Richard Okon MBA FCA

Acacia is addressing one of Africa’s most persistent structural challenges: the funding gap for early-stage infrastructure. By financing the project preparation and development phase—a stage often overlooked due to perceived risk—Acacia transforms high-potential concepts into bankable, institutional-grade assets. The firm utilizes an innovative Corporate Impact Bond to mobilize capital for development-stage projects across power, water, transport, and housing. As a member of the Board, I look forward to providing the financial leadership and governance necessary to scale this model and ensure these projects reach Financial Close with the discipline required for institutional exit. As a member of the Advisory Board, I bridge the gap between high-potential infrastructure concepts and bankable institutional assets. By applying rigorous financial governance to Acacia’s Corporate Impact Bond, I help unlock the capital necessary to build Africa's future power, water, and transport systems.

As a member of the Advisory Board for Rocky Ledge Estates LLC, I contribute to the strategic oversight of this investment company focused on luxury resort and estate development. My role helps ensure the long-term vision aligns with the goal of creating generational wealth and consistent passive income for partners. My specific focus involves: • Strategic Guidance: Offering specialized expertise in strategic planning and finance to the executive team and fellow board members to ensure sustainable, high-yield growth. • Investment & Growth: Reviewing and advising on the financial model, particularly the $10M capital strategy and structure designed for long-term financial returns and stability. • Asset Development: Providing objective analysis and risk mitigation strategies related to the large-scale development of the 1.8 million sq. ft. of estate parcels. • Market Ambassadorship: Leveraging my professional network to enhance the company's credibility and introduce strategic partners to the investment opportunity.

AcquireEdge Partners LLC specializes in acquiring and operating established, profitable mid-market companies. It is also actively involved in turnaround and restructuring opportunities We are not passive investors; we are principal operators who execute clean, confidential acquisitions and immediately deploy institutional-grade financial discipline and capital structure. My experience includes structuring complex deals over $500m and guiding companies through successful turnarounds and market expansion. Our mission is to guarantee value creation, securing the founder’s legacy while transforming the acquired business into a scalable, high-performing asset designed for maximum enterprise value. We don't bet on change—we guarantee it

I founded Reeks Corporate Services, taking over responsibilities that were previously under Halkon Investments. Over the course of three years, I facilitated entry-level training sessions for staff at Cross River State Internal Revenue Service, successfully instructing and guiding more than 300 participants. In addition to my role in government training, I actively engage with tech companies, collaborating on strategy development, research and studies, setup, and mentoring business executives. This multifaceted approach allows me to contribute to diverse sectors, leveraging my expertise to foster growth and efficiency. Furthermore, as a proud member of the Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), I extend my consultancy services to support small businesses. Through this affiliation, I aim to contribute to the growth and development of the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria. Some of my achievements in this role include: • Spearheaded restructuring of finance department of major hospital group in Nigeria. • Successfully led multiple recruitments of finance professionals for organizations.

Economic Policy, Public Policy Management and Financial Advisory Services -Development of the Kaduna State Infrastructure Development Plan

-Leads the Board, ensuring effective governance and productive meetings. -Provides strategic guidance, contributing to the firm's vision and objectives. -Champions strong corporate governance, ethical conduct, and regulatory compliance. -Oversees Board effectiveness, composition, and succession planning. -Represents the firm and fosters key stakeholder relationships.

In this organization, as the architect of the corporate development strategy, I not only developed but executed a comprehensive plan encompassing sourcing, deal structuring, valuation, due diligence, negotiations, and integration planning. Serving as the driving force behind contract negotiations and business deals across the organization, I provided crucial strategic and operational support for foreign transactions with key partners. My role extended beyond the realm of corporate development, as I offered technical advice and leadership in various business facets, including talent management, recruitment, procurement, and finance. Currently, I am actively involved in advising on the acquisition of a distressed health management organization and a microfinance bank. This contribution plays a pivotal role in safeguarding over 100 jobs, reflecting the impactful nature of my strategic counsel and execution. Some of my achievements in this role include: • Successfully led fund-raising mandates in emerging markets, raising $500M across various sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, logistics, hotels, and tourism. • Secured $350M mandate for major oil and gas company in West Africa. • Restructured $160M debt and raised additional equity for IT infrastructure development company. • Advised and closed sale of mortgage bank and two HMOs, as well as closed $35M debt fund-raising for quoted PLC. • Mandated by US family office to source add-on opportunities for portfolio company, with investment target of $500-$1B. • Incorporated AcquireEdge Partners LLC in 2023 to drive turnaround, restructuring, and acquisitions in US market. • Nominated for Best SME M&A Advisory team 2014 by Capital Finance International (CFI.co) and for Alternative Investment Awards-Best Investment Advisory Firm-Nigeria in 2019 by CFI.co and won Best Equity Investment Advisory-Emerging Markets in 2023 by CFI.co.

I will be contributing thought leadership articles and expert insights to the Forbes Finance Council as well as collaborate with fellow finance leaders and industry members sharing experiences and knowledge, participating in exclusive events and discussions whilst staying at the forefront of finance trends and innovations.

As the Chief Financial Officer of Saint Nicholas Hospital, I bring a results-driven approach to financial management and operational transformation. My leadership has driven significant milestones, including: -Restructuring the hospital's Finance function for enhanced efficiency. -Achieving full disbursement of a stalled $3.2 million healthcare intervention fund within six months. -Steering Saint Nicholas from financial challenges to profitability, even amid rising operational costs. -Chairing the Tariff Committee to implement cost-effective solutions and align services with fiscal realities. -Leading IT initiatives, including ERP selection, to modernize operations and improve service delivery. My mission is to align financial discipline with the hospital's strategic vision, fostering sustainable growth and delivering exceptional value to patients and stakeholders

Investments, Mergers and Acquisitons, Turnaround and Restructuring Activities

My main areas of interest where Strategy and Marketing

Bsc Accounting