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‘Suicide was an option’ — Otedola speaks on losing $480m in diesel market

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Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman, says he contemplated suicide when his investment in the diesel business failed in 2008.

He disclosed this at the 50th birthday celebration of Akin Akinfemiwa, chief executive officer (CEO), Geregu Power Plc, in London on Tuesday.

Speaking on how he met the celebrant and the role he played in his business, Otedola who is also the chairman of the energy firm, said his relationship with Akinfemiwa is a case of “destiny prevails”.

Otedola said 93 percent of the diesel business which he had at his fingertips, collapsed due to his playfulness.

He added that thoughts of his wife and kids halted the suicide moves.

“My relationship with Akin is what I would call destiny prevails. In 2005, I had a friend that worked in Oando and she did mention to me that she has a colleague. And she called Akin and we spoke,” he said.

“I set up my training company in London, FineShade Energy. I was looking for a trader and I couldn’t find any good trader. I called Dimeji Edwards who was Akin’s boss. Akin picked up the phone to come and see me.

“So he came, and I said to him, ‘listen I want to give you a job’. Come and work for me. Then of course he went back to Wale and Mofe who were his bosses then (at Oando). And they said you want to go and work for that man? That has sacked six CEOs in 6 years.

“Now when I say destiny prevails, the business collapsed. I built a massive empire. I had 93 percent of diesel at my fingertips. I was a bit playful, and the business collapsed.”

Otedola said rather than commit suicide, he decided to sack himself from the business.

“The option I had then was to commit suicide. Then, of course, I thought of Nana and the kids. And I said no, I won’t commit suicide,” he said.

“I will face reality and sack myself and the business. So, I sacked myself. I made Akin the CEO of the London office, and I was so impressed by the way he turned around the business.

“I gave him 1 percent of the business. I later made him the CEO of Zenon oil, and then the CEO of African Petroleum which I later changed to Forte Oil.

“When I was making that decision, I knew I have tried, I have failed, so it’s not my destiny. I can’t fall in business because I am an entrepreneur. I can make money but I have to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and I found that in Akin.”

Business

Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS

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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.

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Business

Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.

This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.

The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.

Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.

“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

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Business

Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank

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Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.

The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.

“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.

“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.

“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.

“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.

“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.

“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.

“We remain committed to serving our customers.”

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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