Folorunsho Alakija is the second richest woman of African descent with an estimated net worth of $1.73 billion, behind Isabel dos Santos and the fourth richest person in Nigeria.
Her lawsuit against the Federal Government of Nigeria was a major catalyst that shot her wealth up to make her the second richest woman of African descent. In her interview with the corespondent, Forbes Africa Magazine Peace Hyde, she tells the story of her amazing journey and rise to fortune from a company secretary to building one of the most renowned fashion houses in Nigeria, culminating in the experience that led her to ultimately take on the Nigerian government in an 11 year battle and win.
“There were a lot of sleepless nights and battles. Suddenly we became the plague, friends stopped picking up our calls and people were asking why we could not be content with 10 percent”
Giving advice to women which is at the core of her Rose of Sharon Foundation, she said;
“I will also want them (women) to know if they look in the English dictionary, there’s no such word as ‘can’t’… and whatsoever anyone else can do, you can even be better.”
Watch behind the scene footage from the interview:
