Nigerian Tech entrepreneur meets British billionaire

Nigerian-born tech entrepreneur and founder of Patricia Technologies, Hanu Fejiro Agbodje, recently spent a transformative week with British business magnate and Virgin Group co-founder, Sir Richard Branson, at the billionaire’s private residence on Necker Island. The week-long experience, described by Agbodje as “unforgettable,” included personal mentorship, spirited chess matches, and deep conversations about purpose, failure, […]

Nigerian-born tech entrepreneur and founder of Patricia Technologies, Hanu Fejiro Agbodje, recently spent a transformative week with British business magnate and Virgin Group co-founder, Sir Richard Branson, at the billionaire’s private residence on Necker Island.

The week-long experience, described by Agbodje as “unforgettable,” included personal mentorship, spirited chess matches, and deep conversations about purpose, failure, innovation, and resilience.

The encounter has since sparked widespread interest across tech and entrepreneurial circles, particularly for the bold challenge Branson issued to the 29-year-old techie before his departure.

“He called me aside one more time,” Agbodje wrote in a self-published Medium post. “Promise me you’ll get that book out.”

Agbodje, who rose from selling candy on the streets of Lagos to launching Nigeria’s first cryptocurrency exchange at age 21, shared how Branson’s story had long inspired him.

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 aren’t in the books. Lessons that will stay with me for life”, he recalled.

According to Hanu, “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’ve got to write a book’. And I promised I would”.

The pair 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,” Hanu noted.

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

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

Hanu subsequently shared on one of his social media pages that his encounter with the British billionaire is 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’s direct challenge to him as he was about leaving: “He called me aside one more time: ‘Promise me you’ll get that book out.’”

On Brandson’s challenge to write a book on his entrepreneur journey, Hanu said: “Let’s just say, when Sir Richard Branson asks you to write a book… you don’t say no”.