Folorunsho Alakija, a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist, holds the prestigious position of group managing director at The Rose of Sharon Group and executive vice chairman at Famfa Oil Limited.
Notably, she is also known for her marriage to billionaire Modupe Alakija. Her impressive career and contributions to various industries have cemented her reputation as a successful and influential figure in Nigeria.
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- Full name: Folorunsho Alakija
- Stage Name: Folorunsho Alakija
- Date of birth: July 15, 1951
- Age: 72 years old.
- Place of birth: Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Businesswoman and Philanthropist
- Height: None
- Parents: LA Ogbara
- Siblings: Hakeem Ogbara, Doyin Ogbara
- Spouse: Modupe Alakija
- Children: Folarin Alakija, Rotimi Alakija
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $1.55 billion
Early life
Folorunsho Alakija, a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist, was born on July 15, 1951. She grew up in a large family; her father had eight wives and 52 children. Folorunsho’s mother was the first wife in this large family, giving her a unique upbringing among her many siblings.
Early exposure to such a large and diverse family may have significantly shaped Alakija’s future business endeavors as well as her commitment to giving back to the community.
Education
At the age of ten, Alakija embarked on a journey to the United Kingdom to pursue her education. She enrolled at the Islamic High School in Shagamu, Nigeria, and then continued her education in the UK at Pitman’s Central College in London, where she focused on secretarial studies.
This educational background helped shape Alakija’s career path and laid the foundation for her future success in business and entrepreneurship.
Career
Starting her career journey in 1974 as an executive secretary at Sijuade Enterprises in Lagos, Alakija quickly made her mark and moved into banking.
For over 12 years, she held important positions such as Executive Secretary to the General Manager at First National Bank of Chicago (later FCMB). She eventually climbed the corporate ladder to become Head of Corporate Affairs at International Merchant Bank of Nigeria.
This pivotal period in her career served as a solid foundation for her business ventures in various industries, honing her business acumen and paving the way for future successes.
From 1986 to 1991, Alakija pursued her passion for fashion by enrolling in prestigious institutions such as the American College and the Central School of Fashion in London. Upon her return to Nigeria, she established her fashion label “Supreme Stitches”, which later evolved into the famous “Rose of Sharon House of Fashion”.
Alakija’s brand has become a prominent figure in the country’s fashion industry through her innovative designs and dedication to promoting Nigerian fashion. In addition to her business success, she also serves as the National President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), further cementing her influence on the global fashion scene.
Folorunsho Alakija’s journey to success began in 1991 when she founded Famfa Oil Limited. This was the beginning of her remarkable career in the oil and gas industry. Through hard work and determination, she was granted an Oil Exploration License (OPL) for a large oil block in the Niger Delta, which led to a joint venture agreement with a Texaco subsidiary.
Today, Famfa Oil Limited plays a key role in Alakija’s success, cementing her position as a prominent figure in the Nigerian oil industry. Her outstanding performance in various fields serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.
Awards and nominations
Prize:
- The Sun Award: Humanitarian Services This award recognises her charitable efforts.
- ELOY Award for Outstanding Role in Women’s Empowerment This award recognizes her efforts in women’s empowerment.
Nominations:
- She is currently nominated for the African Heritage Award, an award that celebrates African achievements globally.
Social media
- Instagram Name: @alakijaofficial
- Facebook name: Folorunsho Alakija
- Twitter Username: @alakijaofficial
Personal life
Folorunsho Alakija, a prominent Nigerian businesswoman, is married to Modupe Alakija, a lawyer by profession. Together they have raised a family of four sons and have the joy of being grandparents. Their home is in Lagos, Nigeria, where they enjoy spending time with their loved ones.
One of their sons, Folarin Alakija, attracted media attention in 2017 when he married Iranian model Nazanin Jafarian Ghaissarifar in a lavish ceremony. The event was widely reported for its extravagance and luxury, making it the focus of discussion in many media outlets.
Net worth
Folorunsho Alakija, a prominent Nigerian businessman and generous philanthropist, currently holds the prestigious position of group managing director at The Rose of Sharon Group and executive vice chairman at Famfa Oil Limited.
Her estimated net worth is $1.55 billion, a testament to her success and influence in the business world. Through hard work and dedication, Alakija has become a notable figure in the Nigerian business community and has used her wealth to create positive impact through various philanthropic endeavors.
