By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, the richest woman in Africa, has urged Nigerian women to remain steadfast and refuse to be discouraged by rejection, stressing that persistence, courage and faith remained critical to achieving success.

Alakija, who is also the Founder of Famfa Oil and philanthropist, also said the women should not be discouraged by gender in trying to achieve their visions.

She said this at an Exclusive Leadership Conversation held at the EKO hotel, Lagos as part of activities to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, hosted by Optiva Capital Partners

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the International Women’s Day which held on March 8, had the theme: “Give to Gain”.

She described her life 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 step was ordered.”

Alakija 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 in spite 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 “ingredients for success” to include seeking God first, using time and talent wisely, staying focused, maintaining credibility and embracing continuous learning.

Alakija 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 remained 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 “polished success stories,” noting that the theme, “Give to Gain,” reflected women’s daily sacrifices.

“We are building a community where women can connect, share experiences and grow together,” she said. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, Foremost Entrepreneur and Philanthropist with Dr Amaka Okeke, Executive Director of Optiva Capital Partners, at the company’s International Women’s Day Event