LAGOS, Nigeria – Nov. 4, 2026 – PRLog — PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. / NEWARK, N.J., November 3, 2026 — Jennifer Grace Jennings, Founder and CEO of Funlayo Grace Manufacturing and Vice Chairwoman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas–USA (NIDOA-USA), moderated a compelling fireside conversation with Stephen L. Hightower, Founder, President and CEO of HighTower’s Petroleum Co. and HP Energy, during NIDOA-USA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Washington, D.C this past weekend.
The conversation, “Building Empires, Transforming Nations,” explored the relationships, strategic judgment, and shared interests that support enterprise growth and meaningful investment. Drawing from themes in Mr. Hightower’s book, “FUELING: From Zero to $1 Billion”, Jennings invited Hightower to participate as part of her strategic leadership on the AGM 2026 Planning Committee.
Held under the assembly’s theme, “Aligning Nigerian Diaspora Potential for Sustainable Development & Growth,” the discussion connected entrepreneurial experience with practical considerations for diaspora engagement and economic partnership.
“Meaningful engagement begins with relationships, but its value is demonstrated through what we build together,” said Jennings. “Mr. Hightower’s willingness to speak candidly about his experience gave our audience an opportunity to consider how trust, alignment and mutual benefit can translate shared aspirations into productive partnerships.”
Hightower shared reflections on building businesses, evaluating investment opportunities, and cultivating relationships across global markets. His account of a trade mission to Africa, including observations about the shortage of dialysis machines, brought critical attention to the human needs that can inform commercial engagement.
Attendee feedback reflected the conversation’s depth and relevance. Madam Edith Arah particularly valued the emphasis on relationship building and Hightower’s trade mission experiences. Gbenga Okunoye highlighted the value of his candid discussion regarding investment alignment and mutually beneficial partnerships.
For Jennings, the gathering brought together priorities that inform her work across business and community leadership: expanding economic opportunity, connecting expertise with practical needs, and encouraging purposeful engagement between the diaspora and Africa.
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About Jennifer Grace Jennings
Jennifer Grace Jennings is the Founder and CEO of Funlayo Grace, an MWBE-certified business focused on textile manufacturing, publishing and branded products, and Founder of Rebecca’s Little Survivors Foundation. She serves as Vice Chairwoman of NIDOA-USA and was a key member of its AGM 2026 Planning Committee. Her work spans entrepreneurship, diaspora engagement, and cultural preservation.
Media Contact:
Parrish Grant
Funlayo Grace / NIDOA-USA Communications
Email:parrish@
Website: www.funlayograce.com
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