Nigeria’s richest woman, philanthropist and Africa’s leading self-made billionaire Folorunsho Alakija celebrated her 65th birthday in style.
The Amazon is one of the richest high profile personalities in Nigeria who can still boast of their families. Contrary to the seeming stereotype that successful women can’t have everything, this business mogul seems different.
Folorunsho Alakija began her journey in 1974 as a secretary at Sijuade Enterprises in Lagos, Nigeria. She worked as a banker for a while and made her way into the fashion world (Supreme Stitches). From there, she ventured into the oil industry, where she performed twice as successfully.
She has ties to several other lucrative businesses. She is currently one of the few black women billionaires in the world, the third to be precise.
“My husband is my best friend, greatest advisor and supporter. We have known each other for 40 years and have been married for 37 years and have four boys.
“Even though we work in the same office, I always make sure we kiss twice a day, morning and night. I still wash his underwear… I also prepare his special vegetable dish, do his manicure and pedicure regularly. “
For her 65th birthday, Folorunsho Alakija celebrated the occasion in full at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. In attendance were family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries.
On the occasion of the billionaire’s 65th birthday, the 40th wedding anniversary of Alakija was celebrated. With this in mind, Folorunsho expressed her immeasurable and boundless joy for a spouse like hers.
“My husband and I met in December 1972, 14 days after moving from England after my studies. We met at a mutual friend’s party in Surulere, decided to keep seeing each other and haven’t stopped for over 40 years. “
“My husband has always supported me morally and financially. It allows me to work, whether for others or for me. He doesn’t go back on his word and I continue to appreciate him. “
Folorunsho generously displays her light of success everywhere she is. A longtime trustee of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), she is known for promoting Nigerian culture through fashion and style.
Following her prowess in the fashion world, she applied for an oil license which was granted and has become the source of her present fortune – Famfa Oil Limited. To give back, she helps widows and orphans under the umbrella of the Rose of Sharon Foundation.
Folorusnso Alakija credits God with her previous successes.
“In everything you do you have a pure heart with good intentions towards those around you. I don’t believe in luck, I believe in God and to Him alone I give all honor and worship. “