In a social media post, a Nigerian-born tech innovator, Hanu Fejiro, has shared an inspiring experience from a week he recently spent with the legendary co-founder of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson, at the billionaire’s Necker Island, a part of the British Virgin Islands.
The most inspiring highlight of Fejiro’s time on the magnificent island was Branson’s challenge to the 29-year-old entrepreneur as he was about to leave.
“He (Branson) called me aside one more time: Promise me you will get that book out,” he wrote.
In the post, Fejiro revealed how Branson’s influence on his life dated back to his childhood days when he read the British billionaire’s book, Losing My Virginity and how the story of Branson’s mother selling her necklace to fund his first business moved him to request that his mother do the same.
“She did,” the innovator narrated.
During the visit, the two visionaries engaged in spirited chess matches, hikes around the majestic island and deep, inspiring conversations about vision, purpose, failure, resilience and the grit required to build in difficult times and challenging environments.
“We spoke not just about fame or success, but about failure, grit and staying true to the mission. Stories that are not in the books. Lessons that will stay with me for life,” he recalled.
The Nigerian entrepreneur continued: “We traded war stories about building things in hard places. He listened to mine: from selling candy at eight years old to launching Nigeria’s first crypto exchange at 21.
“He smiled and said, you have got to write a book’. And I promised I would.”
The duo also discussed Nigeria, including Branson’s time operating Virgin Atlantic in the country. The airline’s rapid growth and his eventual exit due to ‘local challenges.’
“He still holds a deep affection for Nigeria,” Fejiro claimed.
“Of course, we also talked about blockchain, crypto and the future of finance in emerging markets, where opportunity and innovation meet.”
The encounter ended on a wholesome note, with Fejiro also spending time with Branson’s family – wife, son and grandkids.
In another post on his social media pages, Fejiro said the encounter was a great reminder that great things are often born from great challenges. He said the meeting strengthened his resolve to stay focused and continue building the future through digital and technology innovation in Africa.
On Brandson’s challenge to him to write a book on his entrepreneurial journey, Fejiro said: “Let’s just say, when Richard Branson asks you to write a book, you don’t say no.”
From selling candy on the streets of Lagos as a child to becoming the spirited builder of Nigeria’s first crypto exchange at 21, Fejiro’s life story is another rare one from Nigeria, many of his peers and admirers look forward to reading.
