The Nigerian Fintech Festival 2024 is expected to bring
together over 1,000 participants from the fintech and financial services
sectors, aiming to promote collaboration and partnerships essential for
enhancing digital payments and creating value to support sustainable growth
within Nigeria's business ecosystem.
Scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Oriental
Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, the event will include an afterparty and
feature prominent speakers such as Damilare Odueso, Co-Founder of Crendly;
Mayowa Owolabi, Co-Founder of PaddyCover; Lanre Adelanwa, Co-Founder and CEO of
Optimus AI Labs; and Adaobi Igwe-Okerekeocha, Chief Innovations Officer at
Interswitch Limited, among others.
This gathering will serve as a platform for industry leaders
and key stakeholders to engage in discussions on pressing issues and emerging
trends in the industry, with the objective of advancing the growth of digital
payments in Nigeria.
This year’s edition, 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.
According to Callistus Obetta, Group Executive, Technology,
Digital Innovation & Services “FirstBank’s 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 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, thought leadership that have potential to drive the future of finance
and the country’s digital economy for the benefit of customers and businesses.
This is testament to our 130-year legacy of enabling
individuals, businesses, and communities to unlock their full potential.”
The Nigeria Fintech Festival, open to all at no cost, aims
to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive
innovation and progress within Nigeria's digital economy.
Participants can anticipate engaging panel discussions,
keynote speeches, and informal conversations. Additionally, there will be ample
opportunities for networking and collaboration with fintech professionals and
influential stakeholders.
Ikechukwu Ugwu, Founder and Managing Director of Total Scope
Marketing Solutions and Convener of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, discussed
the reasons behind the launch of the event, “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 established key
collaborations with leading organizations such as FirstBank, MTN, Gunness,
Optimus AI Labs, Cybervergent, Crendly, and others, ensuring participants enjoy
an exceptionally engaging event experience.
The festival will conclude with an exciting afterparty that
includes live performances by The Octaves Band, Mario Sings, and DJ Sammie.
This afterparty will provide attendees with an opportunity to unwind, connect
with others, and revel in an evening filled with outstanding music and
entertainment, marking an exhilarating end to a day of valuable discussions and
industry networking.