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By Sunday Ani
Ms Folorunsho Alakija, founder of Famfa Oil and richest woman in Africa, has urged Nigerian women not to be discouraged by rejection, but to remain steadfast.
The founder of Famfa Oil equally charged the women not be discouraged by gender in trying to achieve their visions. He stressed that persistence, courage and faith remain critical to achieving success.
She gave the charge during an Exclusive Leadership Conversation at Eko Hotels, Lagos, as part of the activities to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), hosted by Optiva Capital Partners. This year’s IWD, held on March 8, was themed, ‘Give to Gain.’
Alakija 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 of my step was ordered.”She recounted how her career journey spanned secretarial work, banking, 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.
Alakija outlined her success secrets to include seeking God first, using time and talent wisely, staying focused, maintaining credibility and embracing continuous learning.
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.
