Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chude Jideonwo & More to Attend the Lagos Launch of Eghosa Imasuen's "The Challengers"

In a country where economic growth has long been stunted by the weight of corruption and bureaucratic red tape, the story of Nonso Okpala, Adeniyi Adenubi, Mobolaji Adewumi, Gbenga Omolokun, Azubike Emodi, and their co-founders who turned the wreckage of the 2008 financial crisis into the multi-billion-naira VFD Group is nothing short of remarkable. Against this backdrop, acclaimed novelist and entrepreneur Dr. Eghosa Imasuen's latest book, "The Challengers: The Disruptive Nigerian Entrepreneurs Creating a Billion-Naira Company", promises to be a masterclass in Nigerian entrepreneurship. With a launch event scheduled for Monday, 13 July 2026, the book is set to bring together distinguished statespersons, industry leaders, and lovers of enterprise for a live moderated dialogue that promises to unpack the realities of building a collaborative empire.

The aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis created what is in retrospect a perfect environment for the rise of a new kind of Nigerian entrepreneur. As Dr. Imasuen notes, the founders of VFD Group realised the truth in the saying, 'You want to go far, go together.' This mantra is at the heart of "The Challengers", a book that moves away from the myth of the single, all-powerful tycoon and instead spotlights the collaborative efforts of six entrepreneurs who defied the odds to build a multi-billion-naira company. For those looking to glean insights into scaling a business in Nigeria, this book promises to be a goldmine.

The launch event, hosted by Narrative Landscape Press, promises to be an exclusive literary and business soirée. With Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria and author of the book's foreword, in attendance, the event is set to be a major draw for business leaders, SME founders, students of enterprise, and the general public. Renowned media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo will lead an unscripted, live conversation with Dr. Imasuen and the VFD Group founders, while Channels Book Club host, Kunle Kasumu, will provide a formal review of the corporate thriller.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of economic growth and development, the story of VFD Group and its founders is one that is worth telling and retelling. "The Challengers" is more than just a book about entrepreneurship; it's evidence of the power of collaboration and the importance of working together to achieve greatness. With the launch event set to take place on Monday, 13 July 2026, Nigerians will have a rare opportunity to engage with the authors and founders in a live moderated dialogue that promises to be a masterclass in Nigerian entrepreneurship.

As I see it, "The Challengers" marks a new era of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. With the country's economy still reeling from the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, the story of VFD Group and its founders is a beacon of hope for a new generation of entrepreneurs. With the launch event set to bring together some of Nigeria's most influential business leaders and entrepreneurs, this book promises to be a turning point for anyone looking to make their mark Nigerian entrepreneurship.

The Lagos launch of "The Challengers" on 13 July 2026 promises to be a landmark event that will spark a conversation about the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. As Nigerians gather to engage with the authors and founders, one thing is clear: the story of VFD Group and its founders is one that will continue to inspire and motivate a new generation of entrepreneurs for years to come.