Eghosa Imasuen unveils book on VFD Group founders’ journey

Eghosa Imasuen presented his new book The Challengers during a public event in Lagos on Monday, detailing the founding and evolution of VFD Group, a prominent Nigerian investment firm. The gathering, held at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, attracted business leaders, entrepreneurs, members of Nigeria's literary community, and other stakeholders who engaged in discussions on entrepreneurship, leadership, and institutional development. The book recounts the formation of VFD Group by five friends, Nonso Okpala, Adeniyi Adenubi, Mobolaji Adewumi, Gbenga Omolokun, and Azubike Emodi, who came together after the 2008 global financial crisis. These individuals, driven by a shared vision, established the financial services company, which has since become a notable entity within Nigeria’s investment sector. Unlike traditional narratives that emphasize individual success, The Challengers highlights the power of collective effort and mutual accountability in shaping a lasting organization. Imasuen revealed that compiling the founders' story required nearly five years of dedicated research, interviews, and efforts to persuade the group to share their experiences. He noted that convincing the founders to open up was just one challenge, as their humility and reluctance to frame their accomplishments in a broader context delayed the project. “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 explained. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by media personality Isabella Adediji, involving Imasuen, media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, and the VFD Group founders. The dialogue explored the complexities of starting and maintaining a business, the importance of partnership sustainability, and the creation of institutions that endure beyond their creators. Ayodele Aderinwale, founder and executive chairman of Justrite Stores, emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to prioritize building organizations that drive economic progress. Kunle Kasumu, host of Channels Book Club, praised The Challengers as more than a case study, it captures the personal dynamics, pivotal decisions, and key moments that defined the company’s trajectory. Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo contributed a forward to the book, calling it a potential source of inspiration for aspiring Nigerian entrepreneurs. In addition to the book launch, organizers announced the Challengers Library Endowment, an initiative aimed at distributing 3,000 copies of the book to public universities and young entrepreneurs throughout Nigeria. The goal is to ensure that the insights gained from the founders’ experiences reach a wider audience, particularly among students and emerging business leaders. The Lagos event concluded with attendees receiving signed copies of the book and participating in informal discussions about business strategies, leadership principles, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Through The Challengers, Imasuen offers a compelling narrative that underscores the value of teamwork, trust, and collaborative ambition in achieving long-term success.