True Happiness recounts Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola’s profound realisation that ultimate fulfillment isn’t found in acquiring material wealth, but in transforming another person’s life through selfless giving. When he witnessed the overwhelming joy of children receiving wheelchairs, he discovered that bringing hope and dignity to others creates a happiness that no luxury can ever buy.
Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola was once asked by a radio presenter in a telephone interview, “Sir what can you remember that made you the happiest in life?”
Femi said, “I have gone through four stages of happiness in life and finally I understood the meaning of true happiness.”
“The first stage was of accumulating wealth and means. But at this stage I did not get the happiness I wanted.
“Then came the second stage of collecting valuables and items. But I realised that the effect of these things is also temporary and their lustre does not last long.
“Then came the third stage of getting big projects. That was when I was holding 95% of diesel supply in Nigeria and Africa. I was also the largest vessel owner in Africa and Asia. But even here I did not get the happiness I had imagined.
“The fourth stage was the time a friend of mine asked me to buy wheelchairs for some disabled children. Just about 200 kids.
“At the friend’s request, I immediately bought the wheelchairs. But the friend insisted that I go with him and hand over the wheelchairs to the children. I got ready and went with him.
“There I gave the wheelchairs to these children with my own hands. I saw the strange glow of happiness on the faces of these children. I saw them all sitting on the wheelchairs, moving around and having fun.
“It was as if they had arrived at a picnic spot where they are sharing a jackpot prize.
“I felt REAL joy inside me. When I was about to leave, one of the kids grabbed my legs. I tried to free my legs gently but the child stared at my face and held my legs tightly.
“I bent down and asked the child: Do you need something else?
“The answer this child gave me not only made me happy but also changed my attitude to life completely.
“This child said: I want to remember your face so that when I meet you in heaven, I will be able to recognise you and thank you once again.”
Image above: A postage stamp issued by United Nations in 2021 to honour the legacy and charity work of Mother Teresa through the Missionaries of Charity. The date of her death, September 5th, is recognised annually by the UN as the International Day of Charity. Courtesy National Catholic Register.
Femi Otedola (born 1962) is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist and former chairman of Forte Oil PLC, an importer of fuel products. He is also the founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, and the owner of a number of other businesses across shipping, real estate and finance.
