Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija is a famous and familiar name in Nigeria, Africa and the world with honor, prestige and class. She can be described as a heroine and blessed woman of Excellent Virtue.
Her ability to build an enviable and sterling reputation as the richest black woman in the world and eschews any form of controversy, dispute, social misbehavior and vices that malign characters stand her out as blessed among other woman.
She proved, being the richest woman of African descent in the world, her enormous wealth, successful life, flourishing business, happy marriage and respected personality have not denied or take away her fear of God, love for God, worship of God, service for God and relationship with God which she jealously guided and openly demonstrate as the cornerstone of her successful life, endeavours and adventures.
The highly favoured and blessed hardworking, extrovert, perfectionist, creative, innovative, bold, adventurous, inquisitive, honest woman is modest, accommodating and friendly without aura of arrogance.
Instead of her being in the news for negative reason and bad report, she became a delight and endeared to her generation, portraying exceptional humility, inspiration, encouragement and model to her generation.
With her affluence, influence, power, position and class, Folorunsho Alakija, could have found solace junketing top rated Owanbe parties or top flying social clubs, but she finds solace in the presence of God and rather than being member of secret societies, she instead, prefer dwelling in the secret place of the Most High God.
She could have been associated with series of high society gossip, business slander, marital crisis or corruptible activities, but she chose to engage in what that glorifies God, promote humanity, inspire generations, modeling lives and adding value to the society.
Mrs. Alakija, a former top flight secretary and renowned fashion designer is a beautiful woman at heart and in look with style. She does not blow her trumpet, but exhibit the grace and glory of God in her life; else, she would have acquired and regaled with many chieftaincy and honorary titles. But, like a light on a hilltop that cannot be hidden, her achievements, successes and impacts cannot be swept under the carpet or washed away.
She had made remarkable impacts with legacies, following the footprints of Dorcas in the Bible, Mary Slessor and Mother Theresa of this world, whose primary objective is other people’s need and welfare.
Through her initiative of Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF), she give a better standard of living and championed the causes of women in Nigeria by empowering widows and orphans, also impoverished women and their children.
In expanding her philanthropy, she launched, Flourish Africa, a platform designed to create impact in the lives of women in Africa by providing the needed tools of fulfilling their God-given potentials and destiny through conferences, workshops and mentorship programmes.
Her philanthropy gesture has also, built and fully equipped schools with science lab facilities, as well as providing scholarships to many indigent students in Nigeria.
Folorunsho Alakija, the Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil was a Muslim before she encountered God and gave her life to Christ in 1991 and had not looked back nor waiver. In her quest to develop and established deeper relationship with God, she started Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International as a small fellowship in 2004 in her home, it began as an offshoot of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, and has grown to become an interdenominational Ministry with the mission to deliver and defend the afflicted body of Christ by applying the word of God; praising God for breakthroughs, counselling and testimonies through the power of God’s might.
The ministry wax stronger and became a spiritual fruitful tree nourishing souls through many soul lifting programmes and activities. Among major programme hosted by the ministry, is a thought-provoking and insightful marriage conference themed “Are you enjoying or enduring your marriage?”, to equip the newlyweds, already married and those embarking on marital journey with the skills needed to perfect their relationship and also cope with the challenges of a marital life. The engaging conference explores many topics with Revds. Yinka & Deola Ojo, Pastors Chris Ojigbani and Femi Faseru as guest speakers. Also, it hosted a National Crusade, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos with Pastor J.T Kalejaiye, Special Asst. to G.O on Evangelism, RCCG Nigeria, Apostle Charles Ndifon of Christ Love Ministries Int’l, USA and Mrs. Folorunso Alakija (Servant Leader, Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International) as guest speakers while Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Efe Nathan, Wale Adenuga and Tope Alabi including the Rose of Sharon Glorious singers minister in songs at the well attended crusade.
Mrs. Alakija lives an inspiring life, loves working, enjoy doing the work of God and has taught many how to maximize their potentials.
Out of her shrewdness, dedication and dexterity in handling family, business and societal affairs, she was made, the Vice-Chairman, National Heritage Council and Endowment for the Arts (NHCEA) and later became the first woman Chancellor of an higher institution in Nigeria, the Chancellor of Osun State University (now Bola Ige University), Oshogbo.
The former President and life trustee of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) is an exemplary servant leader and wise woman who successfully manages streams of business, keeps her home and 40 years marriage that is still growing stronger. She serenades her husband, trained and brought up her children in godly way. These quality attributes have made her a respected entrepreneur, life coach, inspirational speaker, mentor, marriage counselor and author of several books including, “University of Marriage,” “Alone with God,” (a free Christian Devotional) her autobiography; “Growing with the Hand that Gives the Rose,” “Window Shops for your Spouse,” “Folorunsho Alakija Speaks 1 & 2” and “The Cry of Widows and Orphans.”
The God that make all things possible, made all things possible for Mrs. Alakija with grace, favour and splendor. A true family woman, married to her best friend, biggest adviser and supporter; Mr. Modupe Alakija, a legal practitioner and the Executive Chairman of Famfa Oil, whom she still dote like a teenager who just found love. They are blessed with four grown up boys, who are also, Executive Directors of Famfa Oil and two grandchildren.
An adage said, Jack of all trade, is a master of none…, the case of this energetic, purpose driven, goal oriented and industrious wife, mother, grandmother and leader who does all things through Christ that strengthened her is different. As a business woman, philanthropist, conference speaker, marriage counselor, author and publisher; she has in her endeavours, successfully mastered her craft to break the jinx and nullified the adage.
