Woodhall Capital Honours Oramah

Woodhall Capital, one of the leading African investment and financial advisory firms, recently hosted a dinner reception in Lagos in honour of Prof. Benedict Oramah, former President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The exclusive gathering brought together the leadership of Woodhall Capital and distinguished guests to celebrate Professor Oramah’s transformative contributions to African trade and economic development.

The event, according to a statement, served as a formal recognition of a leader whose visionary stewardship has fundamentally reshaped the continent’s financial and commercial landscape.

In attendance were key figures from Woodhall Capital’s governance structure, including Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa, Chairman of the Woodhall Capital Group Board of Directors; Mr. Adejare Rasheed Olaoluwa, Director; and Mrs. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, President of Woodhall Capital Group. They were joined by Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, Matron of the Afreximbank Spouse Network and respected Visual Artist, Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, and Mr. Viavo Hunponu-Wusu, Managing Partner at BlackStone Legal Advisory.

Speaking at the event, Hunponu-Wusu reflected on the profound impact of Professor Oramah’s leadership, both on the continent at large and on her own professional journey.

 “Professor Oramah represents something rare in global leadership: a man who didn’t merely occupy a position, but who intentionally used his platform to create opportunities for countless others,” Hunponu-Wusu remarked. “In this week of International Women’s Day, his recognition is particularly meaningful to me. He is among a select few who genuinely believe that female-led institutions can carry the global mantle. Every access and platform he extended to me and to Woodhall Capital has contributed to a legacy of enduring success.”

She also acknowledged the rigorous standards that defined Woodhall Capital’s relationship with the bank under Professor Oramah’s leadership. “Our journey with Afreximbank has been defined by both opportunity and exacting standards. While the Bank’s high benchmarks meant not every transaction presented received approval, the message was always consistent: strengthen your institution. That challenge became a foundation upon which we continue to build.”

 The dinner underscored Woodhall Capital’s commitment to honouring individuals whose work advances African economic possibility and creates lasting value for future generations. The evening celebrated not only Professor Oramah’s tenure at Afreximbank but also his enduring legacy as a catalyst for intra-African trade and institutional empowerment.

Utica Capital Calls for Project Submissions as N20bn Nollywood Film Fund Opens

Utica Capital Limited has announced the opening of project submissions for the Utica Film Fund, a N20 billion venture capital fund designed to provide structured financing for Nigeria’s film and screen-content industry, widely known as Nollywood.

Approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Fund aims to support commercially viable film projects and film-industry businesses while introducing institutional investment standards to one of Africa’s fastest-growing creative sectors.

Nollywood is among the world’s largest film industries by volume and remains a key contributor to Nigeria’s creative economy. Producing thousands of films annually, the sector generates employment, expands Nigeria’s cultural exports, and contributes to the country’s broader economic diversification.

The Utica Film Fund is structured as an institutional investment vehicle designed to bridge the longstanding financing gap within the industry. By combining venture-capital discipline with sector expertise, the Fund aims to unlock long-term value across the film production and screen-content ecosystem.

Under the Fund’s investment framework, submitted projects would undergo a structured evaluation process beginning with screening and onboarding.

A statement explained that shortlisted proposals would be reviewed by the Fund’s Advisory Committee before advancing to the Investment Committee for financial due diligence and final investment approval.

The Advisory Committee comprises respected leaders within Nigeria’s film and entertainment industry, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Omoni Oboli, Femi Adebayo, Sani Mu’azu, and Kachi Offiah. The committee will provide creative and strategic guidance while helping ensure that investment decisions reflect industry realities and global best practices.

“The Utica Film Fund is designed to bring institutional capital and structured investment processes into Nigeria’s film ecosystem,” Managing Director of Utica Capital Limited, Ola Belgore said.

The Fund operates within a clearly defined governance structure designed to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the investment lifecycle.

Utica Capital serves as Fund Sponsor and Governance Lead, while Nile Group acts as Project Manager, responsible for project onboarding and monitoring.

Members of the Investment Committee include Ore Sofekun, Michael Oyebola, and representatives of the Joint Trustees: STL Trustees Limited and CardinalStone Trustees.

The Fund would provide structured financing for: Feature films, Television and streaming series, Documentaries, Film-support businesses such as equipment rental companies, production logistics firms, post-production services, studios, technology platforms, and distribution companies.

For filmmakers (Content Projects), applicants must, “Demonstrate verifiable market performance, including prior theatrical or platform releases, operate through a registered production company, and present a clear distribution and monetisation strategy.”

For Film-Support Businesses (Non-Content), eligible applicants must, “Be registered companies operating in the film industry for a minimum of three years, demonstrate consistent revenue generation and a proven industry track record, operate primarily within the screen-content value chain, and provide verifiable financial and operational documentation.”