One of Africa’s richest women, Folorunsho Alakija, has revealed that she has no plan to take any political role soon as God has not spoken to her about politics.
Alakija made this known in an interview with PUNCH while making more revelations about her philanthropy, family and meeting the current richest woman in Africa.
According to the businesswoman, “God has not called me to politics. I know that I am not the only one around.
“There are those who would be interested in that area. For now, it is not my calling. I would certainly not object to people with such aspirations.”
She further said she’s doesn’t akin to anything that brings her into public face, adding that she will support women who have ambitions.
“In whatever way I can support, I would but if it is something that would bring me into the limelight, I would take a step back.”
Speaking on her philanthropy, Alakija said charity is not just about money but more of dedicating time and words of encouragement to others to excel.
In her words, “Philanthropy is not just about money. Many people assume that philanthropy is easy for some people because they have money but it does not have to be all about money. It is about using your time for the benefit of others. Some need to be encouraged while others need to be taught about how to excel.”
She however, disclosed that apart from the Rose of Sharon Foundation that empowers women and orphans, she has established another charity – Flourish Africa, to expand the scope of her work beyond what she has done in the last 10 years, by inspiring more women.
“One of the areas God called us to minister is the area of helping widows and orphans. If we do not spread the word about the ‘forgotten people,’ nobody will remember them.
“As time goes on, we would expand to other parts of Africa and the world. But right now, we want to focus on women and orphans here. We do not want to look the other way.
“We have been able to answer calls for help here and there to assist in ways we can. Flourish Africa is there to inspire, encourage and help other women.
“We are teaching women to get up and get going. Flourish Africa is there to teach women to spark their thinking and open their eyes to see the kind of abilities God has put in them to excel. Part of our activities would include organising workshops to change people’s thinking and narrative,” she assured.
