Encomium
One of Africa’s most influential women, Folorunsho Alakija was honoured for her outstanding service to humanity at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) 100th anniversary in Kanazawa, Japan on November 6, 2015, where she also delivered a powerful address. A woman with a heart of gold, her Rose of Sharon foundation provides a shoulder for widows and their children to lean by giving them financial empowerment and skills acquisition, transforming their lives and elevating their status. As further proof of her burning passion for the under privileged in the society, her Busy Bees Street Children Rehabilitation Ministry of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos has overseen tremendous changes in the lives of many children – a woman truly filled with love and compassion! With presence in 123 countries around the world and 200,000 active members, the JCI which is a membership-based non-profit organization of young active citizens, ranks as the largest young people organisation in the world. The organisation also has existing partnerships with United Nations Foundation, UNESCO, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Chambers Federation (WCF); as well as the Clinton Global Initiative, Global Youth Empowerment Fund, etc.
In Nigeria, the JCI has 51 professional chapters spread across various cities in the country, and institutional chapters in 60 universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
Meanwhile for the first time, a Nigerian, Pascal Obinna Dike, put Nigeria on the world map after he emerged the 2016 JCI world president. As president, Mr Dike will travel to about 50 countries and attend up to 15 international events.
Before then, however, the businesswoman and philanthropist had bagged a honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at the institution’s 21st convocation ceremony held on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, 2015, to add to her long list of awards and honours.
