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Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – FirstBank, West Africa's premier financial institution, has announced its sponsorship of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, set to take place in Lagos on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The event, hosted at the prestigious Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, is expected to be the largest fintech gathering in the country, with over 1,000 industry stakeholders from the fintech and financial services sectors in attendance.
The Nigerian Fintech Festival aims to foster collaboration, partnerships, and innovation within the fintech ecosystem, with a specific focus on deepening digital payments and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria's business landscape. Themed *"The Convergence to Co-Create & Celebrate Nigeria’s Truly Digital Economy"*, the event will highlight the importance of cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
Key speakers for the festival include prominent figures such as Damilare Odueso, Co-Founder of Crendly; Mayowa Owolabi, Co-Founder of PaddyCover; Lanre Adelanwa, CEO of Optimus AI Labs; and Adaobi Igwe-Okerekeocha, Chief Innovations Officer at Interswitch Limited. Their insights will provide a platform for fintech leaders and stakeholders to discuss emerging trends and address challenges in the financial technology sector.
Callistus Obetta, FirstBank’s Group Executive, Technology, Digital Innovation & Services, emphasized the bank's commitment to driving digital innovation in the financial services industry. “FirstBank’s sponsorship of the Nigerian Fintech Festival aligns with our long-standing commitment to fostering collaboration between banks and fintechs. This is key to the growth of the Nigerian financial services sector. Our 130-year legacy is built on enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to unlock their full potential through innovation and partnership,” Obetta remarked.
The festival promises to deliver a day of insightful panel discussions, keynote presentations, and fireside chats, offering participants the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with industry experts. The event will conclude with an afterparty featuring live performances by The Octaves Band, Mario Sings, and DJ Sammie, providing an exciting end to a day of thought-provoking discussions and networking.
Ikechukwu Ugwu, Founder/MD of Total Scope Marketing Solutions and convener of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “The Nigerian Fintech Festival is a platform that brings together innovators, thought leaders, and key stakeholders in the fintech space. By addressing the opportunities and challenges within Africa’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape, we aim to stimulate meaningful discussions and drive sustainable growth across the digital payments ecosystem,” Ugwu said.
FirstBank’s sponsorship of the event underscores its commitment to innovation and its leading role in advancing digital payment systems in Nigeria. The bank has been at the forefront of promoting financial inclusion, with over 13 million cards issued and 23 million active customers using its digital banking channels.
The Nigerian Fintech Festival is free to attend and offers a valuable opportunity for fintech professionals, businesses, and stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of Nigeria's digital economy.
