MEET AFRICA’S RICHEST WOMAN
Africa's richest woman and
chairman of Famfa Oil, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija addressed students of the
University of Lagos yesterday at the 2014 UN International Youths Day in
Lagos. Speaking about her success story
that has seen her become a billionaire today, she also opened up about not attending University.
that has seen her become a billionaire today, she also opened up about not attending University.
"I
come from Ikorodu, Lagos state. I am married to a dashing young lawyer of 70
years of age and we have four grown up gentlemen and grandchildren. It has not
been a rag to riches fairytale. It has not been an overnight phenomenon like
some cases which you find here and there all over the world. For as long as I
can remember, I had always wanted my own business. Hard work! I'm trying to
tell you how I got to where I am if you want those billions. Hard work,
diligence, persistence...days where you will nearly give up but, choose not to
give up.
It would have been easy to
compromise but I chose not to and I stayed focus. I could have stayed a
secretary as my father desired according to his plan for me but I had bigger
aspirations. I dreamt big. God strengthened me and gave me wisdom. I had a
passion and burning desire to succeed. Being a secretary, a banker, a fashion
icon, a cooperate promoter and printer, a real estate owner, an oil magnate,
that I can assure you was no easy feat. Firm belief that what is worth doing is
what doing well or not doing at all.
I took charge of my life with
the tools I have shared with you. I chose to become born again at the age of
40. I chose to make a covenant with God that if he would bless me I would work
for him all the days of my life. I chose to hold on to the cross and look up to
him every step of the way. Today additional accomplishment includes a wife of
almost 40 years, a mother, grandmother, ministry, counseling, outreach, NGO (Rose
of Sharon Foundation for widows) and Author, writer, author of several
inspirational books. All I say to the glory of God. So I am 63 and I am not yet
done. So what is your excuse? I never went to a University and I am proud to
say so because I don't think I have done too badly. You do not have to have a
University education to be able to make it so count yourselves privileged to
have that education as part of the feather in your cap" she said.
Also read: Results and excuses,
Other streams of income, What have they told you, Dreams come true, Think outside the box and Believe in yourself
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