Business

First Bank announces partnership as fintech festival seeks to explore digital payments trends

September 23, 2024 1:19 pm

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First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has announced plans to sponsor the “first” Nigerian fintech festival — an event that seeks to host over 1,000 industry stakeholders from the fintech and financial services sectors.

In a statement on Wednesday, Folake Ani-Mumuney, group head of marketing and corporate communications at First Bank, said the event would hold on September 26, at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ani-Mumuney said the festival, themed, ‘The Convergence to Co-Create & Celebrate Nigeria’s Truly Digital Economy’, is designed to encourage collaboration and partnerships, deepen digital payments and drive sustainable growth within Nigeria’s business ecosystem.

“The Nigerian Fintech Festival 2024 will provide a platform for industry players and key stakeholders to discuss topical issues and industry trends with the goal of facilitating the growth of digital payments in the country,” Ani-Mumuney said.

“The event will feature an afterparty and top speakers, including Damilare Odueso, Co-Founder Crendly; Mayowa Owolabi, Co-Founder PaddyCover; Lanre Adelanwa, Co-Founder/CEO of Optimus AI Labs; and Adaobi Igwe-Okerekeocha, Chief Innovations Officer at Interswitch Limited, among others.

“The event will provide a platform for industry players and key stakeholders to discuss topical issues and industry trends with the goal of facilitating the growth of digital payments in the country.”

Callistus Obetta, group executive, technology and services at FirstBank, said the partnership with the Nigerian Fintech Festival aligns with its commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration with fintechs towards the growth of Nigeria’s 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,” he said.

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

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

“Attendees can look forward to insightful panel sessions, keynote presentations, and fireside chats.”

Also speaking, Ikechukwu Ugwu, convener of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, said the event is 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,” he 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.”

Ugwu, also the founder and managing director of Total Scope Marketing Solutions, said the festival also partners with MTN, Guinness, Optimus AI Labs, and Cybervergent, Crendly.

Ugwu said the festival would conclude with an afterparty, offering attendees a chance to “relax, network, and enjoy an evening of top-notch music and entertainment, bringing a thrilling close to a day of insightful discussions and industry networking”.