by KINGSLEY ALU
Nigerian billionaire Folorunsho Alakija has reportedly edged past Oprah Winfrey as the world’s richest black woman.
Despite falling oil prices, Nigerian Billionaire, Folorunsho Alakija has edged past Oprah Winfery as world’s richest Black Woman, with a fortune of $7.3bn. On the other hand, Oprah Winfrey is worth $2.9billion, according to Forbes.
According to Ventures Africa magazine’s Rich List, Alakija generated her wealth from oil and gas.
“It is widely believed that Alakija’s friendship with Maryam Babangida, the late wife of former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, played a huge role in her relatively inexpensive acquisition of the oil block back in 1993,” the magazine noted.
United Kingdom-based Business Consultant, Philip Obi cautions that Alakija’s stand is shaky because oil is fast losing value in the face of falling oil prices. “Except she decides to diversify, 90% wealth in oil look unsteady considering the alternative energy potential,” Obi said.
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