Cavista Holdings, in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), convened global investors and political leaders at a gala dinner in New York on September 23, 2025, to highlight investment opportunities across Nigerian states. The event was held at the Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Plaza, on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The gathering brought together private sector executives, representatives of international finance institutions, U.S. government officials, African leaders, and a Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Alausa told guests that Nigeria’s reforms are designed to make the country more attractive to investors and to expand the role of the private sector in national development. “What we are seeing across Nigeria are examples of investments that have taken root, are thriving, and are providing jobs,” he said. “The government will continue to implement reforms to create the environment for even greater investment and economic growth.”
Also present 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, and Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey.
In his welcome address, Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, said Nigeria should be regarded as a priority market for global capital. “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 pointed to Cavista’s ongoing projects as examples of its approach, citing Agbeyewa Farms, which he described as Africa’s largest cassava farm, the redevelopment of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, and Cavista Technologies and Payzeep, which he said are driving growth in Africa’s digital economy while expanding into energy and mining.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Florie Liser, CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, and Adam Cortese, CEO of Sun Africa. Both speakers underscored the need for strong public-private partnerships to accelerate sustainable development.
A central feature of the evening was a panel session with Governors Sanwo-Olu, Bago, and Lawal. Moderated by Cavista’s Executive Director and Vice President for Government and External Affairs, Olumide Olayomi, the discussion explored ways to unlock state-level opportunities, enhance stability, and increase investor confidence.
The evening also included a poetry performance by Adetola Sandra Sanni-Thomas titled Nigeria: The Rising Giant and video presentations from Sun Africa, the NGF, and Cavista Holdings.
In his closing remarks, Olajide thanked investors and government partners for their engagement and urged global capital providers to look closely at Nigeria. “This is a country of immense potential, and we are inviting investors to come alongside Cavista Holdings to make the most of what Nigeria has to offer,” he said.
