The Philanthropist
The compassionate force of change devoted to transforming and uplifting the lives of women across all walks of life, while grooming the next generation of female entrepreneurs
The Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF)
Established on the 23rd of May 2008, the Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF) is a registered a faith-based, non-profit, non-Governmental organization dedicated to transforming the lives of widows, their children, and orphans. With unwavering commitment, ROSF implements meticulously designed programs that empower the vulnerable, ensuring financial independence, educational opportunities, and a newfound sense of self-worth and socioeconomic integration in communities across Nigeria.
Such dedication makes ROSF one of the foremost NGOs in the country, offering widows unparalleled support and assistance. In the face of adversity, ROSF's compassion shines as a guiding light, illuminating a path towards a brighter future for those in need.
From its humble beginnings, ROSF has rapidly expanded its reach, spanning all six geo-political regions of the country. The impact has been profound, directly touching the lives of over 4,262 widows through vocational training, interest-free loans, residential/business accommodation, access to medical care, and providing educational scholarships to over 1,971 widows' children and 322 orphans.
Flourish Africa
Apostle Folorunso Alakija established the women's empowerment movement, Flourish Africa, to serve as a catalyst for advancing African women. The movement aims to provide female millennials and adults with access to information that will empower them to excel in their careers, love lives, and relationships.
Driven by her unwavering passion to see women truly fulfilled and empowered, Apostle Folorunso Alakija launched a N1 billion fund to support female-owned businesses in Africa on her 70th birthday in July 2021.
Since its inception, the fund has successfully empowered numerous female entrepreneurs and is committed to fostering the growth of at least 2,500 female business owners through funding and structured training over the next five years.
Apostle Folorunso Alakija's dedication to empowering African women through Flourish Africa and the remarkable N1 billion fund is making a transformative impact, driving positive change, and opening doors for aspiring female entrepreneurs across the continent.
Under this initiative, a minimum of 500 female entrepreneurs will receive training in essential business and life skills each year, and the top 100 achievers from this pool will be eligible for grants of up to 2 million naira each from a 200-million-naira annual fund.
To date, the fund has received a remarkable 21,000 applications for both year one and year two, with a total of 1,005 entrepreneurs already trained, and 200 beneficiaries awarded a sum of N200 million.
"I told as much of my life as I could to encourage people: to encourage others to get to where they should be, where they want to be."
- Folorunso Alakija -