Society Gists

Nigerian billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist, Folorunsho Alakija, has reportedly lost her sight completely.

The 73-year-old founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil began experiencing health complications following a near air mishap. She was traveling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, Chairman of Famfa Oil, when the incident caused a spike in her blood pressure, ultimately affecting her vision.

In response to the incident, Alakija reportedly ordered a new private jet to avoid traveling on the same aircraft as her husband. Despite these measures, her vision continued to deteriorate until she became completely blind.

Sources indicate that instead of seeking medical treatment, she focused on her church activities, which may have contributed to the progression of her condition.

Beyond her business ventures, Alakija is deeply involved in ministry. Around 2004, she began hosting a small fellowship in her home, which later grew into the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International. She was ordained as an apostle on her 69th birthday.

As of 2020, Forbes estimated her net worth at $1 billion. In 2015, she was ranked 87th on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women and was one of only two African women on the list of Africa’s richest individuals.

This development highlights the unpredictable nature of health challenges and the importance of timely medical intervention.