Cavista Holdings, in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), has highlighted Nigeria’s growing position as a key destination for investment at a Gala Dinner in New York.
Welcoming participants, Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, reflected on his Nigerian background and the company’s vision for growth.
“Nigeria is not only a future market. It is the present-day frontier of value creation and impact,” Olajide said. “At Cavista Holdings, our vision is clear: to create value and transform lives. We invest in Africa for three reasons: to create jobs, to create more jobs, and to create even more jobs.”
The event, held on 23 September 2025 at the Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Plaza, took place on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It drew private sector investors, leaders of international finance institutions, senior government officials from the United States, African representatives and a strong Nigerian delegation led by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.
The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, presented examples of ongoing investments in Nigeria and noted reforms by the government aimed at attracting investment and supporting private sector activity.
Also in attendance were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, and a number of Federal Ministers.
Olajide cited Cavista’s key investments, including Agbeyewa Farms, which operates Africa’s largest cassava farm, and Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, which has been developed into a leading hospitality site. He also pointed to Cavista Technologies and Payzeep, two companies contributing to Africa’s digital economy, with future expansion plans in energy and mining.
Goodwill messages were shared by Florie Liser, CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, and Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa. Both speakers emphasised the importance of collaboration between international investors and Nigerian partners.
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion involving Governors Dauda Lawal, Mohammed Umar Bago and Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The session, moderated by Cavista Holdings’ Executive Director and Vice President for Government and External Affairs, Olumide Olayomi, explored investment opportunities at the state level. The conversation also examined economic stability and investor confidence, stressing the importance of state-led initiatives in driving growth.
The evening featured cultural contributions, including a poetry performance titled Nigeria: The Rising Giant by Adetola Sandra Sanni-Thomas, and video presentations showcasing the work of Sun Africa, the NGF and Cavista Holdings.
In his closing remarks, Olajide thanked guests and partners, and called on investors to work with Cavista Holdings to realise Nigeria’s potential.
Guided by the principle that business is a force for good, Cavista Holdings is an Africa-focused investment and holding company with operations across four continents. Its portfolio spans agriculture, financial services, healthcare, hospitality and technology.
