Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lauded Flutterwave founder Olugbenga Agboola, fondly called GB, for his ability to recognise and capitalise on economic opportunities, describing the company as the largest and most influential fintech enterprise in Africa.
He made the remarks during Flutterwave’s 10th‑anniversary Gala Night at the luxury The Delborough Lagos, which brought together political leaders, business executives, and cultural icons to celebrate a decade of innovation and excellence in digital financial services.
Obasanjo’s address highlighted the transformative role of strategic opportunity utilisation in technology and entrepreneurship.
He traced part of Flutterwave’s success to broader shifts in Nigeria’s economic landscape, particularly reforms he championed in the telecommunications sector, which helped lay the groundwork for technology-driven ventures across the continent.
“Many people don’t get that type of opportunity,” Obasanjo said, emphasising that understanding and acting on emerging prospects often separates success from obscurity. He added that recognising and seizing opportunities, as Agboola has done, is crucial to driving innovation that can compete globally.
Reflecting on his tenure as president, Obasanjo recalled how Nigeria’s auction of GSM licences generated significant revenue and catalysed growth in information and communications technology, which he described as a precursor to today’s fintech boom.
Concluding his remarks, Obasanjo commended Agboola’s entrepreneurial drive and Flutterwave’s journey from addressing basic cross-border payment inefficiencies to becoming “a fintech powerhouse, largest in Africa.”
Boluwatife Enome
About the Author
