Obi of Onitsha backs fintech’s growth, hosts Fluttwerwave CEO

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, has expressed support for the expansion of financial technology across Nigeria’s South-East, describing it as a catalyst for economic development, innovation and youth empowerment.

The monarch made this known while receiving the Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, also known as GB, at his palace in Onitsha.

During the visit, Achebe underscored the region’s rich history of commerce and enterprise, noting that the Igbo trading system has long thrived on resilience and innovation. He said the integration of digital financial solutions could further strengthen this legacy and unlock new economic opportunities.

The traditional ruler also symbolically adopted Agboola as a son, commending his achievements in the global technology space and describing his success as a reflection of Nigerian creativity and potential on the international stage.

While emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between fintech firms and grassroots traders, particularly those operating in markets across the South-East, the monarch stressed the need for aligning traditional trading systems with digital platforms, noting that this would enhance access to financial services and improve the competitiveness of local businesses.

Youth development featured prominently in the discussions, with Achebe highlighting the importance of equipping young people with entrepreneurial and technological skills, affirming that the combination of existing community-based initiatives with digital training would enable many youths to build scalable businesses rather than depend solely on employment opportunities.

The monarch also drew attention to the Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest trading centres in West Africa, stating that while it reflects the region’s strong commercial culture as the incorporation of structured technology education could help traders adapt to the growing digital economy.

He recalled a previous effort to establish an information technology training centre within the market, which did not materialise, but stressed the need to revive such initiatives to drive digital inclusion. As part of efforts to inspire young Nigerians, the monarch invited Agboola to speak at Ahmadu Bello University, where he serves as chancellor. The proposed engagement is expected to provide students and stakeholders with insights into opportunities within the technology and business sectors.