Dr. Julius Oni, orthopedic surgeon, investor, and co-founder of Excite Capital, joins The Afropolitan Podcast to reveal how he left Johns Hopkins Hospital to transform Africa’s healthcare system—and why Nigeria is now one of the most powerful emerging markets for medical innovation, investment, and talent.

From building a $243M real estate portfolio to returning home to tackle Nigeria’s $2B medical tourism gap, Julius opens up about the discipline, sacrifice, and purpose behind choosing legacy over comfort. He breaks down what it truly takes to move back, build systems in Africa, and deliver world-class care in a market where 220 million people are served by fewer than 500 orthopedic surgeons.

He opens up about:
◼️ Why Nigeria’s $2B medical tourism crisis is Africa’s biggest opportunity
◼️ The business model behind building sustainable healthcare in emerging markets
◼️ Leaving a top U.S. hospital to pursue purpose — not prestige
◼️ How he built financial freedom through real estate before moving back
◼️ What African professionals must understand about risk, faith, and purpose
◼️ How Excite Capital grew to $243 million while empowering the diaspora
If you’re a builder, investor, or African professional planning your “move back,” this episode will give you the frameworks, courage, and clarity to build boldly.

Follow Dr. Julius Oni:

Instagram – instagram.com/doctorjko

Exsite Capital – https://www.xsitecapital.com  

Oni Clinic - https://www.oniclinic.com 

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Eche – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

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📍Timestamps 

00:00 Intro: Africa’s Healthcare & Future of Medical Innovation
00:21 Nigeria’s $2B Medical Tourism Problem
01:47 The Reality of Bone Setters & Healthcare Gaps
04:10 Why Healthcare in Africa Is a Long-Term Investment
05:04 The Insurance Divide & Business Opportunity
07:24 Reversing Medical Tourism — Nigeria as a Health Hub
09:44 Why U.S. Healthcare Costs 4× More
11:31 The Long Game: Building Quality Medical Systems
13:23 Why He Chose Medicine & Orthopedics
17:31 Purpose Awakening: The Moment Everything Changed
19:51 Leaving Johns Hopkins to Serve Nigeria
23:42 Building Financial Independence Before Returning
26:06 Choosing Purpose Over Comfort
28:02 The Role of Privilege, Luck & Faith
30:25 Finding a North Star to Guide Your Decisions
33:10 Vision Frameworks for African Professionals
36:31 The Truth About Patient Trust in Africa
38:24 Performing Surgery on Presidents & Public Figures
45:26 The Mental Discipline Required in Surgery
51:06 Afrobeats, Black Coffee & Music in the OR
52:35 Nigeria’s Healthcare Renaissance
55:52 IVF, Sickle Cell, and Medical Breakthroughs in Africa
59:15 The Post That Went Viral: Moving Back to Nigeria
01:02:24 Staying Focused Amid Criticism
01:06:07 Building Excite Capital to $243M
01:20:59 Understanding Multi-Family Real Estate
01:25:19 How Black Professionals Can Build Wealth Together
01:27:33 Afropolitan Toast Segment
01:28:57 Rapid Fire: Culture, Legacy & Identity
01:33:57 Who Julius Wants Next on Afropolitan