our management.
Our experienced experts
Emmanuel Odemayowa is the Chairman & Group Managing Director of Cavalli Business & Investment Group. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Global Property Partners, a Member of the Cavalli Group.
Emmanuel Odemayowa is a transformational business leader with over 20 years working experience; in developing innovative solutions, analysing complex situations, turning strategy into action with cross-functional business knowledge to catalyse change transformation and drive success.
Emmanuel Odemayowa holds a Master’s of Law (LLM) degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in English Language and Literature from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
He attended the Owner Manager Programme at the Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School) and has also participated in several trainings in Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing.
In the course of his career, Emmanuel Odemayowa worked with the Economic Growth and Development Centre, Abuja, where he was fully involved in research projects spanning National Planning and Development Issues. He later moved to the real estate sector as pioneer Business Development Manager with a frontline real estate firm in Nigeria, after-which he became the Managing Director of Ambassage Properties Limited (A Commercial Real Estate Development Firm), where he spearheaded the growth and expansion of the Ambassage Group; which also includes: The Sage Homes (The luxury homes subsidiary of the business).
Emmanuel Odemayowa is happily married with three lovely kids. He is a football and golf enthusiasts and spends most of his evening after work playing golf at the Ikoyi Club, Lagos.
Banjo obtained his LL. B from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and bagged his B.L from the Nigeria Law School about 15 years ago. He also holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Lagos. Since graduation, he has garnered experience in different areas of corporate and commercial law practice especially Real Property, Maritime, Intellectual Property and Probate matters.
He joined the Estate of O. Atobatele, as an in-house Solicitor. There, he managed legal matters relating to the Estate’s real property and shares/securities in more than thirty Nigerian Companies. He later joined Lexx and Sophy, a Law Firm then based in Maryland, Lagos as an Associate. At Lexx and Sophy, he garnered experience in Real Estate, Shipping/Maritime, Customs, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Energy and Probate Matters.
He joined Grand Designs Sage Homes Limited, a real estate Company, then based in Lekki, Lagos as Head, Legal. At Sage Homes, he was part of all the joint venture transactions, contract negotiation, contract drafting, etc. He also held the position of Company Secretary/Legal Adviser.
He later joined Deluxe Residences Limited from inception as Legal Adviser and currently occupies the position of Company Secretary/General Counsel, and heads the Legal Division of the Company.
Banjo has undergone various leadership and management trainings in various organizations including a Management Programme at the Lagos Business School. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
Makanjuola Olumide Julius is a highly qualified and experienced professional with over 15 years of expertise in accounting, finance, taxation, audit, and advisory services. He is a registered Professional with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, a Fellow of ICAN, and an Associate member of the CITN, a Registered Professional with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), and Associate of the Association of Accounting Technicians in West Africa (ABWA). Makanjuola holds an MBA in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Investment from Ahmadu Bello University.
Earlier in his career, Makanjuola served as a Project Accountant at JohnDavids Construction Limited and worked his way up in the industry to becoming the Finance Manager at Landwey Investment Limited where he oversaw financial activities related to business operations, budgeting and cost reduction. Makanjuola played a key role in coordinating the financial affairs of other subsidiaries in the business value chain and led the finance team in setting and achieving goals.
Currently, Makanjuola serves as the Head of Finance at Cavalli Business & Investment Group. In this role, he reports directly to the Group Managing Director and is responsible for reviewing the company’s financial statements for compliance with IFRS, budget planning, reconciling bank accounts and intercompany balances, and providing advisory support in investment and credit sourcing. He also liaises with tax consultants and auditors, ensures compliance with tax laws and regulations, and safeguards company assets. Makanjuola utilizes his proficiency in Sage 50 Accounting software to perform his duties effectively.
Makanjuola’s key skills include leadership, negotiation, budgeting, data analysis, and meeting tight deadlines. He has a passion for reading, exercising, socializing, and football.
Briggs Ibim Esther is a dynamic and result-driven professional with over a decade of progressive experience spanning investor relations, strategic partnerships, sales, marketing, and brand management. She has a strong track record of driving revenue growth, securing high-value investments, and leading impactful communication initiatives within the real estate and financial services sectors.
Currently serving as the Head of Investor Relations & Partnerships at Cavalli Business & Investment Group, Esther plays a pivotal role in capital raising, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth through partnerships and investor confidence-building. Her efforts have resulted in a 45% increase in capital from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, along with enhanced long-term investment commitments.
Previously, she excelled as a Product Sales Manager and Senior Brand & Corporate Communications Manager within the Cavalli Group, where she implemented multimillion-dollar sales strategies, launched successful marketing campaigns, and built high-performing teams that consistently surpassed revenue targets.
Esther began her career in banking and consulting, developing expertise in business development, brand strategy, and client relationship management. She holds an MSc in Applied Corporate Brand Management from Brunel University, UK, and a BSc in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Port Harcourt.
Her core competencies include investor relations, capital fundraising, strategic sales leadership, corporate branding, partnership development, and stakeholder communications. Esther is known for her analytical acumen, adaptability, and leadership in high-stakes environments.
Emmanuel Odemayowa is the Chairman & Group Managing Director of Cavalli Business & Investment Group. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Global Property Partners, a Member of the Cavalli Group.
Emmanuel Odemayowa is a transformational business leader with over 20 years working experience; in developing innovative solutions, analysing complex situations, turning strategy into action with cross-functional business knowledge to catalyse change transformation and drive success.
Emmanuel Odemayowa holds a Master’s of Law (LLM) degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in English Language and Literature from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
He attended the Owner Manager Programme at the Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School) and has also participated in several trainings in Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing.
In the course of his career, Emmanuel Odemayowa worked with the Economic Growth and Development Centre, Abuja, where he was fully involved in research projects spanning National Planning and Development Issues. He later moved to the real estate sector as pioneer Business Development Manager with a frontline real estate firm in Nigeria, after-which he became the Managing Director of Ambassage Properties Limited (A Commercial Real Estate Development Firm), where he spearheaded the growth and expansion of the Ambassage Group; which also includes: The Sage Homes (The luxury homes subsidiary of the business).
Emmanuel Odemayowa is happily married with three lovely kids. He is a football and golf enthusiasts and spends most of his evening after work playing golf at the Ikoyi Club, Lagos.
Banjo obtained his LL. B from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and bagged his B.L from the Nigeria Law School about 15 years ago. He also holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Lagos. Since graduation, he has garnered experience in different areas of corporate and commercial law practice especially Real Property, Maritime, Intellectual Property and Probate matters.
He joined the Estate of O. Atobatele, as an in-house Solicitor. There, he managed legal matters relating to the Estate’s real property and shares/securities in more than thirty Nigerian Companies. He later joined Lexx and Sophy, a Law Firm then based in Maryland, Lagos as an Associate. At Lexx and Sophy, he garnered experience in Real Estate, Shipping/Maritime, Customs, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Energy and Probate Matters.
He joined Grand Designs Sage Homes Limited, a real estate Company, then based in Lekki, Lagos as Head, Legal. At Sage Homes, he was part of all the joint venture transactions, contract negotiation, contract drafting, etc. He also held the position of Company Secretary/Legal Adviser.
He later joined Deluxe Residences Limited from inception as Legal Adviser and currently occupies the position of Company Secretary/General Counsel, and heads the Legal Division of the Company.
Banjo has undergone various leadership and management trainings in various organizations including a Management Programme at the Lagos Business School. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
Makanjuola Olumide Julius is a highly qualified and experienced professional with over 15 years of expertise in accounting, finance, taxation, audit, and advisory services. He is a registered Professional with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, a Fellow of ICAN, and an Associate member of the CITN, a Registered Professional with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), and Associate of the Association of Accounting Technicians in West Africa (ABWA). Makanjuola holds an MBA in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Investment from Ahmadu Bello University.
Earlier in his career, Makanjuola served as a Project Accountant at JohnDavids Construction Limited and worked his way up in the industry to becoming the Finance Manager at Landwey Investment Limited where he oversaw financial activities related to business operations, budgeting and cost reduction. Makanjuola played a key role in coordinating the financial affairs of other subsidiaries in the business value chain and led the finance team in setting and achieving goals.
Currently, Makanjuola serves as the Head of Finance at Cavalli Business & Investment Group. In this role, he reports directly to the Group Managing Director and is responsible for reviewing the company’s financial statements for compliance with IFRS, budget planning, reconciling bank accounts and intercompany balances, and providing advisory support in investment and credit sourcing. He also liaises with tax consultants and auditors, ensures compliance with tax laws and regulations, and safeguards company assets. Makanjuola utilizes his proficiency in Sage 50 Accounting software to perform his duties effectively.
Makanjuola’s key skills include leadership, negotiation, budgeting, data analysis, and meeting tight deadlines. He has a passion for reading, exercising, socializing, and football.
Briggs Ibim Esther is a dynamic and result-driven professional with over a decade of progressive experience spanning investor relations, strategic partnerships, sales, marketing, and brand management. She has a strong track record of driving revenue growth, securing high-value investments, and leading impactful communication initiatives within the real estate and financial services sectors.
Currently serving as the Head of Investor Relations & Partnerships at Cavalli Business & Investment Group, Esther plays a pivotal role in capital raising, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth through partnerships and investor confidence-building. Her efforts have resulted in a 45% increase in capital from high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors, along with enhanced long-term investment commitments.
Previously, she excelled as a Product Sales Manager and Senior Brand & Corporate Communications Manager within the Cavalli Group, where she implemented multimillion-dollar sales strategies, launched successful marketing campaigns, and built high-performing teams that consistently surpassed revenue targets.
Esther began her career in banking and consulting, developing expertise in business development, brand strategy, and client relationship management. She holds an MSc in Applied Corporate Brand Management from Brunel University, UK, and a BSc in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Port Harcourt.
Her core competencies include investor relations, capital fundraising, strategic sales leadership, corporate branding, partnership development, and stakeholder communications. Esther is known for her analytical acumen, adaptability, and leadership in high-stakes environments.
our team.
Board Members
Emmanuel Odemayowa serves as Chairman and Group Managing Director of Cavalli Business & Investment Group, providing strategic oversight across the Group’s investment, real estate, and infrastructure platforms. He also leads Global Property Partners, a core entity within the Cavalli portfolio.
With over two decades of leadership experience, he has built a reputation for disciplined capital deployment, institutional structuring, and sustainable asset growth. His work is anchored in long-term value engineering, location intelligence, and governance-driven expansion.
He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford, a Master of Business Administration from the London School of Business & Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University. He further refined his executive leadership at the Owner-Manager Programme of Lagos Business School, strengthening his strategic approach to enterprise scale and corporate governance.
His early professional experience at the Economic Growth and Development Centre in Abuja exposed him to national planning and macroeconomic development frameworks, shaping his understanding of how infrastructure, capital markets, and policy intersect to influence economic growth.
He later transitioned into the real estate sector, serving as Pioneer Business Development Manager at a leading Nigerian property firm before becoming Managing Director of Ambassage Properties Limited. There, he led expansion initiatives across commercial and luxury residential developments, including the establishment of The Sage Homes.
Under his leadership, Cavalli Business & Investment Group has strengthened its focus on premium real estate development, strategic infrastructure alignment, and resilient investment assets designed for long-term appreciation. His leadership philosophy emphasizes structured growth, capital discipline, and institutional accountability.
He views development not simply as physical construction, but as the creation of enduring economic platforms.
Professor Ogechi Adeola is a Professor of Marketing and Head of the Department of Operations, Marketing, and Information Systems at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria. In January 2024, she was elected Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali, Rwanda, reinforcing her leadership role within Africa’s higher education and governance landscape.
She began her career in Nigeria’s financial services sector, where she spent fourteen years in senior leadership roles across leading banks. Her responsibilities included Private Banking, Consumer and Retail Banking, Product Development and Management, and Customer Service. During this period, she built deep expertise in marketing strategy, product innovation, retail credit risk, and enterprise transformation.
Professor Adeola holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and an MBA from Manchester Business School, United Kingdom, as well as a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nigeria. She has completed executive and teaching programs at Cranfield School of Management, IESE Business School, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science, among others.
An accomplished scholar, she has authored and co-authored several academic books and published in leading international journals, including the Journal of International Business Studies, Tourism Management, Journal of Business Research, and Industrial Marketing Management. Her research has received international recognition, including the Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Paper.
Her advisory work spans Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. She has provided strategic counsel to institutions such as Afreximbank, the International Labour Organization, USAID, and the Centre for Global Enterprise in the United States, with a focus on market development, institutional strengthening, and gender inclusion.
Professor Adeola serves as Associate Dean of Business Administration at the University of the People, Independent Non-Executive Director of Cornerstone Insurance Plc, and a member of the Governing Board of the University of Kigali. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, and the Founder of the Digital Business Tutelage for Women Empowerment in Africa Initiative.
Omolola Coker is a seasoned corporate finance lawyer and governance advisor with over two decades of experience structuring complex transactions across the energy and financial services sectors. She serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Cavalli Business & Investments Limited, contributing deep expertise in regulatory oversight, capital structuring, and institutional risk management.
She is an Equity Partner at Adepetun Caxton Martins Agbor & Segun (Dentons ACAS-Law), where she co-leads the Firm’s Financial Services Practice Group. Her practice spans acquisition finance, project finance, syndicated lending, structured finance, and cross-border transactions. She has advised development finance institutions, multilateral lenders, commercial banks, and project sponsors on high-value infrastructure and energy financings, providing strategic oversight on transaction structuring, security documentation, and Nigerian regulatory compliance.
Her sector focus includes oil and gas, power, mining, renewable energy, and broader infrastructure development. She brings strong experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, upstream financing, and midstream and downstream operational advisory, combining legal precision with commercial judgement.
Omolola holds an LL.M in International Business Law from King’s College, University of London, an LL.B from the University of Westminster, and a B.L from the Nigerian Law School. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and its Section on Business Law, the Business Recovery & Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK).
She has been recognised by leading international legal directories, including Who’s Who Legal (now Lexology) as a Recommended Lawyer in Oil & Gas, Mining, and Renewable Energy, and IFLR1000 as a Rising Star Partner in Project Development and Energy for multiple consecutive years.
In addition to her role at Cavalli, she serves on the boards of Jaza Energy Limited, Hibleo Nigeria Limited, and Stephenson Brothers Limited, further strengthening her governance and strategic oversight credentials.
Her combination of transactional expertise, regulatory depth, and board-level experience enhances Cavalli’s institutional strength in infrastructure development, energy investments, and structured finance strategy.
Sokipiri Graham-Douglas brings to Cavalli a rare blend of economic intelligence, institutional experience, and multi-sector investment leadership developed across the United States and Nigeria.
Trained as an economist at Langston University, Oklahoma, with postgraduate research at Morgan State University, Baltimore, his academic work focused on macroeconomic behavior, spending patterns, and the structural drivers of urban migration. His early research examined how wage systems and consumption trends shape economic output, reflecting a long-standing interest in how capital flows influence growth.
He began his professional journey within the United States corporate real estate sector, rising to Assistant Manager (Property) at B.F. Saul Inc., Washington DC. There, he gained first-hand exposure to structured asset management, portfolio growth, and institutional property operations. The experience shaped his disciplined, long-term approach to real estate as both an economic instrument and a value-preserving asset class.
On returning to Nigeria, he transitioned into executive leadership and high-level advisory roles across finance, aviation, and infrastructure. He served as Executive Director at Elads Nigeria Limited, Director at Rivland Savings and Loans, and Special Assistant at IPCO International. He later acted as Special Assistant to the Former Minister of Aviation, before being appointed Senior Special Assistant (Transport and Communications) to the Governor of Rivers State from 1999 to 2003.
During this period, he contributed to strategic committees focused on traffic decongestion, road rehabilitation, housing scheme completion, and water infrastructure provision. His work bridged public policy and execution, reinforcing his belief that infrastructure is the backbone of economic productivity and urban competitiveness.
Following his tenure in public service, he expanded his private investment footprint as Managing Director of Bluefontein Ventures Limited and Blisfield Enterprises Limited. His portfolio spans oil and gas, construction, property development, hospitality, and luxury retail, including high-value hospitality assets and international design franchises.
He serves on the boards of BGL Securities, Intessa Energy, Manor Properties, Spoonguru UK, and other corporate institutions, providing strategic oversight across energy, property, and financial services.
At Cavalli, his contribution is anchored in strategic growth, disciplined capital allocation, and infrastructure-led value creation. His cross-sector experience enables a holistic view of development, from financing frameworks to operational execution. He brings to the board a forward-looking perspective grounded in economic fundamentals and asset resilience.
He is committed to sustainable enterprise and philanthropic engagement that advances social and economic development.
Married with children, he maintains active interests in sports and civic advancement.
Bernard ZAATAR is an international hospitality executive with over 18 years of experience leading hotel, restaurant, and lifestyle asset operations across Nigeria’s premium hospitality sector. At Cavalli Business & Investment Group, he provides operational leadership across hospitality assets, ensuring service excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value enhancement.
Bernard has a proven track record in managing complex hospitality operations, overseeing asset repositioning, and driving operational transformation to improve profitability and guest experience. His expertise spans hotel expansions, pre-opening execution, operational restructuring, and performance optimization across luxury and boutique hospitality environments.
He currently serves as General Manager at Hotel Black Diamond and Farfallino Italian Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he oversees operational restructuring, technology integration, and service standardisation to restore performance and strengthen market positioning. Prior to this, he served as General Manager at Hotel Maroko Bayshore and previously led the expansion and operational growth of The Blowfish Hotel, where he successfully oversaw room expansion, restaurant development, and revenue optimization initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Bernard held leadership and management roles across hotels, restaurants, and wellness facilities, including Body Temple Spa and Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, where he developed expertise in pre-opening execution, operational planning, team development, and guest experience management.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Notre Dame University, Lebanon, and is fluent in English, French, and Arabic. His international background and operational discipline bring global hospitality standards to Cavalli’s hospitality and lifestyle investment portfolio.
His leadership strengthens Cavalli’s ability to develop, operate, and optimize hospitality assets as part of its broader infrastructure and investment strategy.
Alhaji Kabir Aminu Tafida is a distinguished business leader and public sector executive whose career spans over four decades across enterprise leadership, economic development, and institutional governance. As Chairman, he provides strategic oversight and governance leadership, guiding Cavalli Business & Investment Group’s long-term vision, institutional positioning, and disciplined growth across its investment platforms.
His career reflects a rare combination of private sector leadership and senior public service. He served as Managing Director of Integrated Broadcast Electronics Limited for over 15 years, where he led operational expansion, organisational development, and long-term business sustainability. His leadership experience also extends into public administration, where he served as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Honourable Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Health in Sokoto State, contributing to fiscal planning, economic development, and resource management at the state level.
Alhaji Tafida has played a significant role in advancing regional commerce and economic growth. He served as President of the Sokoto Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SOCCIMA), where he strengthened private sector participation and investment promotion. His governance experience includes serving as Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee and as a Board Member of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), contributing to policy oversight, investment facilitation, and institutional development.
His private sector leadership includes directing multiple enterprises across consulting, security services, and business advisory, where he has provided strategic leadership, corporate governance oversight, and operational direction. He currently serves as Chairman of El Elyons Security Limited, continuing his active involvement in enterprise leadership and institutional growth.
Alhaji Tafida holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Polytechnic of Central London, a Bachelor of Arts in English Drama from the Royal Academy of Arts, London, and a Diploma in Economics and Home Management from Subotica Economski Fakultet, Yugoslavia. His international academic exposure has shaped his broad strategic perspective and leadership approach.
His depth of experience across business leadership, economic policy, and institutional governance reinforces Cavalli’s commitment to structured growth, strong governance, and long-term value creation across its investment and infrastructure portfolio.
Sani Jonathan is an accomplished financial leader with over two decades of executive experience spanning multinational corporations, private equity–backed institutions, and large-scale infrastructure and aviation enterprises. He brings deep expertise in financial strategy, capital structuring, regulatory compliance, and enterprise transformation, reinforcing Cavalli Business & Investment Group’s commitment to disciplined financial governance and sustainable value creation.
He currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Arik Air, where he leads enterprise-wide financial strategy, restructuring, and operational optimization for one of West Africa’s most significant aviation platforms. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened financial controls, enhanced forecasting precision, optimized liquidity management, and implemented strategic tax and capital efficiency frameworks that have materially improved financial performance and institutional stability.
Prior to this, he held senior financial leadership roles across global investment and operating environments, including Evercare Group, where he oversaw more than $110 million in healthcare infrastructure and operational investments, secured critical funding facilities, and implemented financial systems that enhanced transparency, resilience, and long-term sustainability. His earlier experience includes leadership roles at The Abraaj Group and Layer3 Communications, where he delivered significant improvements in profitability, capital efficiency, and operational scalability across multi-jurisdictional markets.
Sani Jonathan holds an exceptional portfolio of global professional credentials, including CPA, FCCA, CIMA, CITN, MBA, and multiple fellowships across internationally recognized accounting and finance institutions. His technical depth is complemented by strategic fluency in IFRS standards, cross-border finance, investment structuring, and institutional risk management.
His career reflects a consistent ability to architect financial systems that support complex, asset-intensive enterprises, strengthen investor confidence, and enable sustainable expansion. At Cavalli Business & Investment Group, he provides critical financial leadership across the Group’s real estate, infrastructure, and investment platforms, ensuring capital discipline, financial integrity, and long-term value creation.
Emmanuel Odemayowa serves as Chairman and Group Managing Director of Cavalli Business & Investment Group, providing strategic oversight across the Group’s investment, real estate, and infrastructure platforms. He also leads Global Property Partners, a core entity within the Cavalli portfolio.
With over two decades of leadership experience, he has built a reputation for disciplined capital deployment, institutional structuring, and sustainable asset growth. His work is anchored in long-term value engineering, location intelligence, and governance-driven expansion.
He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford, a Master of Business Administration from the London School of Business & Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University. He further refined his executive leadership at the Owner-Manager Programme of Lagos Business School, strengthening his strategic approach to enterprise scale and corporate governance.
His early professional experience at the Economic Growth and Development Centre in Abuja exposed him to national planning and macroeconomic development frameworks, shaping his understanding of how infrastructure, capital markets, and policy intersect to influence economic growth.
He later transitioned into the real estate sector, serving as Pioneer Business Development Manager at a leading Nigerian property firm before becoming Managing Director of Ambassage Properties Limited. There, he led expansion initiatives across commercial and luxury residential developments, including the establishment of The Sage Homes.
Under his leadership, Cavalli Business & Investment Group has strengthened its focus on premium real estate development, strategic infrastructure alignment, and resilient investment assets designed for long-term appreciation. His leadership philosophy emphasizes structured growth, capital discipline, and institutional accountability.
He views development not simply as physical construction, but as the creation of enduring economic platforms.
Professor Ogechi Adeola is a Professor of Marketing and Head of the Department of Operations, Marketing, and Information Systems at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria. In January 2024, she was elected Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali, Rwanda, reinforcing her leadership role within Africa’s higher education and governance landscape.
She began her career in Nigeria’s financial services sector, where she spent fourteen years in senior leadership roles across leading banks. Her responsibilities included Private Banking, Consumer and Retail Banking, Product Development and Management, and Customer Service. During this period, she built deep expertise in marketing strategy, product innovation, retail credit risk, and enterprise transformation.
Professor Adeola holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and an MBA from Manchester Business School, United Kingdom, as well as a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nigeria. She has completed executive and teaching programs at Cranfield School of Management, IESE Business School, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science, among others.
An accomplished scholar, she has authored and co-authored several academic books and published in leading international journals, including the Journal of International Business Studies, Tourism Management, Journal of Business Research, and Industrial Marketing Management. Her research has received international recognition, including the Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Paper.
Her advisory work spans Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. She has provided strategic counsel to institutions such as Afreximbank, the International Labour Organization, USAID, and the Centre for Global Enterprise in the United States, with a focus on market development, institutional strengthening, and gender inclusion.
Professor Adeola serves as Associate Dean of Business Administration at the University of the People, Independent Non-Executive Director of Cornerstone Insurance Plc, and a member of the Governing Board of the University of Kigali. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, and the Founder of the Digital Business Tutelage for Women Empowerment in Africa Initiative.
Omolola Coker is a seasoned corporate finance lawyer and governance advisor with over two decades of experience structuring complex transactions across the energy and financial services sectors. She serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Cavalli Business & Investments Limited, contributing deep expertise in regulatory oversight, capital structuring, and institutional risk management.
She is an Equity Partner at Adepetun Caxton Martins Agbor & Segun (Dentons ACAS-Law), where she co-leads the Firm’s Financial Services Practice Group. Her practice spans acquisition finance, project finance, syndicated lending, structured finance, and cross-border transactions. She has advised development finance institutions, multilateral lenders, commercial banks, and project sponsors on high-value infrastructure and energy financings, providing strategic oversight on transaction structuring, security documentation, and Nigerian regulatory compliance.
Her sector focus includes oil and gas, power, mining, renewable energy, and broader infrastructure development. She brings strong experience in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, upstream financing, and midstream and downstream operational advisory, combining legal precision with commercial judgement.
Omolola holds an LL.M in International Business Law from King’s College, University of London, an LL.B from the University of Westminster, and a B.L from the Nigerian Law School. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and its Section on Business Law, the Business Recovery & Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK).
She has been recognised by leading international legal directories, including Who’s Who Legal (now Lexology) as a Recommended Lawyer in Oil & Gas, Mining, and Renewable Energy, and IFLR1000 as a Rising Star Partner in Project Development and Energy for multiple consecutive years.
In addition to her role at Cavalli, she serves on the boards of Jaza Energy Limited, Hibleo Nigeria Limited, and Stephenson Brothers Limited, further strengthening her governance and strategic oversight credentials.
Her combination of transactional expertise, regulatory depth, and board-level experience enhances Cavalli’s institutional strength in infrastructure development, energy investments, and structured finance strategy.
Sokipiri Graham-Douglas brings to Cavalli a rare blend of economic intelligence, institutional experience, and multi-sector investment leadership developed across the United States and Nigeria.
Trained as an economist at Langston University, Oklahoma, with postgraduate research at Morgan State University, Baltimore, his academic work focused on macroeconomic behavior, spending patterns, and the structural drivers of urban migration. His early research examined how wage systems and consumption trends shape economic output, reflecting a long-standing interest in how capital flows influence growth.
He began his professional journey within the United States corporate real estate sector, rising to Assistant Manager (Property) at B.F. Saul Inc., Washington DC. There, he gained first-hand exposure to structured asset management, portfolio growth, and institutional property operations. The experience shaped his disciplined, long-term approach to real estate as both an economic instrument and a value-preserving asset class.
On returning to Nigeria, he transitioned into executive leadership and high-level advisory roles across finance, aviation, and infrastructure. He served as Executive Director at Elads Nigeria Limited, Director at Rivland Savings and Loans, and Special Assistant at IPCO International. He later acted as Special Assistant to the Former Minister of Aviation, before being appointed Senior Special Assistant (Transport and Communications) to the Governor of Rivers State from 1999 to 2003.
During this period, he contributed to strategic committees focused on traffic decongestion, road rehabilitation, housing scheme completion, and water infrastructure provision. His work bridged public policy and execution, reinforcing his belief that infrastructure is the backbone of economic productivity and urban competitiveness.
Following his tenure in public service, he expanded his private investment footprint as Managing Director of Bluefontein Ventures Limited and Blisfield Enterprises Limited. His portfolio spans oil and gas, construction, property development, hospitality, and luxury retail, including high-value hospitality assets and international design franchises.
He serves on the boards of BGL Securities, Intessa Energy, Manor Properties, Spoonguru UK, and other corporate institutions, providing strategic oversight across energy, property, and financial services.
At Cavalli, his contribution is anchored in strategic growth, disciplined capital allocation, and infrastructure-led value creation. His cross-sector experience enables a holistic view of development, from financing frameworks to operational execution. He brings to the board a forward-looking perspective grounded in economic fundamentals and asset resilience.
He is committed to sustainable enterprise and philanthropic engagement that advances social and economic development.
Married with children, he maintains active interests in sports and civic advancement.
Bernard ZAATAR is an international hospitality executive with over 18 years of experience leading hotel, restaurant, and lifestyle asset operations across Nigeria’s premium hospitality sector. At Cavalli Business & Investment Group, he provides operational leadership across hospitality assets, ensuring service excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value enhancement.
Bernard has a proven track record in managing complex hospitality operations, overseeing asset repositioning, and driving operational transformation to improve profitability and guest experience. His expertise spans hotel expansions, pre-opening execution, operational restructuring, and performance optimization across luxury and boutique hospitality environments.
He currently serves as General Manager at Hotel Black Diamond and Farfallino Italian Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he oversees operational restructuring, technology integration, and service standardisation to restore performance and strengthen market positioning. Prior to this, he served as General Manager at Hotel Maroko Bayshore and previously led the expansion and operational growth of The Blowfish Hotel, where he successfully oversaw room expansion, restaurant development, and revenue optimization initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Bernard held leadership and management roles across hotels, restaurants, and wellness facilities, including Body Temple Spa and Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, where he developed expertise in pre-opening execution, operational planning, team development, and guest experience management.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Notre Dame University, Lebanon, and is fluent in English, French, and Arabic. His international background and operational discipline bring global hospitality standards to Cavalli’s hospitality and lifestyle investment portfolio.
His leadership strengthens Cavalli’s ability to develop, operate, and optimize hospitality assets as part of its broader infrastructure and investment strategy.
Alhaji Kabir Aminu Tafida is a distinguished business leader and public sector executive whose career spans over four decades across enterprise leadership, economic development, and institutional governance. As Chairman, he provides strategic oversight and governance leadership, guiding Cavalli Business & Investment Group’s long-term vision, institutional positioning, and disciplined growth across its investment platforms.
His career reflects a rare combination of private sector leadership and senior public service. He served as Managing Director of Integrated Broadcast Electronics Limited for over 15 years, where he led operational expansion, organisational development, and long-term business sustainability. His leadership experience also extends into public administration, where he served as Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Honourable Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Health in Sokoto State, contributing to fiscal planning, economic development, and resource management at the state level.
Alhaji Tafida has played a significant role in advancing regional commerce and economic growth. He served as President of the Sokoto Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SOCCIMA), where he strengthened private sector participation and investment promotion. His governance experience includes serving as Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee and as a Board Member of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), contributing to policy oversight, investment facilitation, and institutional development.
His private sector leadership includes directing multiple enterprises across consulting, security services, and business advisory, where he has provided strategic leadership, corporate governance oversight, and operational direction. He currently serves as Chairman of El Elyons Security Limited, continuing his active involvement in enterprise leadership and institutional growth.
Alhaji Tafida holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Polytechnic of Central London, a Bachelor of Arts in English Drama from the Royal Academy of Arts, London, and a Diploma in Economics and Home Management from Subotica Economski Fakultet, Yugoslavia. His international academic exposure has shaped his broad strategic perspective and leadership approach.
His depth of experience across business leadership, economic policy, and institutional governance reinforces Cavalli’s commitment to structured growth, strong governance, and long-term value creation across its investment and infrastructure portfolio.
Sani Jonathan is an accomplished financial leader with over two decades of executive experience spanning multinational corporations, private equity–backed institutions, and large-scale infrastructure and aviation enterprises. He brings deep expertise in financial strategy, capital structuring, regulatory compliance, and enterprise transformation, reinforcing Cavalli Business & Investment Group’s commitment to disciplined financial governance and sustainable value creation.
He currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Arik Air, where he leads enterprise-wide financial strategy, restructuring, and operational optimization for one of West Africa’s most significant aviation platforms. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened financial controls, enhanced forecasting precision, optimized liquidity management, and implemented strategic tax and capital efficiency frameworks that have materially improved financial performance and institutional stability.
Prior to this, he held senior financial leadership roles across global investment and operating environments, including Evercare Group, where he oversaw more than $110 million in healthcare infrastructure and operational investments, secured critical funding facilities, and implemented financial systems that enhanced transparency, resilience, and long-term sustainability. His earlier experience includes leadership roles at The Abraaj Group and Layer3 Communications, where he delivered significant improvements in profitability, capital efficiency, and operational scalability across multi-jurisdictional markets.
Sani Jonathan holds an exceptional portfolio of global professional credentials, including CPA, FCCA, CIMA, CITN, MBA, and multiple fellowships across internationally recognized accounting and finance institutions. His technical depth is complemented by strategic fluency in IFRS standards, cross-border finance, investment structuring, and institutional risk management.
His career reflects a consistent ability to architect financial systems that support complex, asset-intensive enterprises, strengthen investor confidence, and enable sustainable expansion. At Cavalli Business & Investment Group, he provides critical financial leadership across the Group’s real estate, infrastructure, and investment platforms, ensuring capital discipline, financial integrity, and long-term value creation.
opportunities.
