Folorunso Alakija, Nigeria’s wealthiest woman, has achieved success across various industries and now dedicates her time to giving back to women and widows. In a recent interview with Channels Television, she was asked to share her advice, especially for young girls and women who admire her. Her response was rich in wisdom and encouragement. Here’s what she had to say.
For the young girl watching, Folorunso Alakija emphasized the importance of striving for success in whatever field she chooses. She encouraged perseverance in the face of life’s challenges, urging the young girl not to be deterred by stereotypes related to gender. Folorunso empowered her by assuring her that she can excel in any job, business, or career she decides to pursue, drawing from her own life as proof.
Folorunso also introduced an acronym for SUCCESS that she personally follows and believes can guide others:
- S: Seek the Lord at all times. Trust and obey Him, as He is reliable and dependable. Place your heart’s desires, wants, and needs before Him, seek His fellowship, and rely on His trustworthiness.
- U: Utilize your time and talent wisely, recognizing that wasted time and talent cannot be recovered. They can sometimes be regained through God’s grace and intervention.
- C: Consistently focus on your dreams and goals, maintaining your dedication to achieving them.
- C: Credibility and reliability should be your guiding principles, as unreliable and undependable individuals tend to be ignored by society.
- E: Educate, train, and continuously re-train yourself because ignorance can be costly.
- S: Sacrifice daily to make a difference, always willing to go the extra mile, as it eventually pays off.
- S: Say NO to discouragement agents, never accepting “no” as an answer by refusing to give up.
Folorunso Alakija concluded her advice by sharing her belief that the sky is not the limit; instead, it’s just a stepping stone. She enthusiastically expressed her hope to see the young girl at the top, inspiring her to reach for even greater heights.
Folorunso Alakija’s words are a source of motivation and guidance for anyone striving for success, regardless of their gender or background. Her acronym for SUCCESS offers a practical framework for personal and professional growth, emphasizing faith, dedication, continuous learning, and unwavering determination.
What are your thoughts on Folorunso Alakija’s inspiring advice? Feel free to share your opinions by leaving a comment.