Maiden Nigerian Fintech Festival Set for September 26 in Lagos

By Adedapo Adesanya

The inaugural edition of the Nigerian Fintech Festival sponsored by FirstBank is set to take place in Lagos on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

The Nigerian Fintech Festival 2024 themed The Convergence to Co-Create & Celebrate Nigeria’s Truly Digital Economy highlights the festival’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

It will host over 1,000 industry stakeholders within the fintech and financial service sector to foster the collaboration and partnership required to deepen digital payments and unlock value to drive sustainable growth for the business ecosystem in Nigeria.

The event, scheduled to take place at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, will feature an afterparty and top speakers, including Mr Damilare Odueso, Co-Founder Crendly; Mr Mayowa Owolabi, Co-Founder PaddyCover; Mr Lanre Adelanwa, Co-Founder/CEO of Optimus AI Labs; and Mrs Adaobi Igwe-Okerekeocha, Chief Innovations Officer at Interswitch Limited, among others.

It will provide a platform for industry players and key stakeholders to discuss topical issues and industry trends to facilitate the growth of digital payments in the country.

According to Mr Callistus Obetta, Group Executive, Technology, Digital Innovation & Services at FirstBank, “The partnership with the Nigerian Fintech Festival not only aligns with its commitment to driving innovation but also fosters collaboration between the Bank and Fintechs towards the growth of the Nigerian financial services sector.

“As an enabler and leader in the banking space, FirstBank is dedicated to promoting initiatives that foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership that have the potential to drive the future of finance and the country’s digital economy for the benefit of customers and businesses.

“This is a testament to our 130-year legacy of enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to unlock their full potential.”

The Nigeria Fintech Festival, free for all attendees, has been designed to equip participants with the skills and insights needed to innovate and advance Nigeria’s digital economy.

The organisers say attendees can look forward to insightful panel sessions, keynote presentations, and fireside chats. Furthermore, attendees will be able to connect and network with fintech experts and key stakeholders.

Speaking on why the event was launched, Mr Ikechukwu Ugwu, Founder/MD of Total Scope Marketing Solutions & Convener of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, said, “The Nigeria Fintech Festival is a platform that drives innovation and fosters collaboration within the financial service ecosystem.”

“By bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders, the festival addresses the challenges and opportunities within Africa’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Its goal is to stimulate meaningful discussions and drive sustainable growth within Nigeria and across the continent’s digital payments ecosystem.”

He further said, “We are excited to create a platform that not only highlights Nigeria’s role as a leader in the fintech space but also paves the way for future advancements in the fintech industry.”

The Nigeria Fintech Festival has forged strategic partnerships with top organizations like FirstBank, MTN, Gunness, Optimus AI Labs, Cybervergent, Crendly and other players, providing attendees with unparalleled access to a seamlessly immersive event experience.