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Leadership

History

2018 – 2019

  • The AVA Capital Group (“The Group”) commenced operations with 2 companies – Elixir Capital Partners Limited and Helix Securities Limited implementing the roadmap and business model pre-determined prior to the commencement of

operations.

  • The Group added ‘Nachtwey Limited’ which was created to provide customized fund and asset management solutions to our clients based on our understanding of their needs and objectives. The business through innovative and disruptive product and services currently has Assets under Management in excess of ₦7 billion.

2020 – 2021

  • Our businesses had a rebrand. The result from this are; Elixir Capital Partners Limited became AVA Capital Partners Limited, Helix Securities Limited became AVA Securities Limited, and Natchwey Limited became AVA Global Asset Managers Limited.
  • During the fourth quarter of 2020, the group added to its bouquet of financial services, AVA Trustees Limited. In 2021, AVA Trustees Limited officially kicked off.
  • The Group successfully closed out of several private-sector mandates in the capacity of Joint Issuing House. From Series 2 ₦6.5 Bn Green Bond Issuance by NSP Power SPV Plc; Transcorp Hotels Plc ₦10 Bn Rights Issue and the VFD Group Rights Issue and a host of other public sector transactions.
  • In 2020, AVA Capital Partners was awarded the FMDQ Most active Transaction Sponsor.

2022 – 2023

  • In 2022, AVA Capital Partners Limited for the second time was awarded the FMDQ Most active Transaction Sponsor.
  • Our asset management team successfully delivered top-of-the-line investment management services to our clients, with Assets

Under Management (AUM) currently in excess of ₦60 billion.

  • Our Asset management team (AVA GGAM) received SEC approval to launch the AVA Infrastructure Fund, with a program size of ₦200 billion. The company has successfully opened and closed the first series of the fund, valued at ₦4.075 billion..
  • AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund was listed by the Nigeria Exchange Group as top 2 for the best fund return performance by the end of 2023.

2024

  • AVA GAM got an A+ credit rating “Data Pro” and a BBB rating from “Augusto and Co “
  • Over the last 5 years, AVA GAM have successfully managed a cumulative sum of over ₦121bn, paid out over ₦71bn in capital repayments, and over ₦11.7bn in investment returns to our

clients with zero regulatory infractions or sanctions.

  • In the third quarter of 2024, AVA Global Asset Managers successfully listed the ₦4.1bn AVA Infrastructure Fund Series 1 Issuance on the Nigeria Exchange Group and rang the closing gong.

DR. YINKA ADEDEJI

Chairman

Dr. Adedeji is a seasoned finance professional with over 26 years of experience, primarily distinguished in the realms of digital banking transformation, innovation, and product development. He has served as the Group Divisional Head of Digital Banking at UBA Group, which operates in 19 African countries, New York, the United Kingdom, and Paris. During his tenure at UBA, Dr. Adedeji played a pivotal role in launching several innovative digital products and has been integral to the digital transformation across all UBA subsidiaries.

After his impactful tenure at UBA, Dr. Adedeji joined Equity Bank, continuing his career in influential roles within the banking industry. His career also includes leadership roles such as acting as the MD/CEO of AfriPay Limited, a Mobile Money business started by UBA, from July 2009 to March 2011. He has been a vital member of several executive committees at UBA and has served as an advisory member on the boards of Payment Card Schemes.

Beyond his corporate engagements, Dr. Adedeji is an active investor in start-ups, with interests in diverse sectors such as education through Maximus Academy, financial services through VFD Group, insurance via Atiat Insurance Brokers, and consumer finance with TalFargas (KwikCredit). His contributions to digital banking and his investments reflect his commitment to advancing financial services and education.

KAYODE FADAHUNSI

Chief Executive Officer

Kayode Fadahunsi is the Chief Executive Officer of Prosperis Group which operates in 9 states across Nigeria with 10 investee companies under its belt. He is an ardent finance professional with over 24 years of experience spanning Corporate Finance, Corporate Banking, Strategy and Structuring, Mergers and Acquisition deals, Principal Investment, Capital Markets and Investor Relations.

Prior to founding the Prosperis Group, he served at UBA Plc as a Director of Investor Relations, Managing Director of Capital Markets at United Capital Plc, and MD at United Capital Securities Ltd.

Kayode has completed the Owners President Management Programme (“OPM58”) at Harvard Business School, Boston. He also has completed the Chief Executive Programme (“CEP25”) and Senior Management Programme (“SMP35”) at Lagos Business School Pan African University, Lagos.

He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), an Honorary Senior member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (HCIB), a Fellow at the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (FCS), and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (ACISI).

EFE SHAIRE

MD, AVA Global Asset Managers Limited

Efe Shaire is an entrepreneurial executive with extensive C-suite exposure and a proven track record in helping clients achieve corporate and capital market objectives effectively. He has demonstrated success in leading international and multi-disciplinary teams, encompassing clients, advisors, regulators, and internal stakeholders, to deliver both financial and non-financial goals.

Mr. Shaire has over 20 years of professional experience spanning investment banking and capital markets, and has led teams and executed transactions across Nigeria, East, and Southern Africa. He also has sectoral experience covering Financial Institutions, Industrials, Telecoms Media and Technology (TMT), and FMCG, with experience in the full spectrum of investment banking products – M&A, Equity Capital Markets, and Debt Solutions.

He was instrumental in building, growing, and positioning Absa’s East Africa Investment Banking (IB) franchise. He successfully closed six transactions across M&A, ECM, and Debt Solutions in the TMT, FI, FMCG, and industrials space for clients including Vodacom Group, Vodacom Tanzania, ARM Cement, and Etisalat (now 9mobile). He was a senior member of the Sub-Saharan Africa investment banking team responsible for driving origination and execution of transactions across core IBD products in West Africa.

Efe graduated from Ambrose Alli University, Edo State, in 2001 with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and also possesses a certificate in Strategic Management: Connected Strategy from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, which he obtained in August 2020.

SAMSON ADEKUNLE

Director

Samson Adekunle is a Certified Risk Analyst (CRA®); Authorized Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (ACS); SEC licensed Compliance Officer and Fellow – GAFM® (Global Academy of Finance and Management); and an Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (ACISI).

He has over 11 years of working experience in the financial services industry, spanning Banking and Capital Markets, with core expertise in Strategy, Business Development, and Enterprise-wide Risk Management.

Samson, a Venture Capitalist in training, obtained his MBA and first degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2011 and 2005 respectively. He has an Executive Certificate in Innovation and Commercialization from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2015. He is an Affiliate Member of the Professional Risk Managers International Association.

ADEDOTUN ADEGBITE

Director

Adedotun Adegbite is a seasoned finance professional with over 18 years of experience in investment banking, financial advisory, and management consulting. He provides strategic leadership to the firm’s financial advisory, capital raising, and principal investment businesses. Dotun’s extensive experience spans several sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and capital markets.

In the capital markets, he has led teams acting as Financial Adviser, Lead Issuing House, or Joint Issuing House in over ten sub-sovereign bond issues by various Nigerian state governments. His expertise in structuring, negotiating, and raising financing extends to public-private partnership projects and concessions. Additionally, Dotun has been involved in structuring transactions for oil and gas projects and power plants, leveraging his deep sector expertise.

Before his current role, Adedotun was the Head of the Capital Markets and Infrastructure team at Àrgentil Capital Partners, an energy and infrastructure-focused boutique investment firm, where he led numerous significant transactions. He began his professional career at KPMG, where he rose to the position of Manager. During his tenure, he led teams in strategy, institutional reform of public sector organizations, and business operations optimization for clients in telecommunications, consumer markets, and the FMCG sector.

Adedotun Adegbite holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter, an MBA in Finance with Distinction from the University of Leicester, UK, and a B.Sc. (First Class) in Building from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is known for his strong leadership skills and strategic thinking. His comprehensive knowledge in corporate finance, corporate banking, investor relations, strategy and structuring, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions make him an invaluable asset to the firm and its clients.

TAIWO OKUROUNMU

Director

Taiwo Okurounmu is a chartered accountant with over 13 years of experience in the banking and advertising industry. A graduate of Business Administration and Management, he holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Warwick Business School, obtained in 2010. He has worked at various times with Magnum Trust Bank, UBA Ghana Limited, Alliance Media Ghana Limited, and Bank PHB Plc.

Taiwo has core expertise in financial management, having worked in the financial control units of two banks and as the country accountant for Alliance Media Ghana Limited. He has also had brief stints in marketing and credit relations within the banking industry.

Taiwo graduated from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro with a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration and Management in 1998. He also has an MBA from Warwick Business School, UK, in Strategic Management, obtained in 2010. Taiwo is the founder of Q8 Nigeria Limited, a QSR franchise management company, and Q6 Limited, a company that uses greenhouse technology to grow and supply vegetables.

BOLANLE EKANIM

Director

Bolanle earned her first degree in Finance from the University of Lagos, Akoka, and her Masters (MSc) in Computing and Information Technology from the University of Bedfordshire, Luton, England. She also attended the Senior Management Programme (“SMP 84”) of the Lagos Business School – Pan African University, Lagos.

Bolanle is a Director of AVA Trustees Limited and Head of Corporate Services of the Prosperis Group. Leveraging over 18 years of experience in management, finance, HR, and customer service across various sectors locally and internationally, Bolanle brings a strategic perspective to her role as Director, Corporate Services.

She spearheaded transformative organizational changes in complex, global environments, seamless transitions, operational excellence, and a high-performing ePIN management team to achieve 100% revenue protection and zero fraud in the competitive telecommunications sector.

At Prosperis, Bolanle established a cutting-edge training academy to cultivate top talent, driving employee development and career advancement. She boosted employee engagement and performance through strategic performance management initiatives, accelerated business growth by optimizing resource allocation and fostering strong stakeholder partnerships, and collaborated on designing and executing CSR initiatives that embody the company’s mission.

ABIOLA HAMMED

Head, Investment Banking

Abiola Hammed is the Chief Operating Officer at AVA Capital Partners Limited, where he leverages his extensive experience in treasury and capital markets to drive significant growth for both retail and institutional clients. With a strong background in developing innovative financial solutions, Abiola has successfully managed complex transactions in both public and private markets, consistently delivering value and strategic insights that enhance client portfolios.

Before joining AVA Capital Partners, Abiola held key roles in the finance industry, including Deputy Treasury Lead at GZI and Treasury Analyst at Ecobank Nigeria. In these positions, he was instrumental in executing debt and equity capital raises, managing capital structures, conducting rigorous financial analysis, and optimizing treasury operations, all of which contributed to the overall financial stability and growth of the organizations.

Abiola is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. He holds a Master’s Degree in Energy Economics from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from Obafemi Awolowo University.

MAYOWA IKOTUN

Group Head, AVA Global Asset Managers Limited

Mayowa has over 9 years of experience in the financial industry across Fund and Portfolio Management, Fixed Income Trading, Financial Advisory, Banking Operations, Relationship Management, Credit Assessment and Structuring, Sales, and Marketing.

He worked as a Team Lead Non-Financial Transaction Officer and Relationship Manager in the Retail Business Unit of FirstBank Nigeria Limited. He currently serves as a Group Head at AVA Global Asset Managers Limited. Additionally, he oversees the team managing 9 assets (comprising hotels, conference centers, parks, etc.) valued at over ₦30bn for Gombe State through GOS Management Company Limited, with the responsibility of overseeing the development and restructuring of the assets to ensure revenue generation for the state.

He also has vast experience in other sectors, including Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Building Construction, and Structural Designing, where he started his career before moving to the financial industry sector.

Mayowa has strong leadership, analytical, and negotiating skills that have seen him lead teams to transactional successes. He also holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Ibadan.

IFEYINWA ADENIJI

Managing Director AVA Securities

Ifeyinwa is a proficient financial expert with over six years of experience in the financial services industry. She brings a wealth of expertise in securities trading, portfolio management, and more. As the Acting Managing Director of AVA Securities Limited, Ifeyinwa adeptly manages trading operations and ensures the seamless execution of trades.

With an acute grasp of market dynamics and regulatory nuances, she is dedicated to optimizing client gains while upholding the highest standards of integrity. She is also responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key clients, investors, and stakeholders, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and service excellence, and developing and implementing strategies to attract and retain clients.

Ifeyinwa is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and continuous development in the financial sector.

MAYOWA IKOTUN

Portfolio Manager

Mayowa has over 9 years of experience in the financial industry across Fund and Portfolio Management, Fixed Income Trading, Financial Advisory, Banking Operations, Relationship Management, Credit Assessment and Structuring, Sales, and Marketing.

He worked as a Team Lead Non-Financial Transaction Officer and Relationship Manager in the Retail Business Unit of FirstBank Nigeria Limited. He currently is a Group Head at AVA Global Asset Managers Limited. He also oversees the team managing 9 assets (comprising hotels, conference centers, parks, etc.) valued at over ₦30bn for Gombe State through GOS Management Company Limited with the responsibility of overseeing development and restructuring of the assets to ensure revenue generation to the state.

Mayowa has strong leadership, analytical, and negotiating skills that have seen him lead teams to transactional successes. He also holds a BSc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Ibadan.

SEUN IDOWU

AG. Managing Director

Seun is the Managing Director of AVA Trustees Limited. He is a consummate Trust Advisor and law professional with over 17 years of combined experience, whose expertise spans Public, Private, and Corporate Trust advisory and execution services. His clients include public institutions, companies, high-net-worth individuals, non-profits, and retail clients seeking securitization, wealth preservation, asset protection, portfolio management, wealth planning, structured giving, and succession planning advice.

With extensive experience in private wealth advisory and management, Seun has managed trust investment portfolios and real estate holdings worth over ₦1.26 trillion. He has also served as a member of the Investment Committees of 5 Collective Investment Schemes and 2 Specialized Funds in the Nigerian Capital Markets.

Seun is a member of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the NBA Section on Business Law.

JOSEPH O. FELIX

Head, Trust Services and Legal Services

Joseph is the Head of Trust Services and Legal at AVA Trustees Limited. He is a law graduate of the Nigerian Law School (2014) and the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2013). Joseph is a highly focused and solution-driven legal professional with 11 years of experience in exemplary advocacy, regulatory affairs, and corporate and legal advisory services.

He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (N.B.A.) and has attended various trainings (both local and international) covering multiple spheres of legal education.