About Us
The Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF) was birthed as a revelation received from God by the Founder of the foundation as captured in James 1:27 , which states that: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (NKJV)
Who We Are
The Rose of Sharon Foundation is an NGO focused on alleviating the plight of widows and orphans. We design and execute programmes that give financial independence and educational opportunities to widows, their children and orphans.
A journey which started on the 23rd of May 2008 with three (3) widows, has amalgamated into a network of almost a thousand widows today. Since its inception, the RoSF has directly impacted the lives of more than 4,262 widows through vocational skills and awarded scholarships to 1,971 widow’s children as well as 322 orphans. The RoSF loans that are given to widows are interest free and the scholarships have no conditions attached.
The foundation has also made available residential/business accommodation for 73 (61 widows and 12 orphans). Furthermore, in collaboration with our partners, the RoSF has provided free healthcare consultations and legal services to our widows.
The Rose of Sharon Foundation works in conjunction with Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International to provide spiritual strengthening, comfort and encouragement to widows, their children, orphans and the neglected in society.
Our board of directors comprises of people who possess integrity, professionalism excellence and achievements. Our work is produced by faith as well as labour that is prompted by love and endurance which is inspired by hope.
The Rose of Sharon Foundation’s Work in the Geo-political Zones
The RoSF embarked on its expansion drive to reach widows, their children and orphans across Nigeria. In spite of the insecurities in some states, the foundation has continued to achieve its goal of empowering widows, their children and orphans in each geo-political zone of the country. Those empowered are benefitting from life-changing interventions provided by the Rose of Sharon Foundation.
This initiative is born out of the benevolence of its Founder, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, who aims at addressing the long-term needs of widows, their children and orphans, empowering them for a brighter future.
Our Mission
To guarantee financial independence & educational opportunities for our widows and orphans through schemes as well as programmes that assure greater self esteem and ease of socio-economic integration.
Our Vision
We provide help and succour to widows and orphans across Nigeria.
Our Values
Love and Compassion, Obedience to God’s call, Long Term Commitment, Respect for Every Individual, Partnership, Teamwork, Integrity and Accountability.
Meet the founder
Apostle Folorunso Alakija is a dynamic Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist who has established herself as one of Africa’s foremost entrepreneurs.
Before venturing into business, she was an office administrator and banker. Eventually, she followed her heart and creative calling to join the fashion industry. Her “Rose of Sharon House of Fashion” was a household name in Nigeria. As a testimony to her drive for excellence, she served as a two-time president, and now lifelong Trustee of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN).
Today, Apostle Alakija is involved in many business endeavours; her business interests span oil exploration, printing and real estate industries. She is the Vice Chairman of FAMFA Oil Limited, her family’s oil exploration and production business, seeing to its strategic planning and day to day administration, as well as Dayspring Property Development Company Limited – a real estate company. She oversees the Rose of Sharon Group which includes Digital reality Print Ltd, a world class printing company as the Group MD.
In obedience to the word of God and working according to His will and purpose, she and her husband founded a house fellowship which has grown to become a full-fledged Christian Ministry known as the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International. Thereafter she founded the Rose of Sharon Foundation with a mandate to help widows and their children as well as orphans, taking away hopelessness and wiping away tears.
In the last ten years, the foundation has empowered over three thousand widows and their children through skills acquisition training programs, granting interest-free loans and awarding academic scholarships up to tertiary Institution level.
She is an acclaimed public speaker and the first female to be appointed as Chancellor of a public university in Africa. She is a Fellow of Yaba College of Technology and holds six Honorary Doctorate Degrees. She is a prolific writer and has authored several inspirational books, including her autobiography.
She has served the nation as a member in four different committees and as the Vice Chairman of the National Heritage Council and Endowments for Arts. She also serves as the Chief Executive Matron of the African Young Entrepreneurs, an Ambassador of the Junior Chambers International and matron of several other organizations.
She is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, a Member, Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council Advisory Board and Member, Advisory Board, Harvard University Centre for African Studies.
She is a recipient of many awards in various capacities locally and internationally. She is happily married to Modupe Alakija for well over four decades and is blessed with four (4) sons and grandchildren.