By peter osalor

The Entrepreneurial Revolution by Peter Osalor is a 212- page book that explores the growing phenomenon of entrepreneurial activity, particularly its potential for reducing poverty in Nigeria and similar countries. The author has brought into focus in a simple , straight forward but candid and lucid manner, a message that should provoke every public policy maker, business owner, student and donor to act.

In the words of the author, the entrepreneurial revolution he advocates is a radical and coordinated attempt to accelerate wealth creation through the promotion of innovative business practices.” It is also, a state of affairs “when and where a great number of entrepreneurs will put into motion an irreversible chain reaction of productive ventures outside the limit of cynicism and fear.” (p.22)

I interpret the author’s argument and advocacy for an entrepreneurial revolution as symptomatic of his entrepreneurial credentials. For had he been satisfied with the status-quo; he would not have committed scarce resources to write this book.

Indeed, in the preface, the author offered a narrative of his life’s journey that chronicles his rise from humble beginnings in Warri to an accomplished and visionary entrepreneur who believes and preaches a simple message: ANYBODY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL IF THEY CHOOSE TO BE”. Throughout the book the author draws from similar quotes to inspire readers. The two quotes in the preface tell readers “it is up to you” and, your destiny “is not a matter of choice”

The foreword was written by Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo the Senior Pastor of KICC. In Pastor Ashimolowo’s view, the Author takes his readers into the world of business by introducing readers into “four books that can set (readers) into motion to start, perpetuate and run a successful business”.

Pastor Ashimolowo recommended the book because according to him, it provides fresh insight on entrepreneurship

cover of the book

from a mind that is educated and, complemented by over 30 years experience in business across Africa, Europe and United States.

The book has eight chapters. In the first four chapters, the author covers conceptual issues: in Chapter one, economic history of Africa in Chapter two, an overview of Nigeria’s economy in Chapter three, and 2008 economic crises in Chapter four, all from the perspective of entrepreneurialism.

In Chapter five through to Chapter eight , the author sheds further light on the opportunities for entrepreneurship in Africa, makes the cases for an entrepreneurial revolution in Nigeria, practical steps for reducing poverty in Nigeria, ending with a strong advocacy for Nigerians to join the entrepreneurial revolution.

Throughout the book, the author combines a passion for entrepreneurial activity as an instrument for development and poverty alleviation with an eagerness to share his personal experiences with readers to make “The Entrepreneurial Revolution” a compelling read.

The use of quotes to inspire readers is brilliant especially so, his matching of quote to chapters. At the end of the book, Peter Osalor leaves the readers with no doubt that entrepreneurship is indeed a revolutionary way to accelerate the incipient motion of African economies towards greater dynamism characteristic of earlier African civilizations and, the dynamism of contemporary economic giants and emerging economies in Asia and South America.

This book in my view contributes significantly to a better understanding of entrepreneurship and revolution. The author boldly offers a vision, and lays out the means through which vision can become reality. The book is being launched at the right time when the federal government has expressed a commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy.

The transformation is anchored in, among other things, creativity, innovativeness, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youths, women, men, workers business and political leaders all across Nigeria’s geo-political zones. The vision Peter Osalor offers and the practical guides he offers has the potentials to be transformative and beneficial to the government and people of Nigeria.

I have enjoyed reading this book and I hope those who would benefit from the information provided by the book would not ignore the book. I certainly hope that it would not be ignored by political and business leaders, by youths, women and men who are expected to make informed decision to act. I thank the author for writing the book and giving me the opportunity to review it.