• Reaffirms Commitment To Economic Stability

THE Ojaja Pan Africa Limited owned by, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, recently completed the seamless redemption of its inaugural Commercial Paper (CP) issuance, amounting to an impressive N9.2b. This achievement sends a powerful message about Ojaja Pan Africa’s strong liquidity and unwavering creditworthiness, making waves throughout Nigeria’s financial landscape.

The funds were raised as part of a duly registered N10b programme on the FMDQ Securities Exchange. Ojaja Pan Africa fulfilled its entire obligation with remarkable efficiency, fully repaying N2.15b from Series 1, maturing on November 21, 2025, and N6.91b from Series 2, maturing on February 20, 2026, utilizsing resources generated internally. This accomplishment is especially noteworthy against the backdrop of Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, where the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Rate currently stands at a high 27 per cent, rendering short-term borrowing prohibitively expensive for many corporations.

“The timely redemption of our Series 2 Commercial Paper, following the successful repayment of our maiden Series 1, stands as a powerful testament to the stability of Ojaja Pan Africa’s balance sheet and the rigor of our financial planning,” expressed the Acting Managing Director of Ojaja Pan Africa Limited, Dr. Ayobami Oyedare.

“By meeting these obligations in full, we have validated the trust placed in us by the investing public. With both maturities now successfully resolved, we are strategically focused on leveraging the remaining resources from our N10b programme to foster significant growth and expansion opportunities across the continent.” The successful issuance and redemption were expertly handled by Comercio Partners Capital Limited, who acted as Lead Financial Advisers and Arranger. Mr. Stephen Osho, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Comercio Partners, described the transaction as a defining moment for Ojaja Pan Africa.

“The flawless execution of this redemption underscores the company’s exceptional operational capabilities and solid balance sheet integrity in the marketplace. Achieving this success amidst the intense pressures of the current economic tightening cycle illustrates the company’s capacity to not only weather challenges but to thrive in such conditions,” he said.

This financial milestone represents just one chapter in Ooni Ogunwusi’s broader narrative of nation-building and economic innovation. Far from a mere ceremonial figurehead, the Ooni is a dynamic visionary with over 25 years of entrepreneurial acumen.

As the Chairman and Group Chief Executive of Ojaja Pan Africa, he has transformed the conglomerate into an economic powerhouse, creating opportunities for tens of thousands of individuals across Nigeria while actively pursuing expansion initiatives throughout Africa. The company’s diverse portfolio exemplifies a blueprint for modern African economic development, encompassing ventures in real estate, hospitality, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and tourism.

Ooni’s industrial vision is actively reshaping Nigeria’s economic canvas. In a landmark move for the country’s tourism industry, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) in February 2026, earning him the distinguished title of Grand Patron of Tourism. Through Ojaja Pan Africa, he is channeling private capital, leveraging diaspora networks, and utilising cultural expertise to enhance heritage sites, cuisine, and hospitality infrastructure, all aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from oil dependency and positioning the nation as a premier global cultural destination.

A prime example of his innovative philosophy is the recent launch of Ojaja Soft Drinks, a proudly Nigerian beverage line crafted entirely from local, natural ingredients such as kola nut, ginger, lime, and lemon, along with an array of indigenous flavors. Designed to offer a healthier alternative to imported beverage giants, this brand not only empowers local farmers but also creates sustainable value chains for young entrepreneurs, vigorously pursuing the goal of import substitution. “It has always been my dream to build a powerful brand that embodies the essence of Africa, one that emerges from our vibrant continent and secures a prominent position on the global stage. My passion for educational excellence inspired me to establish Ojaja University in both Ilorin and Ile-Ife, with the aim of enhancing the quality of education and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs,”Ooni Adeyeye declared.

Ooni further reemphasised his huge commitment to agricultural development using it as a tool for youth empowerment and development. He created the in and out growers scheme to enhance the youth cocoa revolution Eight years ago. “I personally gave three million cocoa seedlings to youths scattered across the country to help them expand their horizon and also rejig their interest in farming as a tool for development and economic stability. Today, those youths are reaping the rewards of their hard work with bountiful harvest.”

Ooni further stressed that his focus for the youth is not merely on cultivating cocoa; but he is more dedicated to reshaping the industry by prioritising local production over the export of raw cocoa beans. “By processing these beans domestically, we aim to create jobs for more youths and conserve foreign exchange for Nigeria, particularly in the chocolate and beverage markets. These impactful initiatives have garnered significant attention, with coverage from respected media outlets such as CNN and Al Jazeera.” We are not just cultivating cocoa; we are sowing the seeds for a sustainable future for our youth, one that showcases the rich potential of our continent to the world,” Ooni said.

The vision of a self-sufficient, industrious Nigeria is vividly manifested at Ojaja Mall, the largest and most innovative shopping destination in the country. Located in Lekki, Lagos, this massive AI-powered commercial hub features world-class retail arcades, modern cinema experiences, office spaces, an MSME centre, and various entertainment zones. Officially opened with grand celebrations, this landmark project is already generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, invigorating local commerce, and setting a new standard for smart retail in Africa.

From championing Made-in-Nigeria products within his palace to facilitating youth empowerment initiatives through the House of Oduduwa Foundation, Oba Ogunwusi is committed to the principles of unity and progress. He is a staunch advocate for collective contributions to national development, regularly blessing the land for peace and prosperity, and fostering a vision of a transformed Nigeria driven by innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.