Cavista Holdings, in collaboration with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), reinforced Nigeria’s status as an emerging global investment hub during a high-level engagement in New York on September 23, 2025. The gathering, held at the Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Plaza, coincided with the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and convened investors, financial institutions, and policymakers from across Africa and the United States.
Positioning Nigeria as Today’s Growth Market
Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and CCA, underscored Nigeria’s immediate relevance for investors. “Nigeria is not only a future market. It is the present-day frontier of value creation and impact,” he said, emphasizing Cavista’s mission to drive inclusive economic transformation. According to Olajide, the company’s investment strategy is anchored on one principle: large-scale job creation across critical sectors.
Strong Government Participation
The Nigerian delegation, led by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima (represented by Education Minister Tunji Alausa), highlighted structural reforms designed to attract capital inflows and sustain private sector participation. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) joined federal ministers and traditional leaders, including Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II, to present investment opportunities at both state and national levels.
Demonstrating Impact Through Investments
Olajide pointed to Cavista’s expanding portfolio as evidence of Nigeria’s untapped potential. Flagship projects include Agbeyewa Farms, Africa’s largest cassava operation; Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, now a benchmark for hospitality excellence; and fast-growing digital ventures such as Cavista Technologies and Payzeep. The company also signaled plans to extend into energy and mining, further diversifying its footprint.
Spotlight on State-Led Growth
A panel discussion with governors Sanwo-Olu, Bago, and Lawal—moderated by Cavista’s Executive Director Olumide Olayomi—examined the pivotal role of state governments in shaping investment climates. Dialogue centered on policy stability, infrastructure readiness, and investor confidence as catalysts for sustainable growth.
Collaboration and Cultural Exchange
International partners, including Florie Liser, CEO of the CCA, and Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa, reiterated the importance of collaborative partnerships between global investors and Nigerian stakeholders. The evening also celebrated Nigeria’s cultural identity through poetry and multimedia showcases, reinforcing the nation’s image as both a commercial and creative powerhouse.
Driving Growth with Purpose
In his closing remarks, Olajide reaffirmed Cavista’s philosophy that business is a force for good. He called on investors to partner with Cavista and the NGF to unlock Nigeria’s vast potential, noting that the company’s cross-continental portfolio in agriculture, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, and technology positions it as a long-term enabler of Africa’s growth story.
