*Hanu Fejiro Agbodje, a Nigerian-born tech innovator, shares inspiring experience from an unforgettable week with Sir Richard Branson, legendary co-founder of the Virgin Group, on the billionaire鈥檚 private Necker Island, a part of the British Virgin Islands

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

In a revealing self-published article on medium, Hanu Fejiro Agbodje, a Nigerian-born tech innovator, shared his inspiring experience from an unforgettable week he recently spent with Sir Richard Branson, legendary co-founder of the Virgin Group, on the billionaire鈥檚 private Necker Island, a part of the British Virgin Islands.

However, the biggest highlight of Hanu鈥檚 time on the magnificent island was Sir Branson鈥檚 challenge to the 29-year-old entrepreneur as he was about leaving: 鈥淗e (Branson) called me aside one more time: 鈥楶romise me you鈥檒l get that book out.鈥� ”

In the post, Hanu revealed how Sir Branson鈥檚 influence on his life dated back to his childhood days when he read the British billionaire鈥檚 book, “Losing My Virginity”, and how the story of Branson鈥檚 mother selling her necklace to fund his first business moved him to request that his own mother do the same.

鈥淪he did,鈥� he shared.

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.

鈥淲e spoke not just about fame or success, but about failure, grit, and staying true to the mission.

“Stories that aren鈥檛 in the books. Lessons that will stay with me for life,鈥� he recalled.

According to Hanu, 鈥渨e traded war stories about building things in hard places.

“He listened to mine: from selling candy at eight years old to launching Nigeria鈥檚 first crypto exchange at 21.

鈥淗e smiled and said, 鈥榊ou鈥檝e got to write a book鈥�. And I promised I would.鈥�

The duo also discussed Nigeria, including Branson鈥檚 time operating Virgin Atlantic in the country.

The airline鈥檚 rapid growth, and his eventual exit due to 鈥榣ocal challenges.鈥�

鈥淗e still holds a deep affection for Nigeria,鈥� Hanu noted.

According to him, 鈥渙f course, we also talked about blockchain, crypto, and the future of finance in emerging markets, where opportunity and innovation collide鈥�.

The unforgettable encounter ended on a wholesome note, with Hanu also spending time with Branson鈥檚 family, including his wife, son, and grandkids.

Hanu subsequently, shared on one of his social media pages that his encounter with the British billionaire was a great reminder that great things are often born from great challenges.

And that has strengthened his resolve to stay focused, aligned, and continue building the future through digital and technology innovation in Africa.

However, the biggest highlight of his time on the magnificent island was Sir Branson鈥檚 direct challenge to him as he was about leaving: 鈥淗e called me aside one more time: 鈥楶romise me you鈥檒l get that book out.鈥� 鈥�

On Brandson鈥檚 challenge to write a book on his entrepreneur journey, Hanu said: 鈥淟et鈥檚 just say, when Sir Richard Branson asks you to write a book鈥� you don鈥檛 say no.鈥�

From selling candy on the streets of Lagos as a child, to becoming the spirited builder of Nigeria鈥檚 first crypto exchange at 21, to then being a guest of one of the world鈥檚 most accomplished entrepreneurs at his private British Virgin Islands home, it is safe to say that Hanu鈥檚 life story and leadership journey is about to get ever more inspiring for young Nigerians.