A fintech icon, Dare has 25 years of experience in the
banking sector, during which he has developed into a brand synonymous with
digital transformation, innovation, excellence and impact.
He joined Inlaks Computers Limited in 2013 as Executive
Director of the Infrastructure Business Unit. While at Inlaks, he expanded the
ATM business with dedicated market development efforts to other Sub-Saharan
countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, DR Congo, Togo, Gambia, Côte
d’Ivoire and Zambia, with sales in excess of 169 ATMs worth $2.6 million.
On the occasion of his historic departure, top executives of
leading banks in Nigeria gathered in his honor where he was lauded for his
immense contributions to the digital world and the financial sector.
Speaking in honor of Tope Dare recently in Lagos, Godwin
Nosike, Acting Managing Director of Signature Bank, described Dare as someone
who possesses a mix of grit to tackle impossibilities; humility to listen,
learn and respect people’s position; professionalism to deliver superior value,
and reliability to keep his word.
Joseph Nnanna, Chief Economist of the Development Bank of
Nigeria, described him as a thoroughbred professional who embodies what
professionals across all sectors should model themselves on.
He said his departure from Inlaks shows courage, tenacity
and ambition to do more and achieve greater heights.
On his part, Optimus Bank Managing Director, Ademola
Odeyemi, said Dare was instrumental in developing a strategic infrastructure
currently being used by Optimus Bank.
Odeyemi said Dare epitomizes professionalism and exhibits
qualities such as humility, responsibility, calmness and a genuine sense of
humanity.
Elias Igbinakenzua, Managing Director/CEO of Globus Bank,
commended him for his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and
unparalleled commitment.
According to him, the above qualities have played an
important role in shaping the success and growth of Inlaks.
“Dare is a seasoned business leader whose dedication to
excellence enabled Inlaks to achieve remarkable milestones during his tenure.
We know that his legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration and
compassion will be forever etched into the fabric of the organization and the
entire Nigerian banking and e-payments sector,” he said.
Kafilat Araoye, Managing Director of Lotus Bank, also said
that Dare sees the positivity and bigger picture when handling projects, but
more importantly, he has high quality leadership that brings out the best in
his team to drive excellence to deliver.
Delivering a farewell speech, Dare said the grace of God,
the unwavering support of his parents and the invaluable contributions of
countless individuals enabled him to achieve this milestone.
He expressed his appreciation for his colleagues in the
industry, who were not only professional acquaintances, but also partners in
progress, sharing insights and pushing boundaries to achieve common goals.
Dare commended his business partners, mentors and coaches
for their guidance, saying that together they have achieved remarkable
milestones and driven digital transformation and innovation in sub-Saharan
Africa.
“When I reflect on the past 25 years, I am filled with a
deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities, the lessons learned and the
relationships forged along the way. I am truly blessed to have had the
privilege of working with some of the brightest minds and most dedicated
professionals in the industry.
“As I look ahead, I am excited about the future and the
opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to continuing this journey of
impact and excellence, guided by the values of
integrity, innovation and collaboration,” he pledged.
Dare is a digital transformation entrepreneur with over 23
years of proven success in fast-paced, high-growth banking and technology
markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to his professional endeavors, he is the founder
of the Tope Dare Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting
education and healthcare for the less fortunate.
The foundation sponsors students from a public school. It
also built and donated a 100-bed smart solar hostel to its alma mater in 2022.