Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and people from Nigeria’s literary scene came together in Lagos on Monday for the launch of The Challengers. This book by Nigerian author Eghosa Imasuen tells the story of the founders of VFD Group.
The event took place at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel. It brought together executives, policymakers, media figures, and young professionals to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the lessons learned in building a lasting organization.
The book shares how five friends, Nonso Okpala, Adeniyi Adenubi, Mobolaji Adewumi, Gbenga Omolokun, and Azubike Emodi, united after the 2008 global financial crisis to create VFD Group. This financial services company has become one of Nigeria’s key investment institutions.
Unlike typical business stories that focus on individual founders, The Challengers looks at how teamwork and shared goals helped VFD Group grow.
Mr. Imasuen explained that it took nearly five years to document the founders’ journey. This included research, conversations, and convincing them to share their stories with the public.
“Convincing these individuals to tell their story was only one part of the process. Their humility humbled me, and it took a while for them to come to terms with how important their achievements have been when placed in a global perspective,” he said.
The author mentioned that the book aims to preserve a story that can teach lessons to entrepreneurs and business leaders not just in Nigeria, but everywhere.
The event was hosted by media personality Isabella Adediji. It featured a discussion among Mr. Imasuen, media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, and the founders of VFD Group.
They talked about the challenges in building a business, maintaining partnerships, and creating organizations that can last beyond their founders.
Ayodele Aderinwale, Founder and Executive Chairman of Justrite Stores, chaired the event. He urged business leaders to focus on creating organizations that boost economic growth.
Channels Book Club host Kunle Kasumu called The Challengers a book that goes beyond a business case study. He said it captures the personalities, decisions, and turning points that shaped the company’s journey.
The book got recognition from former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. His foreword described it as a work that can inspire young Nigerians interested in entrepreneurship.
During the event, the organizers introduced The Challengers Library Endowment. This initiative aims to distribute 3,000 copies of the book to public universities and young entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The initiative will help share the lessons from the founders’ experiences with students and new business leaders.
The Lagos event wrapped up with guests receiving signed copies of the book and discussing business, leadership, and the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Through The Challengers, Mr. Imasuen offers a new view on success. This view is based not only on individual talent but also on teamwork, trust, and the commitment to work together.
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