Full Biography of Folorunso Alakija
Personal Details
- Full Name: Folorunso Alakija
- Date of Birth: July 15, 1951
- Place of Birth: Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Businesswoman, Philanthropist
- Net Worth: Estimated at over $1 billion (as per Forbes in recent years)
Early Life and Education
Folorunso Alakija was born into a wealthy and prominent family in Lagos State. Her father, Chief L. A. Ogbara, was a respected chief in Ikorodu.
- Primary Education: Attended Our Ladies of Apostles, Lagos, and later moved to the United Kingdom to complete her education at Dinorben School for Girls in Wales.
- Higher Education: Studied fashion design at the Pitman’s Central College, London College of Fashion, and American College, London.
Career Path
- Banking:
- Folorunso began her career in 1974 as a secretary at the International Merchant Bank of Nigeria (IMB).
- Fashion:
- She established Supreme Stitches, a fashion label in 1985. Her brand quickly gained prominence and became a favorite among Nigeria’s elite.
- Oil and Gas:
- In 1993, Alakija made a pivotal career shift by acquiring an oil prospecting license (OPL 216), which later became a lucrative venture.
- The license was operated under her company, Famfa Oil Limited, which discovered oil in partnership with global firms like Chevron.
- Famfa Oil is one of the largest indigenous oil producers in Nigeria.
- Real Estate and Investments:
- Alakija has diversified into real estate and holds significant investments in properties across Nigeria and globally.
Philanthropy
- Rose of Sharon Foundation: Founded to support widows and orphans by providing financial aid, education, and business grants.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Has funded major projects in healthcare, including medical equipment donations.
- Education: Supports scholarships and educational initiatives to empower underprivileged children.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Married to Modupe Alakija, a lawyer and business partner. The couple has four sons and several grandchildren.
- Faith: A devout Christian, she is deeply involved in religious activities and speaks publicly about her faith.
Achievements and Recognition
- Listed among the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.
- Recognized as one of Africa’s richest self-made women.
- Recipient of numerous awards for entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and leadership.
Legacy and Influence
Folorunso Alakija’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and vision. Her success in industries like fashion, oil, and real estate has inspired countless entrepreneurs across Africa, particularly women.
