Elizabeth Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu
Elizabeth Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu | |
|---|---|
| Founder and President, WoodHall Capital. | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 10, 1977 |
| Citizenship | Nigeria |
| Spouse | Married |
| Alma mater | Coventry University (Bachelor of Science in Economics) |
| Occupation | Investment Banker |
Elizabeth Mojisola Hunponu‑Wusu (born 10 November 1977) is a British-Nigerian investment banker and entrepreneur.[1] She is the founder and President of Woodhall Capital, a financial advisory firm with operations in Lagos, London, Dubai, and Abuja. The company focuses on sourcing[2] international capital for African governments, financial institutions, and corporations.[3]
Early life and education
Hunponu‑Wusu was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She began her education at Adesoye College in Kwara State before relocating to the United Kingdom at age 15 to attend Abbey College Malvern in Worcestershire.[1] She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Coventry University.[4]
Career
Early roles in investment banking
Hunponu‑Wusu began her career in London's financial services sector, holding roles at institutions including BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, Credit Lyonnais, and Deutsche Bank. Her work covered areas such as fixed income trading, structured finance, and sovereign advisory.[1]
Woodhall Capital
In 2014, Hunponu‑Wusu established Woodhall Capital in Lagos. According to interviews and press reports, the firm has facilitated cross-border funding transactions involving sovereign and corporate clients and later expanded to London (2019), Dubai (2020), and Abuja (2024). In July 2024, Woodhall Finance House,[5] a subsidiary of the firm, obtained a license from the Central Bank of Nigeria.[6][7][8]
Initiatives in the creative industry
In 2025, Hunponu‑Wusu collaborated with Titi Ogufere[9] of Design Week Lagos to launch The Design Den, an initiative aimed at supporting Nigerian designers through funding and mentorship. Through Woodhall Finance House, she also participated in launching a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund in partnership with Polaris Bank and the UK Government under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership. The initiative included a podcast series titled Creative Currency, which featured panelists from various public and private sector organizations.[10]
Community engagement
Hunponu‑Wusu established the Woodhall Capital Foundation to support community development programs in education, healthcare, and food security. The foundation partners with schools and local authorities in underserved areas to improve access to services. In addition, she helped launch the Captains of Industry Mentorship Programme in collaboration with Mentor Intro Africa, aimed at connecting young entrepreneurs with senior business leaders.[11]
Public statements and interviews
In media interviews, Hunponu‑Wusu has discussed topics related to ethical finance and investment strategy. In a 2023 interview with Vanguard, she spoke about the role of personal ethics in leadership[12] within Nigeria's financial industry. She has also expressed views on the importance of investment in non-oil sectors, including the creative economy.[2]
Recognition
Hunponu‑Wusu was listed among “50 Value-Driven CEOs of Excellence” in a feature by The Guardian (Nigeria).[13] She has been profiled in publications such as BusinessDay, Vanguard, and ThisDay Style for her contributions to finance and entrepreneurship.
Personal life
Hunponu‑Wusu has spoken in interviews about her personal values and interest in mentoring young professionals. She is married with children and has described her faith[14] as influential in her approach to business and leadership.[15][16]
References
- 1 2 3 Edeme, Victoria (2024-06-29). "My mother sold her land, jewellery to fund my education — Financial firm founder". The Punch. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- 1 2 Obi, Daniel (2024-10-23). "Nigeria, UAE explore opportunities as Woodhall Capital unveils investors' forum". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Uduak, Happiness (2024-10-02). "Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, bridges Nigeria's international capital gap". thebenchmark.com.ng. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ efosataiwo@vanguardngr.com (2024-04-25). "I've been married for 20 years but never cooked – Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Adebayo, Ifeoluwa (2024-09-09). "Woodhall Capital secures finance firm licence from CBN". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Alli, Wasiu (2024-07-12). "Woodhall Capital partners with Lagos to mark 10 years anniversary". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Ajumobi, Kemi (2024-06-28). "Over $5billion raised, impressive client retention rate, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu's success inspires". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Bankole, Idowu (2023-07-09). "With integrity, we raised over $4 billion from international investors - Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ "Women Leading Change: How Titi Ogufere and Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu are Transforming the Design Industry". This Day. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Anthony (2025-01-25). "Firm Champions funding for Nigerian creative industry". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Alaka, Gboyega (2025-03-01). "Two women, same passion: Titi Ogufere and Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu set stage for brighter creative sector via The Design Den". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Times, Premium (2025-03-24). "Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu speaks on leadership, resilience, women's empowerment". Premium Times. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (2023-03-20). "THE GUARDIAN'S SPECIAL FOCUS ON 50 VALUE-DRIVEN CEOS OF EXCELLENCE THAT POWERED NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 2022: Part FIVE | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Nation, The (2024-11-10). "Christian women empowered to embrace God's purpose". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Itodo, Sunny Green (2024-04-25). "I've been married for 20 years but never cooked - Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ↑ Apanpa, Olaniyi (2024-04-25). "Why I have not cooked in my marriage for 20 years, Woodhall Capital CEO reveals". The Punch. Retrieved 2025-07-24.