The announcement was made during a media briefing in Lagos, according to recent reports.

At the centre of the rollout is “Omnis”, an in-app banking assistant that integrates with mobile banking apps to deliver a mix of personalized services, support and analytics.

Omnis can analyse user behaviour and engagement data to recommend tailored financial products, resembling a “digital salesperson” embedded inside the app, while also handling customer enquiries and support tasks.

According to Lanre Adelanwa Basamta, co-founder/CEO, Optimus AI Labs, the platform aligns with recent regulatory directives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on consumer protection and fraud prevention.

The company says the AI tools are built to prioritise transparency, consent, and compliance, while offering banks a scalable way to deliver smarter, safer services.

Beyond customer-facing features, Optimus said the new suite will provide banks with data-driven analytics to inform product development, pricing and engagement strategies, a potential catalyst for improving efficiency and competitive positioning.

Speaking on the launch, Optimus AI LABS executives stressed that Nigeria’s financial ecosystem represents a major opportunity for AI-enabled transformation.

What began as a fintech startup targeting small businesses has now expanded its focus to supporting large banks, fintech firms and microfinance institutions.

As Nigerian banks and fintechs respond to rising demand for digital-first services, along with heightened regulatory pressure to curb fraud and improve compliance, tools like Omnis may prove pivotal.

Still, experts are calling for clear governance, data-protection guarantees and user consent frameworks to ensure AI adoption builds trust rather than erode it.

With this launch, Optimus AI LABS signals confidence in homegrown innovation’s ability to deliver scalable, context-aware AI solutions, offering both users and financial institutions a path toward smarter banking in Nigeria.

More about Optimus AI LABS

Optimus AI Labs began life in 2023 as Pacer Labs, a Canada-based software development and resource outsourcing firm.

In its first months, the team focused on delivering reliable engineering and product work for clients across sectors, building a foundation of technical discipline and client-first delivery. That practical beginning established processes and relationships that would define the company’s next phase.

Midway through 2023, the AI startup responded to growing inbound demand from startup clients, driven in part by cost advantages that allowed the team to serve partners in both Africa and North America.

This period of concentrated client work exposed Pacer’s engineers to the specific problems founders were solving with data and automation, and prompted a strategic shift toward AI-led product work.

Between 2023 and 2024, the business rebranded as Optimus AI Labs and invested in AI-native product development. The team launched an education-technology product built around generative models and also began offering AI product engineering services to organizations that needed practical, production-ready solutions.

That work moved the company from project delivery into product development and platform thinking.

From 2024 into 2025, the startup sharpened its focus on large language models and generative AI services.

Today, Optimus AI Labs supports regional and international clients with end-to-end AI development, from model fine-tuning and integration to deployment and maintenance. Optimus AI Labs combines hands-on engineering with sector knowledge and an ambition to position African technical talent and products in global markets, while delivering measurable value for partners and investors.

The program was held in partnership with the Lagos Innovates Team of Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and technical support from Optimus AI Labs, among other professionals.   

Over the past three weeks, 15 startup founders received training and resources on incorporating AI into their businesses, along with mentorship to boost their growth. Only three earned the spotlight. 

In the keynote address, Feyisayo Alayande, the executive secretary, LSETF, represented by Adekunle Oyenekan, head, Risk Management, Monitoring and Internal Control, LSETF, asserted:

“Entrepreneurship is the ability to face a thousand rejections, and still show up the next day with the same energy.” This was a summary of what every startup in that room had faced.

GoPrudy took the top spot with its focus on “Personal Finance, Management, Simplified for Africans. Budgeting and Finance Tracking that works.”

It’s a vision that aligns across a continent where financial literacy tools usually miss the mark. The startup’s focus on practical, culturally-aware financial solutions placed it ahead of others.

InternPulse took second place with a solution targeted at the tech talent pipeline: “We help aspiring developers, product designers, and product managers gain real working experience within 8 weeks.” 

The startup’s mission is to shrink the skills gap affecting Africa’s thriving tech sector. With a focus on bootcamp graduates and giving them hands-on experience, InternPulse is standing at the heart of talent development.

VeriTalent came in third. With its AI-powered platform, it’s aiming to bolster career validation and employability tracking. Their pitch? “AI-powered Career Validation & Employability Intelligence Platform.” Data now shapes decisions, and this solution provides clarity for both employers and candidates.

The Demo Day was the capstone of the accelerator’s pilot phase,  a completion of weeks of business model refinement, mentoring, and prototype development. 

Each of the 15 startups that entered the program carried potential. But only five were able to pitch on Demo Day. We saw founders put everything on the line: their ideas, their execution, their grit.

The winners, GoPrudy, InternPulse, and VeriTalent, will receive access to the Lagos Innovates Workspace Vouchers, providing them with more time to develop their products and gain further mentorship and opportunities. 

All five startups that pitched will also receive cloud credits from Simplified IQ, an edtech software as a service for assessments

Behind each pitch was a team. Behind each win, a story. And behind each story, the belief that Africa’s next breakout startup might not come from Silicon Valley copycats—but from those who truly understand the challenges we face, and choose to build anyway.

“AI is no longer a distant person which we all acknowledge and accept, but it is now a present, a phenomenon and a future theory. It is a solution and idea that must continue to drive.”

In today’s world, this task has become even more complicated due to information overload and the disruptive nature of the emerging digital economy. Experts say to stand out and engage people, trust, transparency, and authenticity are essential.

The 2024 Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit, held on October 16 and 17, was more than just a gathering of professionals in the field—it was a platform to explore the art of promoting trust and authenticity in the increasingly complex digital ecosystem.

Under the theme “Nurturing Authentic Connections in the Digital Ecosystem,” the summit examined the core challenges that public relations (PR) professionals face today, especially in an environment saturated with information and competing messages.

As businesses and organisations strive to capture attention in this noisy world, the summit’s focus on trust, transparency, and authenticity highlighted the essential ingredients needed to gain traction in the modern digital marketplace.

These concepts are critical to connecting with audiences on a deeper, more meaningful level – something easier said than done in a world where information is everywhere, and attention spans are fleeting.

In his keynote speech, Adetokunbo Modupe, chairman/Group CEO, TPT International, emphasized that brands must communicate persuasively to capture and keep their audience’s attention. But persuasion must come from a place of authenticity.

Modupe argued that while the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized marketing and communications, there is no substitute for the genuine, emotional intelligence required to make lasting connections.

He stressed that originality matters now more than ever and that AI should enhance, not replace, the emotional and native intelligence needed in storytelling. He explained that ethics remain a cornerstone of public relations, and practitioners must continue to do the right thing, even in the age of digital disruption.

O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to the President, presented a thought-provoking session on trust, calling it the key differentiator for brands that want to stand out.

He provided five crucial lessons on trust, along with their reversals, highlighting that while trust is vital, it is equally important to strike a balance between transparency and strategic communication.

In the realm of branding, perception is everything. As Ogra noted, people are drawn to what feels real. Brands must therefore curate their digital presence authentically and simplify their messaging to build trust. Yet, there are times when illusion can be more powerful than reality.

Trust is a brand’s most valuable asset, a principle Ogra called the Naval Rule. Brands that consistently deliver on promises, like the financial platform Piggyvest, can elevate their reputation.

Transparency is a powerful tool, but Ogra also pointed out that there are moments when withholding information can be more beneficial than complete openness.

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in creating meaningful connections. Ogra emphasized the importance of brands engaging in active listening, even in digital spaces, and using storytelling to connect with audiences.

However, he warned that relying too heavily on emotional appeals can sometimes backfire.

Ogra also spoke of the power of strategic vulnerability. He encouraged brands to own their mistakes and be realistic about their shortcomings.

By doing so, weaknesses can become strengths. But, he cautioned, overexposure can lead to new problems, and brands should avoid revealing too much.

Finally, Ogra stressed the importance of long-term authenticity over short-term gains. In a world obsessed with instant results, real depth and consistency hold more value than superficial reach. However, he reminded the audience not to overlook short-term opportunities entirely—finding balance is key, and realness remains a brand’s greatest strength.

Lanre Basamta, CEO and co-founder of Optimus AI Labs spoke on the power of content. Starting with the quote by marketing expert David Meerman Scott—”Nobody cares about your product, except you.

Create interesting content”—Basamta stressed that perception is everything. Content is not just a tool for engagement; it shapes how audiences perceive a brand.

He underscored the importance of aligning content with a brand’s core message, stating that effective storytelling creates experiences that resonate emotionally with the audience. This emotional resonance, in turn, influences how people perceive a brand and, ultimately, whether they will engage with it.

The 2024 Lagos Digital PR Summit illuminated a key truth: in today’s information-saturated digital environment, brands must focus on nurturing authentic connections.

Whether through persuasive storytelling, emotional intelligence, or content that resonates on a deeper level, building trust is critical.

All the speakers and panel discussions emphasized the point – that realness is a brand’s most powerful asset, and balancing transparency, emotional appeals, and strategic communication is key to creating lasting relationships with audiences.

For PR professionals and marketers alike, the summit offered a clear roadmap: trust, transparency, and authenticity are the cornerstones of successful digital engagement in a world where attention is scarce but connection is invaluable.

*Eromosele, a corporate communication professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com

]]> https://techeconomy.ng/exploring-trust-authenticity-and-engagement-in-a-saturated-digital-space/feed/ 0 https://techeconomy.ng/firstbank-backs-maiden-nigerian-fintech-festival/ https://techeconomy.ng/firstbank-backs-maiden-nigerian-fintech-festival/#respond Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:20:52 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=143697 The inaugural edition of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, the biggest fintech festival in Nigeria, sponsored by FirstBank, West Africa premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider is set to take place in Lagos on September 26, 2024.

The Nigerian Fintech Festival 2024 will host over 1000 industry stakeholders within the fintech and financial service sector, with the aim to foster collaboration and partnership required to deepen digital payments and unlock value to drive sustainable growth for the business ecosystem in Nigeria.

The event, scheduled to take place at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, will feature an afterparty and top speakers, including Damilare Odueso, Co-Founder Crendly; Mayowa Owolabi, Co-Founder PaddyCover; Lanre Adelanwa, co-Founder/CEO of Optimus AI Labs; and Adaobi Igwe-Okerekeocha, chief innovations officer at Interswitch Limited, among others.

The event will provide a platform for industry players and key stakeholders to discuss topical issues and industry trends with the goal of facilitating the growth of digital payments in the country.

This year’s edition, themed “The Convergence to Co-Create & Celebrate Nigeria’s Truly Digital Economy,” highlights the festival’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

According to Callistus Obetta, group executive, Technology, Digital Innovation & Services;

“FirstBank’s partnership with the Nigerian Fintech Festival not only aligns with its commitment to driving innovation but also fosters collaboration between the Bank and Fintechs towards growth of the Nigerian financial services sector. As an enabler and leader in the banking space, FirstBank is dedicated to promoting initiatives that foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, thought leadership that have potential to drive the future of finance and the country’s digital economy for the benefit of customers and businesses. This is testament to our 130-year legacy of enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to unlock their full potential.”

The Nigeria Fintech Festival, which is free for all attendees, has been designed to equip participants with the skills and insights needed to innovate and advance Nigeria’s digital economy.

Attendees can look forward to insightful panel sessions, keynote presentations, and fireside chats. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to connect and network with fintech experts and key stakeholders.

Speaking on why the event was launched, Ikechukwu Ugwu, founder/MD, Total Scope Marketing Solutions & Convener of the Nigerian Fintech Festival, said;

“The Nigeria Fintech Festival is a platform that drives innovation and fosters collaboration within the financial service ecosystem. By bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders, the festival addresses the challenges and opportunities within Africa’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Its goal is to stimulate meaningful discussions and drive sustainable growth within Nigeria and across the continent’s digital payments ecosystem”.

He further said, “We are excited to create a platform that not only highlights Nigeria’s role as a leader in the fintech space but also paves the way for future advancements in the fintech industry.”

The Nigeria Fintech Festival has forged strategic partnerships with top organizations like FirstBank, MTN, Gunness, Optimus AI Labs, and Cybervergent, Crendly and other players, providing attendees with unparalleled access to a seamlessly immersive event experience.

The event will wrap up with an exhilarating afterparty featuring live performances by The Octaves Band, Mario Sings, and DJ Sammie.

This afterparty will offer attendees a chance to relax, network, and enjoy an evening of top-notch music and entertainment, bringing a thrilling close to a day of insightful discussions and industry networking.