BOOK REVIEW: Friends along the way

BY OBINNA UDEH

In an age where financial independence feels both urgent and elusive, Obinna Udeh’s Friends Along the Way offers a refreshing and practical roadmap: start where you are, with the people you trust most.

Drawing inspiration from iconic partnerships like Ben & Jerry’s and the founders of Airbnb, Obinna distills a simple yet powerful message: friendship and trust can be the bedrock of wealth creation.

The book’s strength lies in its accessibility. Rather than leaning on jargon-heavy finance theory, Obinna uses storytelling, real-world examples, and his own experiences to demystify the concept of investment clubs. He walks readers through the why and the how: from the early role of friends and family in funding ventures, to the mechanics of pooling resources, setting clear goals, managing expectations, and navigating the inevitable tensions that come when money mixes with relationships.

For example, in describing practically how to form and grow an investment club, Obinna shared his personal experience of building one and exploring investment opportunities in Nigeria with his friends. Nigeria is home to several investment opportunities and a growing capital and stock markets. An investment club of similarly interested friends will help one become savvy in finding opportunities, analyzing them carefully, and investing wisely. And the good thing about having the right friends around is that you don’t have to know everything; you can leverage the skills and other resources of your friends.

Particularly in terms of leverage — not just financial, but also human — Obinna reframes it as the ability to harness each other’s time, knowledge, and networks for mutual gain. He also warns, candidly, of the pitfalls: unequal contributions, poor accountability, and the corrosive effect of greed. His proposed antidotes—emotional intelligence, financial integrity, and written agreements—give the book a grounded, almost handbook-like quality.

In recent times, investing has become a street word in Nigeria. Many people have created platforms intended for “Ponzi schemes” under the guise of investing, and so many losses have been experienced by many unsuspecting and misinformed “investors”. The cure for that misinformation is more information, and Obinna thinks learning with a group of trusted friends under an investment club structure is the way to go.

Of course, the book’s practicality sometimes comes at the expense of depth. Seasoned investors may find its lessons familiar. But that’s hardly a flaw — Obinna’s real audience seems to be aspiring entrepreneurs, young professionals, and communities looking for collective ways to build wealth. For them, this is both a blueprint and a call to action.

At a lean and conversational pace, Friends Along the Way is as much about relationships as it is about returns. It reminds us that financial success is rarely a solo journey; it is built on trust, a shared vision, and the willingness to grow together.

Verdict: A timely and engaging guide that turns the abstract idea of wealth-building into something relatable and communal. Perfect for readers who want to invest not just in assets, but in each other.

Udeh is a banker and credit risk professional.