The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) has appointed Mr. Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay Media, as the new Chairman of the IIF Board of Trustees, following the retirement of Engr. Afolabi Oladele, the former Chairman.
Under his leadership, IIF will deepen its influence in shaping the country’s impact investment landscape, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and championing innovative solutions that address Nigeria’s most critical challenges.
Mr. Aigbogun brings several years of exceptional leadership, management, influence and significant contributions to advancing and promoting impact investing in the media space.
He started his career as a journalist and later became the publisher of BusinessDay newspaper, which he co-founded in 2001.
He began his journalism career at The Guardian newspaper and moved on to Vanguard newspaper where he rose to the position of editor of all the titles of the newspaper.
He served for many years as the Lagos correspondent of the Associated Press, AP. Mr. Aigbogun holds a degree in Mass Communication and is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.
Mr. Aigbogun was a member of the Vision 2010, assigned by the government to formulate a long-term economic vision for Nigeria. Notably, he served as the alternate rapporteur for the sub-committee on competition and deregulation. He has also served on the governing board of Nigeria’s National Competitiveness Council.
Commenting on his appointment, Aigbogun, said,
“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to shaping the trajectory of impact investing at a time when investments that deliver meaningful and measurable change for Nigeria have become even more paramount. As one driven by continuous growth and innovation, I firmly believe that through collaborative efforts, we can achieve meaningful progress within our industry.”
The Nigerian National Advisory Board on Impact Investing (NABII), an advisory board under IIF, is equally delighted to welcome two prominent industry leaders.
Tokunboh Ishmael, managing director and co-founder of Alitheia Capital, and Gbenga Hassan, managing partner at Argentil Capital, join NABII with their wealth of experience and expertise in Impact Investing, Gender Lens Investing, Fund Management, Venture Capital and Private Equity.
As the Chair of IIF, Aigbogun also joined the NABII as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board. Their addition underscores NABII’s commitment to harnessing exceptional talent to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s impact investment ecosystem.
Ishmael said,
“Joining NABII provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the scaling of impactful solutions that address societal challenges while driving economic growth. I look forward to working with this dynamic team to advance our shared vision.”
Hassan added,
“Impact investing holds the power to unlock Nigeria’s potential and create lasting value. I am excited to join NABII in its mission to mobilise capital and inspire action for sustainable development.”
Ishmael is a renowned advocate and pioneer of impact, fintech, and gender lens investing. Over the past two decades, she has been a leader in creating innovative financial solutions that address systemic inequalities to achieve inclusive and shared prosperity.
As Manager Director and Co-Founder of Alitheia Capital, a female-led private equity firm that embodies the philosophy ‘profit with purpose’, she is a leader in the mainstreaming of impact investing within the private equity asset class.
Ishmael also co-founded Alitheia IDF where she raised over $100 million, establishing the first and largest Gender Lens fund to invest in female-led businesses across Africa. Some of the companies where she has invested are already changing and redefining their sector.
Prior to founding Alitheia Capital, Ishmael worked at Salomon Brothers on Wall Street, New York, where she conducted over $5 billion in M&A transactions.
She also previously led the establishment of the private equity firm, Aureos Capital, in West Africa and the development of Avante Capital where she led M&A activity for the Ocean and Oil group. Her extensive experience in fund management and investment strategy makes her an invaluable asset to NABII.
Hassan brings over two decades of leadership in venture capital, private equity, and financial services. As Managing Partner and co-founder at Argentil Capital, he has led transformative investments across sectors, driving sustainable growth and innovation.
His expertise in structuring deals and managing portfolios will play a key role in advancing NABII’s objectives.
He has led key investments including Sygen Pharmaceuticals and First Modular Gas Systems Limited and Àrgentil’s investments into two fund managers and early-stage investments.
Previously, Gbenga was responsible for identifying, originating, and executing private equity transactions in West Africa at Aureos Capital, specialising in deal structuring, valuation, and portfolio management. He also worked with Standard Bank London and Stanbic Bank Nigeria in various corporate and project finance roles.
Etemore Glover, CEO of Impact Investors Foundation, said, “Given the new board members’ impressive careers championing sustainable investment and driving transformative change, I am confident that their diverse and extensive skillsets, combined with their vast experience in industry will play a pivotal role in helping to steer the direction of the foundation.”
Under the guidance of Aigbogun and with the strategic expertise of Ishmael and Hassan, IIF and NABII are well-positioned to drive impactful investments, foster economic empowerment, and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
These appointments reflect a shared commitment to shaping a thriving impact economy and unlocking new opportunities for growth and resilience.
