🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
OPay urges fintechs to prioritize user financial well-being over transaction volume
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Dotun Daniel Adekunle, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of OPay, urged fintech companies to shift their focus from transaction numbers to improving users' financial well-being. Speaking at the inaugural BusinessDay Fintech Summit 2026 in Lagos on April 22, 2026, Adekunle stated that basic digital payments are no longer the primary challenge. He emphasized that the real opportunity lies in building intelligent systems that support better financial decisions and outcomes for users. The summit, themed “The Next Financial Frontier: Intelligence, Infrastructure & Inclusion in Africa’s Digital Money Economy,” served as a platform for OPay to advocate for a new growth phase measured by "transformation" rather than just "activity." OPay's Head of IT Business Support and Operations, Ibukun Humphrey Oluwagbenga, also discussed the role of artificial intelligence and automation in modern banking, highlighting how "intelligent finance" can move fintechs beyond being mere utilities. OPay, a dominant force in Nigeria since 2018 and the summit's headline sponsor, believes the future of Africa’s digital economy rests on intelligence, infrastructure, and inclusion, with the infrastructure for moving money now mature enough to support more complex value-added services. Adekunle concluded that industry success will be defined by the value created for the average African, rather than just transaction volumes.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Premier League clubs Bournemouth and Brighton are reportedly monitoring Millwall winger Femi Azeez following his strong performance in the Championship. The 24-year-old has registered nine goals and eight assists in 34 appearances this season, earning him a spot in the Championship Team of the Season. Foot Mercato indicates that interest in Azeez is growing ahead of the summer transfer window, with his future at Millwall uncertain despite the club's promotion push. Additionally, Azeez has decided to represent Nigeria internationally, despite being eligible for England and Spain. Born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, he qualifies for all three nations but has not played for England or Spain at youth level, simplifying his commitment to Nigeria under FIFA rules. The Nigeria Football Federation has reportedly contacted Azeez and his representatives to integrate him into the national team for upcoming international engagements.
The Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network WOHAN hosted an International Women’s Day 2026 event in Lagos, focusing on women's health and professional advancement. The event, themed “Give to Gain — Empower Her, Elevate All: Power, Progress, and the Urgent Call for Women’s Wellness,” gathered industry leaders, medical experts, and policy advocates. Participants emphasized that sustained progress for women across sectors depends significantly on prioritizing their health. Bunmi Oke, in her keynote address, stated that "The rise of the woman professional is not a trend. It is a correction," urging a shift from limiting stereotypes. Adeola Odesanya, Chairperson of WOHAN, highlighted women's contributions of "care, accountability and wholeness" as essential for sustainable leadership. Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, noted women's evolution "from execution to influence" in marketing communications and encouraged embracing leadership. Discussions also focused on health concerns, with Oluyemi Taiwo, Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Orile-Agege General Hospital, warning that declining health among women could undermine their economic contributions. Key health challenges identified included cardiovascular disease, hypertension, late cancer detection, reproductive health complications, and increasing mental health pressures. Speakers advocated for preventive healthcare, regular screenings, improved awareness, and lifestyl
Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, was seen at a Galatasaray match, reportedly for discussions regarding Nigeria international Victor Osimhen. Osimhen, known for his prolific form with Galatasaray and considered a top forward, has attracted significant interest from European clubs, including Arsenal. The London club is reportedly seeking to enhance its attacking efficiency despite a strong season. Berta's meeting with Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek in Turkey has drawn public attention, with Turkish journalist Serkan Korkmaz asserting that Arsenal's interest is specifically in Osimhen. Korkmaz stated on X that the Arsenal sporting director and Özbek met, dismissing other claims about the meeting's agenda. These developments could excite Arsenal supporters, as the club's attacking performance has faced criticism this season. Osimhen recently delivered a strong performance, scoring in Galatasaray's 3-0 victory over Fenerbahçe, a match reportedly attended by scouts from several major European clubs. He has recorded 13 goals and four assists in 20 league appearances this season, following a previous campaign with 37 goals in 41 matches.
Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna, who plays for AIK, is reportedly being monitored by Tottenham Hotspur. The 18-year-old joined AIK last summer from Ikon Allah FC in Kaduna and has made an impression this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 15 appearances. Spurs scouts were in Sweden to watch Yohanna play in AIK's recent match against Degerfors IF. Yohanna, who started on the right flank and played the full 90 minutes, stated he was unaware of the scouts and is focused on AIK. Degerfors IF manager Henok Goitom praised Yohanna's performance, noting that his team implemented specific tactics to contain him. Yohanna signed with AIK on June 29, 2025, with a contract extending until December 2029. He debuted on August 17, 2025, and scored his first two goals for AIK on March 9, 2026, in a Swedish Cup match. His first league goal came on April 5, 2026, in AIK's Allsvenskan season opener.