Folorunsho Alakija Urges Nigerian Women to Persist with Faith Amid Challenges
Folorunsho Alakija, widely recognized as Africa's wealthiest woman and a dedicated philanthropist, has delivered a powerful message to Nigerian women, urging them to remain steadfast in their ambitions despite facing numerous obstacles. She emphasized that rejection and gender-related barriers should not deter them, but rather, they should rely on persistence, courage, and unwavering faith to achieve their goals.
Leadership Conversation at Eko Hotels & Suites
Alakija, the founder of Famfa Oil, shared these insights during an Exclusive Leadership Conversation held at Eko Hotels & Suites. This event was part of the activities commemorating the 2026 International Women's Day celebration, which was hosted by Optiva Capital Partners. The theme for this year's International Women's Day, observed on March 8, was "Give to Gain," highlighting the sacrifices women make in their pursuit of personal and professional growth.
During her address, Alakija encouraged women to maintain confidence in their abilities and resist allowing societal expectations or setbacks to derail their visions. She stressed that achievements are the result of discipline, intentional effort, and perseverance. Reflecting on her own journey from a modest background to becoming one of Nigeria's most prominent business figures, she described it as a path guided by faith and deliberate action.
Alakija's Personal Journey and Faith
"Every single woman here is special in the hands of the Lord. I am just a tool; it has never been about me, but about God working through me," Alakija stated. She recounted her early life, growing up in a large polygamous family and being sent to the United Kingdom at a young age, where exposure to diverse cultures helped shape her worldview. Initially aspiring to study law, her father insisted she pursue a secretarial course, a decision she later recognized as pivotal to her career path.
"I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but God had a different plan. Looking back, I see how every step was ordered," she reflected. Alakija's professional journey spanned secretarial work, banking, fashion design, and eventually the oil and gas sector. She worked in banking for over a decade, rising through the ranks despite lacking formal qualifications at the time, before venturing into entrepreneurship.
Ingredients for Success and Philanthropy
Alakija outlined what she described as the "ingredients for success," advising women to:
- Seek God first in all endeavors.
- Use their time and talents wisely.
- Remain focused on their goals.
- Maintain credibility in their actions.
- Embrace continuous learning and growth.
She also stressed the importance of philanthropy and social responsibility, noting that wealth should serve as a tool for uplifting others rather than creating divisions. "What do you do when you get to the top? You use your influence to lift others," she added, emphasizing that faith and persistence are essential for making a lasting impact.
Collaboration and Community Building
Also speaking at the forum was Dr. Amaka Okeke, Executive Director of Business Development at Optiva Capital Partners. She called for stronger collaboration among women, describing the gathering as a platform designed to foster honest conversations beyond polished success narratives. Okeke highlighted that the theme "Give to Gain" reflects the daily sacrifices women make while striving for growth.
"We are building a community where women can connect, share experiences, and grow together," Okeke said, underscoring the event's role in empowering women through shared stories and support networks.
