, would help to address poverty and insecurity. He encouraged Otedola to explore partnerships with U.S. companies interested in investing in solar power projects and exports. Otedola, the majority shareholder in Forte Oil, is also an investor in the Geregu power plant in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. He thanked the U.S. ambassador for the visit and expressed his commitment to working with international businesses. “Nigerians are very entrepreneurial and would latch on to any opportunity to start and grow a business.

    The problem, however, has been access to cheap and longterm capital, which remains an impediment. “That is where we would like the U.S. to come in by encouraging private equity firms, venture capitalists and using U.S. export guarantees, among others, to support Nigerian businesses to become competitive and make good returns on their investments,” he said. He reminded Symington that despite the political and economic risks in the country, Nigeria remained one of the few countries where returns on investment are still high due to the infrastructure and technological gaps. Otedola hosted also British Ambassador Paul Arkwright to dinner at his residence.

    The economy, again, was the issue. Like his U.S. counterpart, Arkwright congratulated Otedola for his investment drive in the country, saying businesses such as Forte Oil, had become beacons for others to follow. He assured Otedola that given the strong historic ties between Britain and Nigeria, the country remained an investment magnet for UK companies seeking to do business in Africa.

    He advised Otedola to collaborate with other Nigerian entrepreneurs and businesses to encourage the Federal Government on creating a conducive environment for foreign and local businesses to thrive. Otedola, replying, assured the British envoy that the Federal Government had a policy and a council co-led by the private sector on the ease of doing business. “As you know, Nigeria recently improved its ranking on the World Bank’s ease of doing business index by moving up 24 places.

    But the Federal Government is not resting on its oars because it wants to improve on the current ranking. “We in the private sector continue to meet with government ministries and agencies and collaborate with them in areas where more improvement is needed so that we can attract more foreign direct investments into the country. “And I am sure that with the support of the UK government and businesses in some of these areas, we will continue to see improvements in all sectors of the economy,” Otedola said. He thanked Arkwright for the visit and expressed his commitment to working with British businesses on exploring new ventures in Nigeria.

  • Fashola, Dangote, Otedola for UNILAG lecture

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola (SAN) will be the special guest of honour at the second public lecture of the Department of Commercial and Industrial Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    Chairman of Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Chairman of Forte Oil Plc Mr Femi Otedela, will be the special guests of honour.

    Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Odein Ajumogobia (SAN) will chair the event.

    The lecture, with the theme: Funding Governmental Services in a Federation: The Inevitable Admixture of Law and Politics, will be delivered by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Ade Ipaye.

    It will hold on Friday at the J. F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, by 11 am.

    Head of Department Prof. Ige Bolodeoku said the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Babatunde Fowler, would  also speak at the event.

    He said Ipaye, a renowned tax law expert, would discuss sources of funding to government from the legal and political perspectives, as well opportunities.

    Bolodeoku said: “The lecture will examine the legal and political aspects of funding governmental services. It will look at the challenges, and explore areas Nigeria is doing well and not doing well. Are we under-utilising funding opportunities for government? If that is the case, what can be done?

    “The lecture will also look at policy and public expectations. Are the people overtaxed? Is there is justification for paying more or less? We believe the lecture will open a fresh vista on what we should do going forward. It will also educate those in government on areas they could look at and how to be more efficient.”

  • Lagos’ll become Africa’s third largest economy, says Otedola

    Lagos’ll become Africa’s third largest economy, says Otedola

    •Businessman endorses Ambode

    Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola yesterday predicted that Lagos will become the third largest economy in Africa by the end of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure.

    He said given the governor’s stellar performance,  the state would move up from its current fifth position.

    Otedola canvassed support for Ambode’s second term so as to continue with the good work, which he said is a continuation of “the foundation laid by his good predecessors.”

    Otedola, who hails from Epe, is the son of the aborted Third Republic Governor of the state, the late Chief Michael Otedola, who was in charge between 1992 and 1993.

    In a statement yesterday, entitled ‘Ambode has done overwhelmingly well’ Otedola, said:

    “As a Lagosian and OMO Ibile, I wish to expressly commend and appreciate The great good work our amiable Governor Ambode is doing in our dear Lagos – Nigeria’s no one State. I have watched and followed keenly, in the last three years of the brilliant transformation projects across the State. No doubt, Ambode is building on the foundations laid by his good predecessors. He is building roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, water treatment plants, sewage and storm water drainages, solid wastes management plants and mass  transportation infrastructure.

    “He has recently gotten approved the electricity power infrastructure for Lagos, which when fully executed, will make Lagos State almost energy independent in Nigeria.  You are all aware of the newly-acquired mass transit buses that are going to be natural gas-powered in order for us in Lagos to be the first to comply with the global climate agenda of DE Carbonisations. Clean and Smart Lagos will take us into the modern global village and make us the number four economy in Africa.

    “Our visionary governor is also spearheading the modernisation of the Lagos State bureaucracy in order to get all the processes  re-engineered for higher and best performances. A good government is a reflection of an efficient and responsive bureaucracy. It is the catalytic driver for private sector growth. A bad and weak bureaucracy will produce nothing for the people. We are lucky to have an able governor like Ambode at the helm of our affairs.

    “He is a knowledge-driven leader, hard working, with passion for our great state.

    “My endorsement and recommendations for him to have a second term is performance based and not just the usual conventional  charade of second term endorsement in Nigeria. I am sure that all my respected compatriots, friends and followers will agree with me that Governor Ambode should please continue with his good job till 2023.

    “Ambode, please Carry Go, the 2019 election and continue with your passionate work for Lagos State transformation.

    “Thank you for being a true servant leader and with your eyes on the ball, surely Lagos State will become number three economy in Africa.”

  • Otedola, Alakija dazzle at Daisy Danjuma’s party

    We tend to think of the high and mighty as people whose main, if not only, obsession is with acquiring all the money and power they can. While this may be true, we also tend to forget that they are the ones who throw the brightest, grandest and most expensive parties.

    But beyond splashing money around as if it would go out of fashion, they are also human beings like the rest of us who sometimes want to have a good time. That much was evident at the 65th birthday soiree in honour of General T.Y. Danjuma’s wife, Senator Daisy Danjuma. The high octane party left many mouths agape in wonder of the luxury on display from the food and the wine to the music and even the people in attendance.

    But besides the fanfare was the display put up by billionaire oil baron Femi Otedola and Africa’s richest woman Folorunsho Alakija. The duo almost brought the roof down with their dancing steps as they engaged each other in an unofficial dancing contest.

  • Dangote celebrates Eid-el-Fitr with Otedola, others on yacht

    Dangote celebrates Eid-el-Fitr with Otedola, others on yacht

    Nigeria surely has its fair share of billionaires. But none compares to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the boss of Dangote Group of Companies, rated by Forbes as the richest man in Africa. With his abundant wealth, no one would expect him to be a stranger to any good thing of life. Along with his fleet of luxury automobiles and private jets, he also owns a luxury yacht which he bought in 2013 for an estimated $43 million.

    He and his clique of billionaires, including the likes of Femi Otedola and Tunde Ayeni, are frequently out to make a statement. One of such occasions was the just concluded Ramadan period. Having faithfully taken part in the month-long fasting programme like every other Muslim, Dangote gathered some of his close friends together on his private yacht to celebrate the Eld-el-Fitr.

    On board the yacht were Otedola and Ayeni as well as others like Segun Awolowo, Sam Iwuajoku, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Cross River governor Donald Duke and the rest of Dangote’s friends who chatted and bantered away as they relaxed on the tastefully-furnished yacht named Mariya.

  • Otedola, Al Khalifa, Palestine FA congratulate Pinnick

    Otedola, Al Khalifa, Palestine FA congratulate Pinnick

    Leading billionaire industrialist Femi Otedola, president of the Asian Football Confederation, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and the president of Palestine Football Association, General Jibril Rajoub are among the latest prominent world citizens to felicitate with NFF President Amaju Pinnick over his election into the CAF Executive Committee.

    Otedola, in a simple, short message to only the third Nigerian to sit on the exalted CAF Executive Committee, said: “My brother, congratulations on your appointment. It is well deserved.”

    Al Khalifa, who came second behind Gianni Infantino in last year’s FIFA Presidential election, wrote to Pinnick: “Your election is a testimony of the faith and confidence the African football family has in your abilities and I am confident that you will make valuable contributions for the further development of football in your beautiful continent.

    “The Asian football family looks forward to further strengthening and expanding the close relationship between AFC and CAF. I look forward to welcoming you to my home country Bahrain in May on the occasion of the 67th FIFA Congress 2017.”

    Rajoub, in his own letter, wrote: “On behalf of the Palestinian sports family and myself, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations on winning the executive committee membership of Confederation of African Football, believing that African football will have a prosperous future.”

    Pinnick trounced Beninoise football official Anjorin Moucharafou to claim the prestigeous seat, at the CAF Elective Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 16th March 2017.

  • Strike paralyses Michael Otedola College of Education

    Strike paralyses Michael Otedola College of Education

    Academic activities at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCOPED) in Noforija, Epe, Lagos remained paralysed yesterday as the lecturers continued their indefinite strike.

    Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), MOCOPED Chapter chairman Mr Michael Adefuye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the union’s monitoring teams were going round to ensure compliance with the strike.

    “The lecturers are observing the strike because they are fighting for their right and want their pension paid.

    “Since strike is the only language the college authority understands, the lecturers are dedicated to it so that their demands can be met’’, he said.

    Adefuye said the union met the Governing Council on May 6 to end the strike but members were not satisfied with the meeting’s outcome.

    The school, he said, was not ready to commit itself to immediate payment of 75 per cent of its debts as demanded by the union.

    “The governing council pleaded with us to trust them and suspend the strike.

    “The council assured that the commitment will be met at the end of the month when the college receives new subvention”, he told NAN.

    According to Adefuye, the union congress met on May 9 and deliberated on the college’s position towards ending the strike.

    He said the congress concluded that the strike should continue until the financial commitment was made.

    “The authorities had claimed that they were already borrowing money to pay our salary because the present subvention was ýnot enough, claiming to be in debt.

    “So, there is no assurance that we will be paid if we agree till end of the month’’, he said.

    NAN reports that the lecturers on April 18 declared an indefinite strike and embarked on a peaceful protest.

    The union leaders said the strike was declared because the school did not meet their demands.

    Some of their demands include payment of 42 months non-remitted pensions to the Pension Fund Administrator after the government increased the subvention in 2013.

    The union also accused the school of collapsing the degree programmes with Ekiti State University.

    They contended that other affiliates – Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Federal College of Education, Akoka, were still running the programme.

  • TEMI OTEDOLA My mum stirs my interest in fashion

    TEMI OTEDOLA My mum stirs my interest in fashion

    Temi Otedola, the daughter of billionaire African business magnate, Femi Otedola, is setting out to make positive change in the lives of British youngsters seeking a foothold on the notoriously tricky international fashion industry. The 19-year-old who was featured in British Vogue magazine and interviewed by CNN tells Adetutu Audu it has been a whirlwind of adventure.

    TEMI Otedola, founder of emerging online fashion blog, JTOFashion.com, held the much talked about Afternoon Tea in Ankara (ATIA) on 27th February.

    The event which took place at the prestigious Café Royal on Regent Street was targeted at bringing together young people working to gain entry level roles in fashion. And also provide them with guidance on breaking into the industry through a series of workshops, networking exercises and talks from various prominent figures currently active within the industry.

    Speakers and high-profile guests at the fashion gathering included Reni Folawiyo, founder of Lagos-based luxury lifestyle store, ‘ALARA’. Others are head of Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Omoyemi Akerele, Vanessa Kingori, publisher of British GQ, and Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush.

     The convener’s (Temi Otedola’s) motivation is her keenness to fuse two cultures that stand within equal proximity to her heart  Nigerian and British.

    According to her, Afternoon Tea is often thought of as a pinnacle within British culture, and ankara is perhaps the most symbolic element of West African fashion.

    ‘It is the objective of this event to do just that – by providing them with a forum through which to meet one another and to hear some words of wisdom from key players in the process,’ she noted.

    The 19-year-old history student of University College London acted as an official ambassador at 2015 Lagos Fashion Week and was featured in January edition’s of British Vogue magazine. She is passionate in her work to empower youngsters, in particular those from minority backgrounds, within the British fashion industry. ‘ATIA is a new initiative I formed to promote much-needed backing and support to ethnic diversities aspiring to break into the fashion industry both in the UK and Nigeria. It will act as a medium for young people to network, discuss, and hear speeches from top influencers in the fashion industry.’

    A report conducted by UK Fashion Hotspot into International Fashion Month 2015 showed that on average, 84 percent of the models featured on the catwalks of world were white. Unfortunately, inequality cuts to the very core of the industry and 19-year-old Temi has charged herself with finding out why.

    So with JTO blog gaining huge acceptance, how does she feel about this? The fashion entrepreneur described the JTO Fashion.com journey as a crazy one. ‘Considering the fact that my blog was launched just over a year ago, I have been overwhelmed by the reception. I never thought that I would be featured in publications such as Vogue and the Evening Standard this quickly. It has been a whirlwind adventure but I’m just excited to see where it takes me next,’ she disclosed.

    Currently studying history of art the University College London, when did she realise she wanted to toe the path of fashion? Temi was quick to say that art and fashion are the two loves of her life. ‘I thought it would be better for me to pursue a degree in art and start my fashion journey as a side hustle. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do and I thought blogging was a perfect start for me, but I see working in the art world as a long-term goal,’ she pointed out.

    So what is the inspiration behind the blog? ‘My blog is inspired by everything around me. I like to style looks that are wearable but have a certain ‘edge’. So I’ll pair a dress with military boots or a suit with sky-high stilettos. I’m always pushing what I can get away with,’ Otedola noted.

    She must have been influenced by some people while growing up. The fashion blogger revealed that her number one fashion and life influence has definitely been her mother. ‘She always amazes me with her impeccable style and alongside my dad encouraged me to breed an entrepreneurial spirit. Other influences growing up included Oprah Winfrey, Grace Coddington, and Anna Wintour.’

    Despite the cheering news about her blog, what were her initial challenges and how was she able to surmount them?

    ‘I think it can be challenging for any blogger when they’re first starting out as it can be sometimes seen as frivolous. Although I believe bloggers to be content creative in a similar light as fashion magazines that create editorials, sometimes it can be passed off as a materialistic hobby. I think I have proven that my blog goes beyond just nice pictures and looks deeper at the fashion industry and what makes it tick.’

  • Femi Otedola adds another year

    Femi Otedola adds another year

    Few men know the secret to entrepreneurial breakthrough. And fewer understand how to skillfully manipulate this secret to build billion dollar empires. Femi Otedola has proven that he is not a businessman with few accomplishments to his name. Not only has he made waves in the world’s capital market, he was recently named as one of the only two Nigerians on the prestigious Forbes list of world billionaires with an estimated net worth of over US$1.2 billion.

    Among Otedola’s numerous successful business ventures is Forte Oil, Africa’s largest downstream oil company by market capitalisation. The company currently has a market capitalisation of US$1.5 billion, while Femi Otedola has a current net worth of $1.29 billion, according to a recent Forbe’s real time billionaire scoreboard.

    Femi added another year to his rewarding experience on mother earth on November 4 and kings and nobles took a time out to honour the white apparel loving oil tycoon. Only very few men can boast of the enviable strives Odetola has made and the prestige he has acquired over the years.