Technology
Tech Expert Pushes For Innovation In Digital Banking, Financial Inclusion
In the dynamic world of digital banking and financial technology, Nigerian fintech strategist and product innovator, Ayomide Olupitan, has emerged as one of the leading voices in financial inclusion and technological disruption.
As the co-founder leading product and operations at Loma Bank, Olupitan is redefining how financial services are delivered to underserved communities and businesses across Africa.
In a chat with journalists, Olupitan said he is driven by the desire to bridge the financial gap for the everyday African entrepreneur, adding that technology is the most powerful tool to do that efficiently.
A key part of his innovation is the development of an AI-powered API banking infrastructure, a first-of-its-kind in Nigeria’s digital banking space.
According to him, “This system integrates AI risk assessment and embedded finance capabilities, allowing businesses to carry out seamless transactions without traditional bottlenecks.”
Beyond engineering advanced platforms, Olupitan’s work actively tackles the core issue of financial exclusion.
“Millions of Africans remain outside the formal banking system, not because they want to, but because the system hasn’t worked for them. That’s the gap we’re closing at Loma Bank.”
Olupitan’s efforts have also earned him a place in broader industry conversations. Recently named one of Nigeria’s Top Product Voices, he is regularly consulted on matters of fintech regulation and policy direction.
“We need more inclusive policies that match the pace of innovation,” he noted. “Regulation must become a partner in progress, not a roadblock.”
As a thought leader, Olupitan is keenly focused on the future of digital finance in Africa, particularly the intersection of AI, blockchain, and embedded finance. His research and ongoing projects are geared toward creating an end-to-end ecosystem that prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and scalability.
“Fintech in Africa isn’t just about apps and wallets,” he said. “It’s about creating systems that reflect and respond to our economic realities. If we’re going to drive meaningful change, then our financial tools must be intelligent, adaptable, and accessible to all.”
-Leadership
Business
OPay Dismisses Closure Rumours Over Alleged Tax Violations
A leading fintech company, OPay Digital Services Limited, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that its offices in Lagos and Abuja were sealed by the Nigeria Revenue Service over alleged tax non-compliance.
The digital firm clarified that its offices across the country remain open and fully operational, stressing that it continues to serve customers, partners and merchants without disruption.
“Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and we continue to serve our customers, partners, and merchants without disruption,” the firm said.
OPay further maintained that it has consistently complied with all statutory tax requirements and regulatory obligations governing financial technology operators in the country.
“As a responsible financial technology company operating in Nigeria, we are compliant with all applicable tax obligations and regulatory requirements. We work closely and transparently with all relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that our operations consistently meet statutory standards,” the statement added.
According to the company, the notice referenced in the online reports arose from a recent directive issued to payment platforms across the industry by the tax authority.
The digital payment firm noted that the directive requested operators to distinctly separate certain statutory charges on their applications to make reconciliation and transparency easier.
“The notice referenced in the reports arose from a recent industry-wide directive by the Nigeria Revenue Service requesting payment platforms to distinctly separate certain statutory charges on their applications for easier reconciliation and transparency,” the company averred.
Similarly, It further stressed that the directive affects several operators within the payment ecosystem and should not be interpreted as an indication that OPay failed to meet its tax obligations.
“This administrative clarification affects multiple operators across the industry, not OPay alone. The suggestion that the notice indicates non-payment of taxes is therefore factually incorrect and misleading,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the company expressed concern over what it described as the deliberate singling out of OPay in reports about the directive.
“Equally troubling is the selective and deliberate singling out of OPay in a matter that concerns the wider industry. Such reporting not only distorts the facts but also appears calculated to undermine the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance, transparency and cooperation with regulators”
Hence, the management urged the public to disregard claims circulating online suggesting that the fintech firm is shutting down or that its offices have been sealed.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the information currently circulating online suggesting that OPay is shutting down or our offices have been shut down should be disregarded, as it does not reflect the true s ituation,” it said.
The Fintech firm reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy by providing secure, reliable and inclusive financial services to millions of users across the country.
-Regards,
Education
Media Support Key To UNILORIN’s Growth – VC
The vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), has highlighted the vital role of the media in sustaining the institution’s growth and reputation.
He urged continued collaboration between the university and journalists.
He commended journalists for their consistent support and constructive engagement with the university, describing the media as indispensable partners in the institution’s progress.
“Our relationship with the media has continued to grow stronger over time. Members of the press remain critical stakeholders whose contributions have helped to sustain the reputation and development of the University of Ilorin,” he said.
He described iftar as a moment of unity, reflection and gratitude during Ramadan, expressing optimism that the annual engagement would continue to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation among stakeholders within the university community.
In a sermon, the deputy chief Imam of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Musa Abdullahi, reminded Muslims of the spiritual purpose of fasting, urging the faithful to use the sacred period to strengthen their relationship with Allah.
He explained that fasting was ordained by Allah to nurture piety and deepen faith among believers.
“Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It is a time for self-discipline, increased prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and seeking forgiveness from Allah,” he said.
He encouraged Muslims to reflect on their spiritual progress during the fasting period and to assess whether their devotion and faith had grown through acts of worship.
Abdullahi also urged the faithful to take advantage of the last 10 days of Ramadan by increasing supplications and engaging more in night prayers.
He advised Muslims to devote more time to spiritual activities and reduce distractions, particularly from social media, in order to fully benefit from the blessings of the holy month.
Special prayers were offered during the event for Nigeria, Kwara State and the University of Ilorin, with participants seeking peace, progress and prosperity for the nation and the institution.
-Leadership
Business
Remi Tinubu To Lead Campaign For Local Inventors
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, will lead a nationwide campaign to promote local inventions under a programme of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology tagged “Energise Commercialisation.”
The minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, disclosed this during a visit to the first lady at the State House, Abuja.
He explained that the initiative aims to move Nigeria from a technology-importing nation to a technology-innovating nation.
According to the minister, the programme will strengthen the capabilities of youths, particularly those who have commercially viable inventions and innovations.
He added that the ministry plans to reach people across different segments of society in order to identify innovative ideas and inventions.
“Nigeria cannot be left out of the world technology revolution.”
The minister noted that the meeting with the First Lady, held behind closed doors, signals the imminent commencement of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s Energise Commercialisation programme, with youths and women predominantly targeted.
-Leadership
-
Health12 months ago5 Life Lessons from Manchester City EPL Current woes
-
Sports12 months agoLiverpool Announce Jürgen Klopp Return To The Club
-
Business12 months agoMTN Teams Up With Meta To Boost WhatsApp Call Quality
-
News12 months agoCommonwealth Observers Prepare For Gabon Presidential Election
-
Health12 months agoPonzi Scheme CEO Francis Uju Udoms of Addfx Case still Unresolved Despite SEC certification
-
News12 months agoChibok Girls: 11 Years Of Anguish, Broken Promises
-
News12 months agoWike’s Enviable Road Construction Method along Nyanya- Maraba Highway
-
News9 months agoNASRE Promises Support To Daily Times Group Business Editor, Oseni, Over Serious Road Accident
