Folorunsho Alakija Reportedly Losing Vision

Nigeria’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija, has reportedly lost her sight and she’s currently receiving medical attention. The incident is said to have been triggered by a frightening air disaster that affected her health.

According to SaharaReporters, Alakija and her husband, Modupe Alakija, the Chairman of Famfa Oil, had an in-flight emergency that made her blood pressure shoot up and affected her eyesight. Despite changing flights, her eyesight reportedly got worse.

An insider said, “She had a near air crash with her husband on board and her blood pressure shot up and affected her eyes. She has been having eyesight issues but instead of treating the ailment, she started a church to help her. Now she can’t see.”

This is not the only challenge Alakija is facing. In March 2024, it was reported that she and her husband of over 30 years had separated. Sources close to the family said the couple had been living apart due to unresolved issues.

But Alakija is still active in her philanthropic work. She recently celebrated her 70th birthday with a 7-hour praise worship service and launched 5 books. The event was attended by prominent people including Mrs. Stella Okoli, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

Alakija’s passion to help the vulnerable is evident through her Rose of Sharon Foundation which assists widows and orphans to empower them financially and educationally.

There’s no official statement from her family yet on her condition. The public and well wishers await further updates.