Nigeria’s youngest dealmaker Folasope Aiyesimoju closes in on $150 million NGX portfolio value

Nigeria’s youngest dealmaker, Folasope Babasola Aiyesimoju, Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder of UAC of Nigeria Plc, has seen a notable rise in his indirect stake this year as shares of the conglomerate and its listed subsidiaries, including Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), continue to surge on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

The gains follow the performance of his stakes in UAC of Nigeria, its Property Development arm, UPDC and CAP, which have collectively registered a paper gain of nearly $50 million in 2026.

The gain follows recent dividend declarations by the group and its listed subsidiaries, notably UACN’s N2.93 billion ($2.12 million) payout for fiscal 2025, underscoring solid performance across its diversified portfolio.

NGX rally lifts Aiyesimoju’s portfolio value

Aiyesimoju holds 743.08 million shares in UAC of Nigeria Plc, giving him a 25.36% stake in the diversified conglomerate with interests across four core sectors. He also serves as chairman and indirect shareholder of Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), a UACN subsidiary, where he controls UACN’s 57.85% stake, equivalent to 471.34 million shares. This position entitles him to an estimated N1.89 billion ($1.39 million) from CAP’s proposed N3.26 billion ($2.4 million) dividend payout, scheduled for distribution by May 31, 2026.

In addition, UAC of Nigeria Plc, under his leadership, holds a 78.42% stake in Livestock Feeds, another subsidiary within its agriculture and animal nutrition portfolio. Collectively, UACN’s listed holdings total 2,352,524,529 shares across 715 shareholders, with a combined market value of N15.29 billion ($11.26 million). Since Jan. 1, the value of Aiyesimoju’s portfolio has risen by N61.23 billion ($46.19 million), tracking a sustained rally in share prices as investor demand strengthens for dividend-yielding equities.

UACN and CAP drive gains

CAP Plc, which posted a net profit of N5.75 billion ($4.24 million) in 2025 on the back of strong paint sales, has seen its shares surge more than 70% on the NGX this year. Meanwhile, UAC of Nigeria has also rallied, with its stock climbing 60% year-to-date from N91 ($0.0674) to N142 ($0.11), pushing its market capitalization above $300 million and keeping it among Nigeria’s 40 most valuable listed companies as of the latest trading session.

The recent rally on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) has significantly boosted the value of Aiyesimoju’s holdings in both UACN and CAP, which climbed by more than 70%.

His stake in CAP Plc rose by N23.33 billion ($17.54 million), from N32.52 billion ($23.59 million) to N55.85 billion ($41.12 million). Over the same period, his UACN holding increased from N67.62 billion ($49.04 million) to N105.52 billion ($77.69 million), bringing the combined value of both positions to N161.37 billion ($118.81 million).

The gain underscores the strength of UAC’s diversified portfolio, spanning UACN Property Development Company (UPDC), UAC Foods (maker of Gala sausage rolls and Delite juices), MDS Logistics, and UAC Restaurants, operator of the Mr Bigg’s chain.

Aiyesimoju’s 41.47% indirect stake in UPDC, equivalent to 7,697,451,236 shares, is now valued at N33.87 billion ($24.94 million). When combined with his holdings in CAP and UACN, his total equity exposure rises to N195.24 billion ($143.75 million), placing him among the top 25 wealthiest shareholders on the Nigerian Exchange.

UAC of Nigeria’s strong revenue despite profit dip

Under Aiyesimoju’s strategic leadership, UAC of Nigeria Plc reported mixed financial results for the period, with profit after tax declining 39% to N9.91 billion ($7.19 million) from N16.31 billion ($11.83 million), while gross revenue surged 73% to N340.47 billion ($246.8 million) from N196.90 billion ($142.8 million), reflecting robust performance across its diversified businesses in foods and beverages, real estate, paints, and logistics. 

The company’s balance sheet showed significant expansion, with total assets soaring 278.5% to N597.06 billion ($433.2 million), driven by strategic acquisitions and investments. Retained earnings rose to N53.38 billion ($38.7 million), while total equity inched up 5% to N69.77 billion ($50.6 million), underscoring UAC’s resilience and commitment to long-term financial stability amidst aggressive growth in key sectors.

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