Agenda
October 29, 2025 08:45
TechNovation Conference 2025
October 29, 2025 09:15
Welcome Address/Keynote Address
Dr. Chizor Malize
Managing Director/CEO of FITC
Dr. Chizor Malize is a visionary business leader, a transformation expert and an ESG Advocate.
She is the Managing Director/CEO of FITC, a premier innovation-led professional services and consulting firm in Africa. With over 25 years of experience spanning financial services, energy, and consulting, she has driven strategic transformation across multi- institutions across Africa.
Chizor has held senior leadership roles in the financial services and energy sectors, and sustainability space driving marketing, product innovation, business process re-engineering and ESG & sustainability initiatives across the continent. She previously served as Global Head of Marketing and Product Management at Access Bank (now Access Holdings), leading the bank's business expansion across 8 African countries and the UK.
In her consulting role as the Founder and Managing Partner of Brandzone Consulting LLC, she led business transformation projects for global brands like Total, BMW, Range Rover, Qatar Airways, Falcon Energy Corporation, Nestoil Energy Corporation, Eterna Oil Limited, Access Bank and the First Bank Holdings Corporation.
Presently at FITC, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-owned entity, she leads policy advocacy, thought leadership and capacity development for Nigeria’s financial sector at Management, Executive and Board levels.
She served as the Vice Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Women Directors Committee, the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria, and as an Executive Council member of Women In Business and Management (WIMBIZ).She has received numerous awards, including the Women Changing The World Award 2024, African Woman in Leadership Award 2024, the Women in Management Award 2023, the Stevie Award for Inspirational Leadership 2022, The CNBC Media African Rising Woman Award 2020.
Chizor is an Executive Education Alumni of Harvard Business School, London Business School, Columbia Business School, Yale School of Management, Wharton Business School and Lagos Business School. She is passionate about advocacy for youth empowerment, gender inclusivity and sustainability. She has built an astonishing project portfolio in business transformation, innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainability across Africa and beyond.
She is a well-sought-after international Keynote Speaker and is passionate about family, enterprise and development.
Dr. Stanley Jacobs
CEO, Zest Payments Limited and President, FINTECH Association of Nigeria
Stanley is a Fintech Executive and Business Leader with a strong drive for Platform Orchestration, Nurturing Start-up, Driving Innovation, Partnerships and Financial Inclusion. He is currently the Chief Executive of Zest (formerly Stanbic IBTC Financial Services Limited) - the wholly owned fintech subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC.
He is the President & Chairman of the Governing Council for Fintech Association of Nigeria (FINTECHNGR), VP (Western Africa) for the Africa Fintech Network (AFN), Past Chairman of the Committee of e-Business Industry Heads of Nigeria (CeBIH) and currently a Member of the Advisory Council of CeBIH. Stanley is also a Member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and sits on the Fintech & Innovation, and Capacity Building Committees of the Council.
Prior to joining Stanbic IBTC, Stanley was the Head of Financial Institutions (West Africa), and Country Business Director (Nigeria) at Mastercard International, he served at Ecobank as the Group Head of Consumer Payments supporting 33 countries across Africa, and at Standard Chartered Bank where he was the Head of Digital Bank supporting retail markets across Africa. Stanley was the pioneer Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Fortis Mobile Money (one of the first 16 Licensees of Mobile Money in Nigeria).
Passionate about supporting the global climate and sustainability objectives, Stanley holds a Doctoral Degree with specialization in Green Finance from Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) Spain, an MBA in Technology Management from ADBU India, Post-Graduate Diploma in Digital Business (PGDDB) from Emeritus Singapore, PostGraduate in Public Policy & Administration, and has completed executive management courses on strategy, cybersecurity, digital finance from University of Oxford, Columbia Business School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy (Tufts University), Terry College of Business (University of Georgia), amongst others.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB), Member of the Institute of Directors (MIoD), Certified Cards & Payments Professional (CCPP), Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA) and a licensed Project Management Professional (PMP).
October 29, 2025 10:05
1st Plenary Session: Innovation as a Catalyst - Reshaping Cross-Sector Collaboration
Dr. Yele Okeremi
CEO, Precise Financial Systems
Yele Okeremi, the founding and incumbent Chief Executive Officer of Precise Financial Systems Ltd. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the Swiss Business School, Zurich, Switzerland having previously obtained a Master of Applied Business Research from the same institution. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science (With Economics) from the Obafemi Awolowo University. He is an alumnus of Wits Business School, Johannesburg South Africa, where he completed NEPAD African Leadership Program, INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France where he completed the International Directors Program and also Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA where he completed the Owner President Management Program. Prior to PFS, he had a successful professional career at Inlaks Computers before he proceeded to Industrial Bank Limited (Merchant Bankers) as a Programmer/Analyst. He was the Chief Information Officer of Industrial Bank as at the time he left for Ventura Savings and Loans Limited as the Head, Systems and Logistics department. He held this position until 1994 when he founded PFS with Philip Ayeni, a Chartered Accountant.
As a leading icon in software development in Nigeria, Okeremi is also a member of the Presidential Initiative for developing the software industry in Nigeria and has previously served on the board of the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). He is a Past President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON). As a technology startup advocate supporting the promotion and funding of indigenous entrepreneurs, twice, he served as the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee [LOC] for Demo Africa in 2014 and 2015. Demo Africa is an initiative of the United States Department of State and Lions@frica to promote innovation in the technology field globally and connecting startup companies with investors.
Dr. Okeremi is an adjunct Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the NIBS University, Accra, Ghana. He is a Director of Uniswitch Nigeria, as well as Petroprism Limited He is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Colton Group Nigeria. He is the incumbent Chairman of the Board of Arit of Africa Limited having served as a non- executive director of the company for many years. Dr. Okeremi has a passion for the development of intellectual capital of the black race and continues to advocate his position that irrespective of the conditions of the black man, the black man is by no means inferior in intelligence to anyone else in the world.
Ms. Catherine Onelum
Senior Account Officer - VFD Microfinance Bank
Catherine Onelum is a results-driven commercial leader with over seven years experience in business development and sales across multiple sectors. She began her career in the Retail industry, where she quickly rose through the ranks before moving into Digital Financial services. Catherine has a proven record of driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships, and delivering innovative fintech solutions to high-value clients.
Known for her strengths in B2B and B2C sales, digital payments, and client relationship management, she has helped scale several financial technology initiatives that advance inclusion and digital adoption. Catherine combines professionalism and strategic insight with engaging communication, guiding conversations about how fintech is reshaping the financial landscape across Africa.
She is a graduate of Delta State University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Rome Business School. Catherine is passionate about helping SMEs scale on digital platforms and accelerating their revenue growth.
Mr. Adeyinka Adekoya
Vice President, Energy Ecosystem, Interswitch
Mr. Adekoya is a payments, banking, fintech, and digital products sales and growth management expert with extensive experience driving digital transformation initiatives across private enterprises, particularly in the banking sector. His expertise covers operational efficiency, business planning, digitalization strategy, product development, product growth, risk management, and enhancing competitiveness in both local and global markets.
As a Digital Transformation Manager, his focus is on aligning transformation projects with overarching strategic and financial objectives while positioning businesses for long-term success. His work includes advancing initiatives such as open banking (API-driven business models), fintech partnerships and alliances, and digital product development and platform management—core pillars of any forward-looking transformation roadmap.
Tomi Badejo
Vice President Operations, Graph (Techstars’23)
Tomi Badejo, currently serving as the Vice President Operations at Graph, epitomizes the blend of strategic leadership aend innovative thinking in the digital finance sector. With a stellar career marked by a series of remarkable achievements, Tomi's journey from the role of Head of the Project Management Office to Chief of Staff/Deputy CEO role at NowNow is a testament to his exceptional capabilities and dedication.
Tomi's robust background in finance has been the cornerstone of his illustrious career. His expertise spans across various domains of financial management and digital transformation, honed through his tenure with prominent international companies and leading banks. Notably, his roles at Access Bank and Sterling Bank provided him with invaluable experience and insights into the complexities of the financial industry. These experiences have equipped him with the skills to drive strategic initiatives and manage large-scale projects with unparalleled efficiency.
In his current role as VP Ops, Tomi plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of Graph. His visionary approach and strategic acumen have been instrumental in advancing the company's objectives and ensuring sustainable growth. Tomi's leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, where every team member is empowered to contribute to the organization's success.
Mujib Ishola
Chief Technology Officer, Remita Payment Services Limited
Mujib Ishola is the Chief Technology Officer at Remita Payment Services Limited, a leading African payments company providing innovative payment rails and solutions for individuals, SMEs, corporates, governments, and fintechs. Before joining Remita, he worked at Javelin Group (a division of Accenture Strategy) in the United Kingdom, where he led technical teams helping global clients adapt to evolving customer behaviors and retail technologies.
At Remita, Mujib drives the company’s technological transformation, overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge systems and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of payments innovation. He brings extensive expertise across payments technology, infrastructure, and use cases, blending strategic insight with hands-on technical leadership. Mujib holds a bachelor’s degree in computing and Multimedia Technology with Computer Communications from Middlesex University, United Kingdom. He is also a prolific mentor, inspiring the next generation of tech leaders.
October 29, 2025 11:10
October 29, 2025 11:25
2nd Plenary Session: Unlocking Growth Opportunities - Bridging the Last Mile, Leveraging Infrastructure, Technology & Talent
Mr. Henry Obiekea
MD, FairMoney Nigeria
Henry Obiekea is the Managing Director of FairMoney Nigeria, a leading Fintech institution redefining access to financial services and committed to rewriting the Africa Money Story. With over 17 years of professional experience spanning Fintech, Microfinance, Investment Banking, and Capital Markets, Henry has established himself as a transformative leader in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Since joining FairMoney in 2021, Henry has pioneered several landmark initiatives that have positioned the company as an industry trailblazer. He successfully established the Capital Markets desk, driving the company’s local currency debt strategy and securing two investment-grade credit ratings, the first ever achieved by a Nigerian Fintech. This milestone unlocked institutional funding opportunities and elevated FairMoney’s credibility in the financial markets. Under his leadership, FairMoney launched its ₦10 billion (c. $20 million) Private Note Programme in 2021, followed by the company’s debut Commercial Paper Programme in 2023, further strengthening its capital structure and market presence.
Prior to FairMoney, Henry was an Associate Vice President at Quest Advisory Services Limited, a Securities & Exchange Commission-registered boutique Investment Bank. There, he successfully led high-profile transactions in Equity and Debt Capital Raising, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Corporate Restructuring across industries such as Fintech, FMCG, Telecoms, Banking, and Insurance.
Henry’s career also includes leadership experience at Procter & Gamble Nigeria, where as Assistant Brand Manager he spearheaded marketing initiatives across Senegal and Francophone West Africa. Earlier in his career, he worked with Oando Plc as a Quality Control Officer, gaining operational experience in Nigeria’s energy sector. Henry holds a degree in Industrial Chemistry from Delta State University and an MBA from the prestigious Lagos Business School. He is a Microfinance Certified member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and a member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria (IoD).
Fego Okiomah
Country Manager, Nigeria for Newland Payment Technology
Fego Okiomah is a distinguished professional with over 14 years of extensive experience in the financial industry, with focus in banking, payments, and fintech sectors. He holds a first degree from Covenant University and has furthered his education with certifications from the European Business University of Luxembourg and an executive MBA from Rome business School.
Throughout his career, Fego has been instrumental in driving the growth and development of innovative products that have significantly impacted the financial landscape. His expertise and leadership have been pivotal in various roles at prominent organizations, including Sterling Bank, Nownow Digital, and Flutterwave.
Currently, Fego serves as the Country Manager, Nigeria for Newland Payment Technology, a globally recognized leader in Point-of-Sale (POS) manufacturing ecosystem. In this role, he leverages his vast experience and deep industry knowledge to steer the company’s operations and growth in the region, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.
Fego’s dedication to excellence and his ability to navigate and adapt to the rapidly changing financial technology environment have established him as a respected leader and innovator in the industry. His contributions continue to shape the future of financial services, making a lasting impact on the organizations he serves and the broader market.
Opeoluwa Abitoye
Head, Account Management, Flutterwave
Opeoluwa Abitoye is Head, Account Management at Flutterwave, with over a decade of experience. She manages the company’s high-profile enterprise customers, guiding the existing enterprise merchants’ cross-selling and upselling execution strategy. She is also responsible for growing the company’s strategy in increasing revenue substantially from time to time and meeting client expectations.
Before joining Flutterwave, Opeoluwa gained extensive experience in the banking and payment industry. She worked in relationship management and electronic payments at Guaranty Trust Bank, and she was one of the pioneering members at PayU, heading the sales and marketing team. Opeoluwa holds a Master's in International Finance from Anglia Ruskin University and has completed numerous executive courses in management and industry best practices. She is known for her ability to build and lead high-performing teams, develop strategic initiatives, and drive growth through effective client management.
Seun Onayiga
Co-Founder, ACQ Managers and Managing Director/Chief Executive, ACQ Capital Managers
Mr Onayiga is a senior finance professional with almost two decades of investment banking, investment research, private equity and VC investing experience.
He is currently a Co-Founder at ACQ Managers and the Managing Director & CEO of ACQ Capital Managers – the investment banking business of ACQ Managers (“ACQ”)
Prior to ACQ, Seun was a Managing Director & Head of the Africa business at BancTrust & Co. – a U.K headquartered, EM-focused, debt specialist investment bank a Managing Director & Head of SSA Debt Capital Markets with BancTrust & Co. (an Emerging Market debt focused investment bank), where he is charged with building the SSA business for the franchise. He spearheads deal origination, structuring and execution of transactions across the debt product spectrum.
Before joining BancTrust, Seun spent 12 years at Renaissance Capital (RenCap) where his last role was as Managing Director & Head of Investment Banking SSA. He was responsible for vision setting and executing the firm’s SSA investment banking strategy, making capital allocation decisions and managing the P&L of the region, as well as upholding the values and corporate culture of firm.
Prior to RenCap, Seun had stints with Africapital Management – an energy and infrastructure focused advisory firm; Emerging Capital Partners – the Washington D.C. headquartered, Africa-focused, Private Equity fund; Afrinvest (West Africa) - one of Nigeria’s foremost investment banking boutiques, where he started his finance career as an investment research analyst; as well as with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
He is a financial market cognoscente, having advised corporates, governments, technology ventures, disruptive start-ups, entrepreneurs and investors across 19 African countries. Over the course of his career, he has advised on transactions with cumulative value of over $13.0bn. He holds an MBA as well as a Bachelor’s degree.
Babawale John
Chief Technology Officer, GT Bank
With over a decade of experience in software engineering, Babawale John has established a strong track record of delivering world-class products and solutions that harness cutting-edge technologies to address complex business challenges. His expertise spans designing and implementing a DeFi prediction and staking system on USDT (TRC20) deployed on AWS infrastructure, creating AI- and ML-powered conversational chatbots, and automating business processes into reusable RPA models for bots and large-scale systems.
He has successfully built and led high-performing teams, consistently driving ambitious goals and earning recognition for transforming ideas into innovative solutions that boost revenue and enhance customer satisfaction. Passionate about using technology to empower people and businesses, he continues to embrace new skills and challenges. As a seasoned leader in technical innovation, he brings both vision and execution to any team or organization seeking transformative growth.
October 29, 2025 12:30
3rd Plenary Session: Architects of the Future - Reimagining Regulation to Catalyze Ecosystem-Wide Growth
Taiwo A. Joda
MD/CEO, Accion MFB
Taiwo Joda is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in leading teams, formulating strategy, banking operations, and managing digital transformation programs to drive financial inclusion. He is certified by the John Maxwell Team as a trainer, coach, mentor, and speaker. Currently serving as the Managing Director/CEO of Accion Microfinance Bank, he holds both B.Sc. and Master’s degrees in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of the Saïd Business School, Oxford University. With strong expertise in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, Mr. Joda has successfully steered organizations and teams to achieve performance excellence and industry prominence. He has over 30 years of experience across banking and non-bank financial institutions.
He is a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB) ü Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM) ü Fellow, African Board Fellowship on Financial Inclusion ü Fellow, Business Process Management Institute of Nigeria ü Life Member, Institute of Directors (M(IOD)) ü Microfinance Certified Practitioner (MCP) He currently serves on several strategic committees, including the Steering Committee of the National Microfinance Platform, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Operations Committee of the Microfinance Learning and Development Center. He is also a member of the NASSBER Working Group of the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) and is the past Chairman of the National Association of Microfinance Banks, Lagos State Chapter Taiwo has participated in numerous top management programs both locally and internationally. He is well regarded for his leadership skills and regularly mentors young professionals. He has received several prestigious awards including Microfinance Bank CEO of the Year 2022. Under his leadership, Accion MfB has earned multiple recognitions such as the Most Technologically Innovative Microfinance Bank, Microfinance Bank of the Year 2022, and Fastest Growing Digital Microfinance Bank. Fondly called "TJ", he is also an avid golfer and a lover of Jazz music.
Lazarus Kalu
Senior Associate, AELEX
Lazarus is a Senior Associate at AELEX. He is a key member of the firm’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice group and is recognized for his extensive experience advising on regulatory and compliance issues at the intersection of law and technology.
He focuses on fintech regulation, data protection, cybersecurity, advertising, consumer protection, and emerging technologies. He advises startups, financial institutions, and multinational technology companies on navigating Nigeria’s complex regulatory landscape, particularly in relation to payments, digital assets, telecommunications, and data-driven services.
Notably, he recently advised a payments services provider on licensing, regulatory compliance, data protection, and outsourcing issues connected with the launch of its digital payment solution in Nigeria.
Dotun Adeoye
Co-Founder, AI in Nigeria and Managing Director, Deodotti
Dotun Adeoye is a board-level executive, AI strategist, and Pan-African digital innovator with over 30 years of global leadership experience across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East. Dotun is the Co-Founder of AI in Nigeria. Dotun has led AI and product transformation projects for top global brands, including Adidas, Accenture, American Life, Barclays, Elsevier, Various UK Government departments, and Al Yahsat (UAE).
Dotun sits on advisory boards globally, advising on business growth, AI Adoption and transformation. He is a LinkedIn Top Voice in AI, a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, and a bestselling author of "18 Habits of Highly Effective Global Brands." Educated at MIT, Harvard, Wharton, Cambridge, and OAU Ife, Dotun is committed to building ethical, inclusive, and commercially viable AI ecosystems that power sustainable growth in Africa and beyond.
Samira Nwaturocha
Founder and Programme Director - OwlNest
Samira A. Nwaturuocha is a seasoned executive and risk strategist with over 18+ years of experience across financial services and technology. Her expertise spans governance, risk management, operational resilience, regulatory compliance, cyber and information security, tech operations and service delivery, as well as customer experience management. She has held senior leadership roles in banking, insurance, pensions, and fintech, including serving as Chief Risk Office, Chief Security Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Driving enterprise-wide risk and security transformation and compliance strategy, guiding the organisation through regulatory alignment, cultural change, and crisis management.
Samira is the Founder and Programme Director of OwlNest, a social impact and mentorship initiative that equips teenagers with cybersecurity skills, hands-on experience, and professional guidance. While open to all, the programme places particular focus on empowering young girls to close the gender gap in technology through early exposure, mentorship, and practical learning. At the core of Samira’s work is a commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive innovation, and building resilient systems that support both people and progress.
Sadik Abubakari
Country Sales Manager, Paix Data Centers, Ghana
Sadik Abubakari is the Country Sales Manager of Paix Data Centers and a seasoned technology solutions enthusiast and digital inclusion expert with over 20 years’ experience in tech solutions, digital payments, financial inclusion, digital innovation, data center services, policy management and adding value to individuals and businesses both locally and abroad.
He holds MSc Fintech Management. MSc IT Management and Bachelor of Technology Accounting and Computing. Outside work, Sadik is a soccer-loving person, human rights advocate and a movie lover.
October 29, 2025 13:35
Q&A/Conference Polls/Vote of Thanks
October 29, 2025 13:50
Closing Remarks/Virtual Networking
Background
The 5th Annual FITC | FintechNGR TechNnovation Conference 2025 stands as Africa’s leading platform for shaping the future of financial innovation, digital transformation, and smart regulation. Now in its fifth edition, the conference convenes fintech disruptors, policymakers, investors, and industry trailblazers to redefine how innovation can accelerate inclusive growth across the continent.
Anchored on the theme “Disruptive By Design: Powering Africa’s Fintech Revolution through Innovation, Growth Acceleration and Smart Regulation,” this year’s conference will explore how technology, infrastructure, and policy can intersect to unlock Africa’s next phase of digital prosperity.
As the continent experiences rapid expansion in payments, lending, wealth-tech, and digital banking, the TechNnovation Conference 2025 will spotlight strategies that enable fintechs and traditional institutions to innovate responsibly, scale sustainably, and compete globally. Through a blend of expert panels, thought leadership sessions, and regulatory dialogues, participants will gain actionable insights on capital mobilization, infrastructure readiness, and human capital development within Africa’s fintech landscape.
By fostering collaboration between innovators and regulators, the conference reinforces FITC’s and FintechNGR’s shared mission to strengthen Africa’s digital economy — transforming disruption into a deliberate force for sustainable growth, inclusion, and resilience.