Thefounder and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil, 73 years old Folorunsho Alakija has been said to have lost her her sight.
In a report by the Sahara Reporters, medical sources said her vision deteriorated after a near air mishap while traveling with her husband, Modupe Alakija,the chairman of Famfa Oil.
The strenuous incident allegedly brought a severe spike in her blood pressure, which subsequently adversely affected her eyes.
Following the ordeal, Alakija is said to have ordered a new jet to avoid flying on the same aircraft as her husband. Despite this precautionary measure, her eyesight continued to worsen until she eventually became blind.
A source said, “She had a near air mishap with her husband onboard and her blood pressure shot up, affecting her eyes. Instead of treating the condition, she chose to start a church. Now she can’t see.”
Apart from her health issues, Alakija is reputed for her business success and philanthropic lifestyle.
She founded the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International, which evolved from a small home fellowship in 2004 into a full-fledged ministry, and she was ordained as an Apostle on her 69th birthday. Famfa Oil, her flagship company, holds a significant stake in Nigeria’s lucrative OML 127 oil block.
Starting her career in the 1970s after studying secretarial skills in London and working as an executive secretary in Lagos, Alakija’s accomplishments have earned her a Forbes-estimated net worth of about $1 billion (as of 2020). She has also been recognized as one of Africa’s richest and most influential women.
Alakija’s unfortunate health challenge is to remind us that health is wealth and should be watchful and mindful of our health at the earliest stage.