Cavista Holdings in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) hosted a Gala Dinner on September 23, 2025, at the iconic Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Plaza in New York on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), spotlighting Nigeria as a premier destination for business and investment.
The exclusive invite-only event was attended by private sector investors, leaders from international finance partners, top governments officials in the U.S, across Africa and an an excellent Nigerian delegation led by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima the Vice President of Nigeria. The gathering signaled robust international interest in partnering with Nigerian states to drive economic development.
The Special Guest of Honor, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima was represented by the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa who shared success stories of investments across the country and highlighted reforms by the government to attract investments and support the private sector. Also present at the Cavista Holdings Gala dinner were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State), Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), His Eminence, The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, the Deputy Governor of Cross River, Peter Odey and several Ministers from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Welcoming guests, Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, reflected on his Nigerian roots and the promise of private sector–led 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.”
Olajide highlighted Cavista’s flagship investments — including Agbeyewa Farms, home to Africa’s largest cassava farm; Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, transformed into a premier hospitality destination; and Cavista Technologies and Payzeep, which are powering Africa’s digital economy with plans to expand into energy and mining.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Florie Liser, CEO of Corporate Council on Africa, (CCA) and Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa, setting the tone for an evening of impactful dialogue.
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), Governor Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State), and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State).
Moderated by Cavista Holdings’ Executive Director and Vice President for Government and External Affairs, Olumide Olayomi, the conversation focused on unlocking state-level investment opportunities, enhancing economic stability, and boosting investor confidence.
The event also featured a moving poetry performance titled “Nigeria: The Rising Giant” by Adetola Sandra Sanni-Thomas, as well as video presentations showcasing the work of Sun Africa, the NGF, and Cavista Holdings.
In his closing remarks, Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, thanked partners and guests for their support and invited investors to come alongside Cavista Holdings to make the most of all the potential that Nigeria has to offer.
About Cavista Holdings
Guided by the belief that business is a force for good, Cavista Holdings is an Africa-focused global investment and holding company committed to creating value and transforming lives through strategic investments.
Operating across four continents, our portfolio of companies delivers innovative products and services in key sectors including Agriculture, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality and Technology.
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