Nigerian billionaire businesswoman Folorunso Alakija has reportedly lost her eyesight.
According to sources, the 73-year-old founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil began experiencing health issues after a near air mishap. She was traveling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, Chairman of Famfa Oil, when the incident allegedly caused a sharp rise in her blood pressure, ultimately affecting her vision.
Following the ordeal, Alakija reportedly purchased a new jet to avoid flying with her husband. However, her vision continued to deteriorate until she eventually lost her sight.
“She had a near air mishap with her husband, and her blood pressure spiked, impacting her eyesight,” a source disclosed. “She had been experiencing vision problems, but instead of seeking medical treatment, she focused on her church. Now, she is completely blind.”
A well-known businesswoman and philanthropist, Alakija founded the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International after starting a small fellowship in her home in 2004. She was ordained as an Apostle on her 69th birthday.
As the founder of Famfa Oil, Alakija holds a substantial stake in OML 127, a highly valuable oil block in Nigeria’s Agbami deepwater oilfield.
According to Forbes, her net worth was estimated at $1 billion as of 2020. In 2015, she was ranked 87th on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women and was one of only two African women included in the publication’s list of Africa’s richest individuals.