Bolaji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham and Chief Investment Officer of the Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund, has been awarded the 2025 Zik Prize in Professional Leadership in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector and capital market development.
Balogun described the award as a humbling honour, noting its significance as it comes 15 years after his father, Otunba Subomi Balogun, received the same recognition in 2010. He paid tribute to the legacy of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President and one of Africa’s foremost independence leaders, after whom the prize is named, describing him as a statesman whose ideals and values laid the foundation for Nigeria’s development.
Speaking on the recognition, Balogun said the award was an encouragement to deepen efforts in mobilising capital for sectors with limited access to funding. He outlined key areas of focus including infrastructure development, renewable energy, sustainable finance, subnational and municipal financing, climate initiatives, gender-focused investments, venture capital and support for the creative economy.
He also expressed gratitude to the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre, organisers of the award, and congratulated other recipients. Balogun dedicated the honour to Chapel Hill Denham’s clients, employees and industry competitors, saying their support and challenge continue to drive innovation and progress within the firm and the wider financial market.
