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In Nigeria, there are dozens of billionaires who have long been household names for their wealth and philanthropic work. But what about their female counterparts who are working hard to change the world for good? Among these women is Mrs. Folorunso Alakija. With investments across various sectors of the economy, Alakija, is not just Nigeria’s acclaimed richest woman but also one of the heavy givers who has spent over three decades of her life helping the poor, widows and the less privileged.
Not only that. This Ikorodu, Lagos-born billionaire and philanthropist believes everyone needs inspiration to dream big, especially her womenfolk. So, she desires to raise the next generation of economically empowered women on the continent. Following that, Alakija —on her 70th birthday in July last year— announced a N1 billion fund to promote female owned businesses in Africa starting with Nigeria for the next five years.
With the fund via Flourish Africa, the women empowerment movement she founded about five years ago, Alakija planned to provide them with the skills needed to manage successful and financially viable businesses. In keeping to that promise, Alakija —on Sunday July 17— announced the first batch of 500 female entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of the Flourish Africa Business and Life Skills Training programme. Participants received world-class coaching and business mentoring from leading industry professionals, including Alakija, throughout the course of the 12-week intense training programme.
The graduates later participated in a business pitch competition out of which 100 winners were selected to receive N2 million each to support their various businesses’ ideas. The lucky graduates picked their cheques at a ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos. Alakija, who is the Vice-Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited, is also a seasoned Apostle and soul winner in God’s kingdom. She also holds a pride of place in Nigeria’s fashion industry and keeps inspiring the womenfolk.
