Lagos, Saturday, February 28, 2026 – FlashChange, Africa’s fast-rising digital asset
management and cross-border payment platform, had its Chief Executive Officer, Bidemi Oke,
featured as a speaker at the latest edition of Startup Grind Lagos, one of the largest global
communities for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Lagos, the event convened founders, investors,
developers, and ecosystem builders for a candid conversation on innovation, resilience, and
scaling technology ventures in emerging markets. Oke shared insights from FlashChange’s
journey building a trusted digital finance brand in Nigeria’s evolving fintech and crypto
landscape.
During the fireside chat, Oke shared practical lessons from scaling FlashChange in a highly
regulated and fast-changing environment. He emphasized the need for startups to build strong
governance structures early, maintain open communication with regulators, and design
solutions that solve real economic pain points, particularly around remittances, foreign
exchange access, and digital asset utility.
“In markets like Nigeria, trust is not a marketing slogan, it is the product,” Oke said: “For us at
FlashChange, growth has always been tied to transparency, compliance, and delivering
consistent value to users navigating cross-border payments and digital assets.”
He also addressed the broader opportunity within Africa’s fintech ecosystem, noting that
innovation on the continent must balance speed with responsibility.
“The next phase of African fintech will be defined not just by who grows fastest, but by who
earns and keeps user confidence. Founders must think beyond valuation headlines and focus on
building institutions, he added”
“Innovation is important, but sustainability is critical. At FlashChange, we are building for the
long term” Oke noted. ”
The session featured an interactive Q&A session where participants engaged him on several
topical issues. He underscored the importance of proactive communication, especially in
industries where misinformation and volatility can quickly erode public confidence.
Startup Grind Lagos Director, Mayokun Adeoti while commending Oke for offering practical,
founder-focused insights, he said, “His experience provides valuable lessons for startups
building in complex regulatory environments.”

FlashChange has continued to position itself as a reputable voice within Nigeria’s fintech and
digital asset ecosystem, advocating for regulatory clarity, financial literacy, and secure
transaction infrastructure. The company’s participation in Startup Grind Lagos reflects its
commitment to contributing meaningfully to conversations shaping the future of innovation in
Nigeria.
The Startup Grind Lagos appearance marks another milestone in FlashChange’s thought
leadership journey and reinforces its growing role in Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem.

In a landmark move aimed at accelerating the digital economy, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, has officially signed into law the bill establishing the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology, Gusau (ZIIT) today in his office.

The signing ceremony, which took place in the state capital, formally creates the legal and operational framework for what the government describes as a “breeding ground” for the next generation of technology professionals.

According to Dr Habib Gajam, the Executive Secretary of Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency ZITDA, the establishment of ZIIT represents a strategic shift towards a knowledge-driven economy. The institute is expected to empower young people with cutting-edge digital skills, positioning Zamfara as a emerging technology and innovation hub in Northern Nigeria.

Gajam highlighted that ZIIT will focus on developing highly skilled professionals in critical and emerging fields, including software development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence.

While the institute will be headquartered in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, its mandate is expected to extend beyond state borders, serving the entire Northwest region and Northern Nigeria at large.

Stakeholders and government officials present at the signing commended Governor Lawal for the initiative, describing it as a “bold statement of intent” that leverages technology to drive economic growth and inclusive development.

The move has been widely welcomed by youth groups and tech enthusiasts in the state, who see it as a pivotal step towards addressing unemployment and fostering innovation in the region.

Lagos, Nigeria — Punchline Lagos, a premium live comedy experience, will take center stage at
the British Council, Lagos, on March 29, 2026. This landmark event is set to redefine city’s
entertainment landscape by blending humour, cultural exchange, and high-energy performance
within one of Lagos’ most iconic venues.
Punchline Lagos is designed as a curated comedy platform that brings together some of the
sharpest comedic voices, emerging talents, and cultural tastemakers for an evening of intelligent,
relatable, and high-energy comedy. It brings together young professionals, executives, creatives,
and decision-makers for an evening of refined comedy, intercultural exchange, and high-level
social interaction.
Speaking on the announcement, GodwinJP emphasized that “Punchline Lagos is about creating
a space where comedy meets culture, where audiences will laugh, connect, reflect, and
experience comedy at a higher level.”
He further said, “We want to thank the British Council for this support and the choice of the
location also keep us in focus on quality, cultural exchange, and world-class standards. As you
know the British Council is known for supporting creative expression and the arts, the venue
provides the perfect backdrop for Punchline Lagos’ vision of redefining live comedy experiences
in Nigeria.”
Punchline Lagos is expected to attract comedy lovers, creatives, culture enthusiasts, and industry
stakeholders, positioning itself as a must-attend event on Lagos’ entertainment calendar. The
event is supported by Cheetos, Spectranet, Nigeria-Britain Association, KLEO, JohnYa, Brand
Mirror, Brand Colossus, Adun Suites, Kessington Lounge, Danny Prints, Zivang, 6to9 and PR
Hub.
Godwin Okhawere, is a Nigerian comedian, actor, and creative entrepreneur. His work blends
resilience, identity, and humour, inspiring reflection while sparking laughter. As curator of
Punchline Lagos Comedy Club, he champions emerging voices and creates spaces where art and
comedy connect communities.
Click the link to get your tickets now: https://tix.africa/discover/punchlinelagosxbritishcouncil
For sponsorships, partnerships, or to book a space for your brand, products, or services, kindly
contact our support team: ‘Layo – 0818 235 2002; 0803 792 7967.