Mentorship and courage are non-negotiable requirements for entrepreneurs who want to thrive and build sustainable businesses in Nigeria, experts have said.
The experts spoke during the launch of Courage to Succeed, a new book that profiles 14 Nigerian founders who built thriving businesses despite major economic and operational challenges.
The book, authored by Yinka Padonu, Creative Director of Smartbrands Innovative Media Services, documents the journeys, failures and breakthroughs of founders across different sectors.
Speaking at the event, Bisi Shotunde, CEO of Busybee Group, emphasised that mentorship is the bridge between ambition and achievement.
“Mentorship is critical. It requires building a quality relationship with the right mentors and learning from their wins and mistakes,” she said.
Mayokun Oreofe, CEO of Rebound Experts Limited, also urged entrepreneurs to embrace service as a foundation for growth, noting that thriving businesses are built on value, not just profit.
During the book launch, Padonu highlighted the purpose of the publication.
“This book was born from one simple conviction: our nation needs living proof; our youth need living proof that success is possible here,” he said.
“That is why we documented the journeys of fourteen extraordinary Nigerians — men and women who faced rejection, scarcity, doubt and challenges, yet chose to keep moving forward.”
Delivering the keynote, Ted Iwere, Founder of The Business Builders, stressed that courage remains central to entrepreneurial success.
“Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is action taken in the presence of fear,” he said.
He identified three areas where courage decides outcomes: the courage to start before you feel ready, the courage to charge what you are worth, and the courage to stop what is not working.
Iwere added that courage must be paired with the right mindset.
“Courage without the right mindset is simply recklessness. You need both. Courage gets you to jump. Your mindset determines whether you learn to fly or keep falling.”
Reviewing the book, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, former Online Editor of The Nation Newspaper, said each profile captures both the told and untold stories of entrepreneurs who dared to succeed.
“The book offers great insights, especially for new and aspiring entrepreneurs who need to learn from the secrets of those who have walked the road they are just starting,” he said.
Otufodunrin added that the strength of the compilation lies in its Nigerian context.
“The beauty of this compilation is that these are stories of entrepreneurship from an environment that is not the most conducive to succeed. For those who look to developed countries for examples, here is a book about Nigerians who have weathered the storms and can serve as motivation.”
Goodwill messages were delivered by Dr. Mumini Alao, Group Managing Editor of Complete Sports, and Hon.Setonji Koshoedo, Acting General Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Both described the launch as timely and impactful, noting that the documented journeys of the 14 business leaders provide practical inspiration and accessible mentorship for the next generation.
The launch brought together entrepreneurs, media professionals, alumni and young people, with speakers agreeing that Courage to Succeed offers living proof that with mentorship and courage, success is possible in Nigeria.
