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By Sunday Ani
The richest woman in Africa, Folorunsho Alakija, has urged Nigerian women not to be discouraged by rejection but to remain steadfast, stressing that persistence, courage, and faith remain critical to achieving success.
Alakija, who is also the founder of Famfa Oil, equally charged women not to be discouraged by gender in the pursuit of their visions.
She gave the charge during an Exclusive Leadership Conversation at Eko Hotels, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, hosted by Optiva Capital Partners.
The International Women’s Day, which was held on March 8, was themed “Give to Gain”.
She described her life’s journey, from a modest upbringing to becoming one of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures, as one shaped by deliberate actions and unwavering trust in God.
She said, “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.
“Achievements are outcomes of years of discipline, intentional effort, and perseverance.
“I grew up in a large polygamous family and was sent to the United Kingdom at a young age, where exposure to different cultures helped shape my worldview.
“I had aspired to study law, but my father insisted on a secretarial course, a decision I later realised was pivotal to my career.
“I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but God had a different plan. Looking back, I see how every one of my steps was ordered.”
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She recounted how her career journey spanned secretarial work, banking, fashion design, and eventually the oil and gas sector.
“I began my career as a secretary and later worked in banking for over a decade, rising through the ranks, despite lacking formal qualifications at the time, before venturing into fashion design and eventually the oil and gas sector.
“My breakthrough came after nearly three years of pursuing an oil prospecting licence amid repeated setbacks.
“I sowed seeds of tenacity, courage, patience, and passion. I refused to take ‘no’ for an answer,” she said.
She outlined her success secrets to include seeking God first, using time and talent wisely, staying focused, maintaining credibility, and embracing continuous learning.
She further emphasised the importance of giving back, noting that wealth should be used to uplift others rather than create barriers.
“What do you do when you get to the top? You use your influence to lift others,” she said, adding that faith and persistence remain key to lasting impact.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Business Development at Optiva Capital Partners, Dr Amaka Okeke, called for stronger collaboration among women.
She described the forum as a platform for honest conversations beyond success stories, noting that the theme, “Give to Gain”, reflects women’s daily sacrifices.
“We are building a community where women can connect, share experiences, and grow together,” she said.
