Femi Otedola (born 1962) is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, founder of Forte Oil (formerly African Petroleum). He built his fortune in oil and gas, becoming one of Africa's wealthiest individuals. Otedola served as Chairman of Forte Oil and held significant stakes in various companies. He's known for transformative philanthropy, including donating ₦5 billion to Nigerian charities and covering medical expenses for former Nigerian internationals. Otedola pledged ₦5 billion to support COVID-19 relief efforts. His business acumen and generous spirit have made him respected beyond the business community. He champions entrepreneurship and African economic development.


ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAILBLAZER:
Femi Otedola transformed Forte Oil (formerly African Petroleum) through strategic recapitalisation, downstream infrastructure upgrades, and corporate governance reforms, before divesting in 2019 to focus on power generation and investments.

ENERGY AND FINANCE LEADER:
As chairman of Geregu Power Plc, he champions private-sector solutions to Nigeria’s electricity deficit, investing in gas turbines and grid modernisation. He holds significant stakes in FBN Holdings, demonstrating confidence in Nigeria’s financial sector and advocating for transparent banking.

PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT:
Otedola’s donations range from funding the National Ecumenical Centre renovations to covering medical bills for ailing sports heroes and entertainers. In 2023 he pledged ₦5 billion to the Save the Children UK and Cuppy Foundation partnership, one of the largest individual donations in Nigeria’s history.

MENTORSHIP AND ADVOCACY:
He mentors young entrepreneurs through the annual Femi Otedola Youth Entrepreneurship Series, emphasising integrity and resilience. As a board member of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and other bodies, he promotes policy that favours industrial growth and social welfare.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 4 November 1962 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
- Founder: Zenon Petroleum & Gas Ltd, CentreForce Limited, FO Properties.
- Honours: Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Forbes Africa Philanthropy Person of the Year nominee.
- Family legacy: father to DJ Cuppy, Temi Otedola, Tolani, and Fewa—each pursuing creative and philanthropic ventures.