Behind the Curtain: Lessons in Vision, Enterprise, National Identity
Bennett Oghifo
In ‘Behind the Curtain,’ Dapo Adelegan offers more than a memoir. He delivers a reflective, almost philosophical exploration of entrepreneurship, vision, and Nigeria’s place in the global imagination. Written in a conversational yet deeply introspective tone, the book blends personal anecdotes with practical insights, producing a work that sits comfortably between business manual and national commentary.
From the outset, Adelegan establishes a central motif: ideas often appear quietly, but their real power lies in the courage to pursue them. His recollection of conceiving the now-iconic Lekki SunSplash—dismissed at the time as unrealistic—captures the recurring tension between vision and societal doubt. As he notes, discouragement is inevitable, but conviction remains the decisive force.
The author’s narrative gains strength in its insistence on deferred gratification, a principle he argues is increasingly rare among young entrepreneurs. By choosing not to monetise his first concert, he created scale and visibility, demonstrating a strategic patience that underpins many of his successes. This lesson, subtly woven into his storytelling, forms one of the book’s most compelling takeaways.
