Folorunsho Alakija stands as an extraordinary testament to the heights of success and philanthropy achievable through unwavering vision and determination. Serving as the Vice Chairman of FAMFA Oil, Alakija has played an instrumental role in shaping Nigeria’s oil industry. Her journey, marked by resilience and exceptional leadership, continues to inspire many across Africa and beyond.
Born on July 15, 1951, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Alakija embarked on her educational journey in the United Kingdom before venturing into the business world. Her career began in the banking sector but quickly transitioned to fashion, where she founded Supreme Stitches. This venture, later known as The Rose of Sharon House of Fashion, established her as a prominent figure in the Nigerian fashion industry.
In 1993, Alakija took a bold step into the oil and gas sector, obtaining an oil prospecting license for Famfa Limited. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in her life. Famfa Oil, under her leadership, discovered and developed the Agbami Oilfield, one of Nigeria’s most productive offshore assets. However, Alakija’s journey was not without its challenges. She engaged in a 12-year legal battle with the Nigerian government over her oil block, a battle she ultimately won, securing her rightful stake in the lucrative oil field.
Beyond her business acumen, Alakija is celebrated for her philanthropic endeavors. Through the Rose of Sharon Foundation, she has provided substantial support to widows and orphans, offering scholarships and business grants that have transformed countless lives. Her commitment to social responsibility extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, earning her global recognition and numerous accolades, including honorary doctorate degrees from several universities.
Alakija’s impact on the business world and her dedication to philanthropy have made her one of Africa’s wealthiest women. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and a profound dedication to uplifting others. Recognized among Forbes’ 100 most powerful women, Alakija’s legacy is a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that success is not just about personal achievement but also about making a lasting, positive impact on society.
Folorunsho Alakija’s journey from a young entrepreneur in the fashion industry to a titan in the oil sector and a devoted philanthropist is a powerful narrative of determination and generosity. Her leadership and benevolence continue to pave the way for future generations, making her a pivotal figure in both the business and philanthropic worlds. Her life story is a reminder that with vision, perseverance, and a commitment to giving back, extraordinary heights can be achieved.
Namibia makes history with its first female President
While the western world seems to be grappling the idea of a female president, Africa seems to be taking the lead in accepting women leaders, as Namibia Joins the league of African nations to have elected her first ever female President,Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. She becomes Africa’s second active female head of state and the 5th woman to be elected to such a position in the continent’s history.
The 72-year-old won more than 57% of the vote, with her closest rival, PanduleniItula, getting 26%, according to the electoral commission.
It is just the latest episode in a life packed with striking events – Nandi-Ndaitwah has fought against occupying powers, fled into exile and established herself as one of the most prominent women in Namibian politics.
However, Itula has rejected her victory. He said the election was “deeply flawed”, following logistical problems and a three-day extension to polling in some parts of the country.
His Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party said it would challenge the result in court.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a loyal member of the governing party, Swapo, since she was a teenager and pledges to lead Namibia’s economic transformation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was born in 1952, in the northern village of Onamutai. She was the ninth of 13 children and her father was an Anglican clergyman.
At the time, Namibia was known as South West Africa and its people were under occupation from South Africa.
Nandi-Ndaitwah joined Swapo, then a liberation movement resisting South Africa’s white-minority rule, when she was only 14.
A passionate activist, Nandi-Ndaitwah became a leader of Swapo’s Youth League.
The role set her up for a successful political career, but at the time Nandi-Ndaitwah was simply interested in freeing South West Africa.
“Politics came in just because of the circumstances. I should have become maybe a scientist,” she said in an interview this year.
While still a high school student, Nandi-Ndaitwah was arrested and detained during a crackdown on Swapo activists.
As a result of this persecution, she decided she could not stay in the country and joined several other Swapo members in exile.
She continued to organise with the movement while in Zambia and Tanzania, before moving to the UK to undertake an International Relations degree.
Then in 1988 – 14 years after Nandi-Ndaitwah fled her country – South Africa finally agreed to Namibian independence.
Nandi-Ndaitwah returned home and subsequently joined the post-independence, Swapo-run government.
In the years since, she has held a variety of posts, including ministerial roles in foreign affairs, tourism, child welfare and information.
Nandi-Ndaitwah became known as an advocate for women’s rights. In one of her key achievements, she pushed the Combating of Domestic Violence Act through the National Assembly in 2002.
According to Namibian media, Nandi-Ndaitwah criticised her male colleagues for trying to ridicule the draft law, sternly reminding them that the Swapo constitution condemns sexism.
She continued to rise despite Namibia’s traditional and male-dominated political culture, and in February this year she became vice-president.
She suceededNangolo Mbumba, who stepped up after the death of then-President Hage Geingob.
In her personal life, Nandi-Ndaitwah is married to Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, the former chief of Namibia’s defence forces. The couple has three sons.
Throughout her career, Nandi-Ndaitwah has displayed a hands-on, pragmatic style of leadership.
She once declared in a speech: “I am an implementer, not a storyteller.”
Adeola AyoolaPioneering Healthcare Innovation in Africa
Adeola Ayoola is a name synonymous with innovation and leadership in the healthcare sector. As the Co-founder and CEO of Famasi, a pharmaceutical company based in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayoola has been instrumental in revolutionizing access to essential medicines across Africa.
Adeola Ayoola’s journey began at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. Her passion for healthcare and public health led her to further studies at the University of Washington, where she pursued Leadership and Management in Public Health, and Project Management in Global Health & Public Health.
Before founding Famasi, Ayoola gained valuable experience working at mPharma, a pharmaceutical company, as a Key Account Manager. Her time there provided her with insights into the complexities of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in Africa.
In 2021, Ayoola took the bold step of co-founding Famasi, with a mission to make high-quality, affordable medicines accessible to everyone in Africa. The goal was to simplify medications for everyone, especially people with recurrent medication needs. Under her leadership, Famasi has grown rapidly, expanding its reach and impact across the continent.
Ayoola’s vision for Famasi is rooted in her belief that everyone, regardless of their location or economic status, deserves access to essential healthcare. Famasi’s innovative approach to pharmaceutical distribution and its commitment to affordability have made it a game-changer in the African healthcare landscape.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ayoola is a mentor and advocate for women in leadership roles. She actively encourages young women to pursue careers in healthcare and entrepreneurship, sharing her experiences and insights to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Adeola Ayoola’s story is one of determination, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of making healthcare accessible to all. Her contributions to the healthcare sector and her advocacy for women’s empowerment make her a true pioneer and role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals alike.
