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L-R : Minister of Tourism,
Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, Founder of Rose of Sharon
and author of the book, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Her Excellency, Dame Abimbola
Fashola, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha and Minister of Women Affairs,
Hajia Zainab Maina at the presentation of a book -The Cry of Widows and Orphans
at NIIA, Lagos last Friday.
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| Alakija |
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Widows dancing Wizkid's Azonto at a lunch organised
by Her Excellency, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Grand Matron of Rose of Sharon
Foundation at Govt House, Alausa, last weekend.
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Mrs. Folorunso Alakija is one of the few
Nigerians who have passion to care for the widows and orphans .
The founder of The Rose of Sharon Group and
also the Executive Vice Chairman of her oil exploration and production company,
last Friday presented her book, ’The Cry of Widows and Orphans’ during the
fifth anniversary celebration of her Non-governmental organisation, Rose of
Sharon Foundation (RoSF) at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs
(NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to her, ‘’The Cry of Widows and Orphans’’ will serve
as a resource and material for policy makers and legislators, and as an
information manual for widows and orphans, enabling them to know their rights
to seek help. “It also serves as a worldwide enlightenment campaign garnering
public support for our mission to eradicate the inhumane treatment of widows
and orphans.”
The loving wife, caring mother and
grandmother explained that she draws strength from her unfaltering belief in
the power and glory of God through Jesus Christ. Her philanthropic endeavours
and that of her family continue to positively influence the lives of widows and
orphans through empowerment and educational scholarships.
She advised everyone to encourage the
widows and orphans, support them, show them the way they can go to receive grace
and mercy in time of need.
Some widows and orphans shared their
experiences at the event.
Speaking at the event, the Grand Matron of
Rose of Sharon Foundation, the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs.
Abimbola Fashola, said there is need for stock taking. Stressing further, she
said: “We need to check what we are doing now. As women, let’s talk to our
husbands to prepare their wills properly. Once a woman is 40 years of age, she
needs to write a will. Like Girls’ Guild’s motto: ‘Be prepared,’ so the only
way we can be prepared is to take care of our loved ones. What will happen to our loved ones when we
heed the call of our Lord one day?” she queried.
She frowned at the way “the Umu Ada”
(Daughters in a family) maltreat widows when their husbands are gone. “We may
think that it is going on well for us now, please let’s take stock.” She urged
everyone to support RoSF. “I have been a part of it because RoSF is doing a
great job.” She suggested that there should be RoSF clinic where widows and
orphans would be treated free.
Also, speaking, the First Lady of Imo
State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha, said that they are a lot of
people, no matter how one tries to put smile on their faces would find it
difficult to smile because of what they are going through. “My sister, Mrs.
Fashola whispered to me that maltreatment of widows is rampant in Igbo land,
especially, in Imo State but I said a lot of changes are going on which is gradually
eradicating that ill.”
She congratulated Mrs. Alakija for a job
well done. “We in Imo State want to associate with what she is doing that is
why I am here in person to support her so that together we will have Nigeria of
our dream.”
The reviewer of the book, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and National Orientation Chief Edem Duke, eulogised Mrs.
Alakija and said that what she’s doing is an expression of courage, commitment
and a sense of sacrifice. “This is her own way of giving back to the society in
this era we are talking about transformation, we have within the initiative
recorded a transformation agent who is using her vision and resources to give
back to life. People should follow her steps towards transformation of lives,”
Duke said.
Mrs. Alakija now finds herself honouring
invitations both nationally and internationally to inspire the public, most
especially, the youth and women from all walks of life, through motivational
talks and speeches. She lives in Lagos with Modupe Alakija, her beloved husband
of over 36 years, and their four sons, daughter-in-law and grandchild.
The philanthropist, fashion icon and
businesswoman has authored several books including, “University of Marriage,”
“Alone with God” (a free Christian devotional book), and her autobiography,
“Growing with the hand that gives the Rose.”
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