Despite operating Virgin Atlantic in the country which closed shop because of local challenges, co-founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, still holds a deep affection for the country, a techpreneur, Hanu Fejiro Agbodje, said at the weekend.
Agbodje who shared his experience during the time he spent with the billionaire at his private Necker Island, a part of the British Virgin Islands, said Branson discussed the airline’s rapid growth, and its eventual exit due to ‘local challenges.’
“He still holds a deep affection for Nigeria.
“Of course, we also talked about blockchain, crypto, and the future of finance in emerging markets, where opportunity and innovation collide,” he remisced in a post.
However, the biggest highlight of Hanu’s time on the island was Sir Branson’s challenge to the 29-year-old entrepreneur as he was about leaving: “He (Branson) called me aside one more time: ‘Promise me you’ll get that book out’”.
Hanu revealed how Sir Branson’s influence on his life dated back to his childhood days when he read the British billionaire’s book entitled: Losing My Virginity, and how the story of Branson’s mother selling her necklace to fund his first business moved him to requesting that his own mother do the same and she obliged him.
During the visit, the two engaged in chess matches, hikes around the majestic island, and deep, inspiring conversations about vision, purpose, failure, resilience, and the grit required to build in difficult times and challenging environments.
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“We spoke not just about fame or success, but about failure, grit, and staying true to the mission. Stories that aren’t in the books. Lessons that will stay with me for life.
“We traded war stories about building things in hard places. He listened to mine: from selling candy at eight years old to launching Nigeria’s first crypto exchange at 21.
“He smiled and said, ‘You’ve got to write a book’. And I promised I would,” he recalled.
Hanu also spent time with Branson’s family, including his wife, son, and grandkids.
He said his encounter with the British billionaire is a great reminder that great things are often born from great challenges. And that has strengthened his resolve to stay focused, aligned, and continue building the future through digital and technology innovation in Africa.
However, the biggest highlight of the time was Sir Branson’s direct challenge to him as he was about leaving: “He called me aside one more time: ‘Promise me you’ll get that book out.’”
On Brandson’s challenge to write a book on his entrepreneur journey, Hanu said: “Let’s just say, when Sir Richard Branson asks you to write a book… you don’t say no”.
From selling candy on the streets of Lagos as a child, to becoming the spirited builder of Nigeria’s first crypto exchange at 21, to then being a guest of one of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs at his private British Virgin Islands home, it is safe to say that Hanu’s life story and leadership journey is about to get ever more inspiring for young Nigerians.
