GIDI Appoints Ex-Mauritius President, Adewole to Board

The GIDI Company Limited, a Nigerian real estate firm, has named former Mauritius president Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and Femi Adewole, former managing director of Family Homes Funds Limited, to its board. This move is part of the company's preparations to expand its property development and investment activities. Gurib-Fakim joins as a director, while Adewole was appointed chairman of the board at its inaugural meeting held in Accra, Ghana, on October 27, 2026.

Gurib-Fakim, who served as the sixth president of Mauritius and the country's first female president between 2015 and 2018, brings experience in international policy and sustainable development. As a scientist and academic, she will contribute to GIDI's strategic direction. Adewole, pioneer managing director of Family Homes Funds Limited, has worked in housing finance and development, including roles at Shelter Afrique and housing organisations in the United Kingdom.

Other members of the board include Winnie Atawodi, managing director and chief executive officer of AXP Africa, Joy Coker, and Kabiru Tambari Abdullahi, who will serve as non-executive directors. Atawodi brings experience in banking and property development, while Coker has worked in mortgage financing, housing investment, and strategic partnerships. Abdullahi has over two decades of experience in the capital market, including statutory audit and corporate governance.

The board inauguration comes as GIDI approaches its fifth anniversary, having been established in 2021 by Tobi Akerele and Ayorinde Ejioye as GIDI Real Estate Investment Limited. The company has developed residential and commercial property projects, including The Palms Residence 1 and 2, Civic Residence, Mowe Golf Town, and GIDI Mall. It also introduced GIDI Social Housing, an initiative aimed at providing free accommodation for vulnerable women.

In 2026, GIDI changed its corporate name to The GIDI Company Limited, reflecting its broader business direction within the GIDI Africa group. The appointments bring together experience in international leadership, housing finance, property development, and corporate governance. This move is expected to support the company's expansion plans in Nigeria's real estate sector and other African markets.

The board is expected to provide oversight for GIDI's strategic direction and corporate governance as it pursues further growth. With Adewole as chairman, Gurib-Fakim as director, and other experienced members, the company is well-positioned to achieve its goals. GIDI's expansion plans are likely to have a significant impact on Nigeria's real estate sector.

GIDI's growth and development have been notable since its establishment in 2021. With a focus on property development and investment, the company has made significant strides in the Nigerian market. The appointments of Gurib-Fakim and Adewole are expected to drive the company's growth and expansion plans, both locally and internationally.

Key points

• GIDI appoints former Mauritius president Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and ex-Family Homes Funds MD Femi Adewole to its board.