Olufemi Adeyemi
The growing influence of digital finance in Nigeria took centre stage in Lagos as OPay emerged as Fintech/Digital Bank of the Year 2025 at The Sun Awards, an event organised by The Sun Publishing Limited. The ceremony, held on January 31, 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, marked a significant moment in the awards’ history, with the fintech and digital banking category introduced for the first time.
The recognition underscores OPay’s expanding role in shaping Nigeria’s digital financial landscape. In a statement released on Tuesday, the company said the award reflects its commitment to building a reliable, inclusive and user-friendly financial platform that serves millions of Nigerians daily.
OPay’s integrated ecosystem—combining mobile banking, digital wallets, instant payments, merchant services and lifestyle solutions—was highlighted as a key factor behind the honour. By offering multiple financial services within a single platform, the company has continued to narrow the gap between traditional banking and the digital economy, improving convenience and access for individuals and businesses nationwide.
For many users, OPay has evolved beyond a payments application into a daily financial companion. Its services range from instant peer-to-peer transfers to seamless payment solutions for small and medium-sized merchants, supporting everyday transactions and broader economic activity across different segments of society.
Speaking on the award, OPay’s Chief Operating and Technology Officer, Adekunle Adedotun, described the recognition as both encouraging and motivating. He noted that The Sun’s reputation in Nigerian journalism added weight to the honour, while reaffirming the company’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. According to him, OPay’s goal remains to extend banking services to every corner of the country, regardless of device type, in line with its financial inclusion drive.
Chief Commercial Officer, Elizabeth Wang, also welcomed the recognition, describing it as a validation of OPay’s long-term investment in Nigeria. She said being named winner in the inaugural Fintech/Digital Bank category reflects the trust millions of Nigerians place in the platform and reinforces the company’s focus on delivering secure, reliable and inclusive financial solutions that support both individuals and businesses.
OPay reiterated that the award is the result of sustained investment in secure infrastructure, customer experience and strong local partnerships. The company emphasised that trust, scale and reliability remain central to its mission as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand.
As the first recipient of The Sun’s Fintech/Digital Bank of the Year award, OPay described the achievement as a shared success with its users, merchants and partners nationwide. The company reaffirmed its commitment to deepening financial inclusion and contributing to Nigeria’s long-term digital and economic growth.
Founded in 2018, OPay was established with a mission to use technology to make financial services more inclusive. Its offerings include money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchases, and merchant payment solutions. Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, OPay operates with the same deposit insurance coverage as commercial banks, reinforcing confidence in its fast, reliable and secure network.
