Frank Aigbogun, BusinessDay publisher, appointed board chairman of IIF

The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) has appointed Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay Media, as the new chairman of its board.

IIF announced the appointment in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, under Aigbogun 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.

IIF said 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 publisher of  BusinessDay newspaper, which he co-founded in 2001,” the statement reads. 

“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.”

The foundation also said he served as the alternate rapporteur for the sub-committee on competition and deregulation and also served on the governing board of Nigeria’s National Competitiveness Council.

Commenting on his appointment, Aigbogun said it 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.

TOKUNBOH ISHMAEL, GBENGA HASSAN JOINS NABII

Tokunboh Ishmael, managing director and co-founder of Alitheia Capital, and Gbenga Hassan, managing Partner at Argentil Capital, joined the Nigerian national advisory board on impact investing (NABII), an advisory board under IIF

According to the statement, they will both bring 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.

The foundation said their addition underscores NABII’s commitment to harnessing exceptional talent to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s impact investment ecosystem.

“Ishmael is a renowned advocate for gender lens investing and a pioneer in creating innovative financial solutions that address systemic inequalities,” IIF said.

”As Manager Director and Co-Founder of Alitheia Capital, a female-led private equity firm, she is one of the first in Africa to pioneer impact investing in private equity that embodies her philosophy of profit with a purpose.

“She also co-founded Alitheia IDF where she raised over $100 million to invest in female-led businesses in Africa.

“Some of the companies she has invested in are already changing and redefining their sector. Her extensive experience in fund management and investment strategy makes her an invaluable asset to NABII.”

IFF said Hassan brings over two decades of leadership in venture capital, private equity, and financial services.

”As Managing Partner at Argentil Capital, he has led transformative investments across sectors, driving sustainable growth and innovation,” the foundation said.

“His expertise in structuring deals and managing portfolios will play a key role in advancing NABII’s objectives.”

According to Etemore Glover, chief executive officer (CEO) of IIF, given the new board members’ impressive careers championing sustainable investment and driving transformative change.

Glover said he is 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.