Jermaine Sanwo-Olu Speaks at Woodhall Capital Foundation’s Diaspora Series

In a major move to deepen the connection between Nigeria’s professional class abroad and home-grown opportunities, the Woodhall Capital Foundation today hosted its highly anticipated "Diaspora Series" in the heart of Lagos. The event, which drew together visionary investors, creative industry leaders, and high-ranking government officials, served as a strategic platform for exploring how the Nigerian diaspora can pivot from mere remittances to sustainable, high-impact investment.

The session, hosted by the Founder of Woodhall Capital, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, highlighted the critical role of sub-national governments in driving capital formation across Africa. Hunponu-Wusu emphasized that the "African growth story" is increasingly being written at the local level, making it essential for the diaspora to engage with structured investment platforms that bridge the gap between international capital and state-led developmental projects.

​A key highlight of the day was the powerful address by Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs (LASDA). Speaking with the passion of a leader who has pioneered the state’s diaspora engagement strategy, he reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to making Lagos the "first choice destination" for Nigerians returning home. He detailed how the state is proactively creating "safe landing" mechanisms to protect diaspora interests.

​Addressing the audience, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu spoke extensively about the newly established Diaspora Real Estate Desk, a collaborative initiative between LASDA and the Lands Bureau. He noted that this desk was specifically designed to eliminate the "fear factor" associated with property investment in Nigeria by providing a transparent, government-backed channel for land acquisition and documentation. "We are ensuring that your investments are not only welcomed but are also legally protected and professionally guided," he stated.

The Executive Secretary urged the diaspora to see themselves as more than just "ambassadors of culture," but as critical stakeholders in the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity. He highlighted that Lagos is opening up sectors such as tech, health, and the creative economy for collaborative growth. The event ended on a high note, with participants agreeing that the synergy between foundations like Woodhall Capital and the Lagos State Government is the key to unlocking Africa’s next economic frontier..