Former Chairman of AIICO Plc, Fajemirokun unveils his Autobiography
As part of his contributions to the growth of business in Nigeria, former Chairman, AIICO Insurance Plc, Chief (Dr.) Oladele Fajemirokun, has launched a book that captures his exploits, successes and achievements in business.
The book is titled: “The Making of Me: The Odyssey in Business” is an autobiography of his life and business”
The book which provides solutions to business chief executives and entrepreneurs on the strategic ways to achieve success in business will also serve as resource materials for future generations’ business men and women.
Speaking during the unveiling of the book in Lagos yesterday, the reviewer, Prof. Adebayo Williams, who themed his review “Business Genius and Enabling Factors: The Making of Me: My Odyssey in Business” said the autobiography is a rich compilation of Chief Fajemirokun’s sojourn in the world of Nigeria’s entrepreneurship and boardroom policies
He said the book provides answers to so many frequently asked questions in the business world and other spheres of life, describing the author of the book as a “genius,” whose hands, he said, turn everything he touches into gold.
Prof. Williams said the book provides answers to questions such as why entrepreneurs are rare in Nigeria. Why people find it difficult to grow business and record success in Nigeria and the strategic ways of making a difference in business, among others.
He said the book also focuses on why the author succeeds where others fail; explaining how the author applied the power of positive deviant as a business man.
Prof. Adebayo Williams said the author also examines why successful business in Nigeria do not last beyond the first generation, comparing same with what is obtainable in the developed climes such as United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) among others.
The book, according to the reviewer, explains why he (the author) left his father’s brand/identity to carve a niche for himself and business.
He said the book is captivating, well written and a must read for all.
Earlier in his remark, the author of the book, Chief (Dr.) Dele Fajemirokun who is also the former Chairman of AIICO Insurance Plc, entrepreneur and philanthropist had said the book is his little contribution to the growth and survival of business in Nigeria.
He said the book is in response to popular demands from various quarters including business friends and colleagues, both within and outside the country, his children and those in the academic world, to documents his business experiences that will serve as a guide for the future businessmen/ entrepreneurs especially those in the same line of business with him and those who will like to venture into such business.
Chief Fajemiroken said he wrote the book to record those things he involved in during his life time as well as share his views and experiences for the benefit of the future generations.
“What happens in the field is different from the theories we learnt at schools and that is the real essence of this book,” Chief said.
While speaking on the secret of his success he said, “I have never been afraid of falling down but you can never meet me down because falling down is not a failure but staying down is a failure”.
Chief Fajemirokun advised entrepreneurs and those in business against procrastination and also gave a personal view on how attitude can either grows or destroys business. “Procrastination is opportunity’s worst assassin.” “It is your attitude not your aptitude that determines your attitude.”
He said there are many ways to be successful in business without being fraudulent and called on those in business to be truthful.
“I developed a survivalist spirit very early on in life as a result of the special upbringing my father gave me, something that he did not do for his other children. All my life I have been a survivalist – a fighter and this has been the hallmark of my existence. I have fought for everything I have done. I have won many battles, I have lost some too.
“But on the whole, life has been kind to me. Despite the unconventional life I have lived, I have been blessed and my children too. I have prospered where many have failed. I have been able to wine and dine with kings where others have wallowed in penury. I have trodden where angels fear to tread. I have been very tenacious and forthright in all my dealings with my fellow men. I have tried all my life to channel my energy into building a good name for myself, and above all, to maintain my family’s honour. I am a ‘positive deviant’ son of my parents,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, the chairman of the occasion, the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Alani Akinrinade, also extolled the author’s lifestyle describing him as a dedicated and forthright businessman.
Prof. Pat Utomi, in his remark, commended the author of the book for writing the book which he said will help in inspiring readings’ into positive thinking that will enhance business growth.
He said he admires the author consistent board room sagacity and ability to judge well.
Utomi who called other businessmen and women to learn from the experience of the author, said, “The fact that he believes in merit, I think we all know how much our country suffers for absence of merit in the Nigerian culture system”.
According to him, “Merit, pragmatism and honesty are important. That is why Singapore is where it is today. In Nigeria, we live in denial of all these and that is why we are where we are today”.
He said the author is someone who network remarkably well. “Our country is not going where it should go because things are not done right by those spearheading the affairs of the nation”.
While warning against unnecessary regulations Prof. Utomi described it as the biggest danger to economic advancement in Nigeria.
Those in attendance included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Chairman of Channels Media Group, John Momoh and Professor Pat Utomi.
The book is divided into eighteen chapters with 192 pages.
