HabariPay, the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, has announced Team “Block X” as the winner of the Squad Hackathon 3.0, after a nationwide competition showcasing artificial intelligence-driven solutions from young Nigerian innovators.

The winning team impressed judges with “Guild”, an AI-powered platform designed to connect informal workers with employers while helping them build access to financial services and credit.

The competition’s grand finale took place at the GTCentre and featured software developers, engineers and AI innovators presenting technology solutions aimed at tackling economic and social challenges through automation, productivity systems and digital inclusion.

Why the hackathon matters

Nigeria’s growing technology sector has increasingly become a hub for young developers building solutions around financial inclusion, employment and digital transformation.

Organisers said this year’s edition attracted more than 1,600 applications from students and innovators across Nigerian universities, highlighting rising interest in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

More than 600 applicants were shortlisted based on technical ability, team structure and GitHub portfolios, while over 500 participants advanced to the final stage of the competition.

Industry analysts say programmes like the Squad Hackathon could help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical innovation in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The winning AI solution

Team “Block X” was made up of Treasure Uvietobore, a Platform and Systems Engineer, Naheem Olaide, a Frontend and Machine Learning Developer, and Enoch Idowu, an AI and Machine Learning Engineer — all from Obafemi Awolowo University.

Their platform, Guild, uses an AI voice assistant called “Tola” to help informal workers secure jobs and receive digital payments through Squad.

According to the developers, a worker such as a bricklayer can call the platform, get matched to a job opportunity, complete the task and receive payment digitally. Over time, transaction records generated through the platform can help users qualify for banking services and credit within 90 days.

The team’s innovation addressed one of Nigeria’s longstanding economic issues — the exclusion of informal workers from formal banking systems.

GTCO CEO praises young innovators

Speaking during the event, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, described the participants as future technology leaders.

“You are the best of the best. Everybody who made it into this room today is already a winner,” Agbaje said.

“The world is not ruled by extroverts; it is ruled by thinkers.”

He also stressed the importance of resilience, teamwork and ethical innovation in building sustainable technology businesses.

HabariPay plans mentorship pipeline

Managing Director of HabariPay, Eduofon Japhet, said the company intends to extend support for selected participants beyond the competition.

“We realised there is still a gap between classroom theory and practical problem-solving,” Japhet said.

“This platform is designed to help students build real-world solutions using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and smart systems.”

She added that HabariPay is developing a long-term mentorship programme that could include training, tuition support and employment opportunities.

“We are not stopping at the competition,” she said. “Some of these participants will work with us directly over the next few years through structured mentorship and hands-on development programmes.”

Other standout innovations

Among other projects showcased at the event was “Tracker”, an AI-powered workforce productivity platform developed by Sherif Sani, a Computer Science student at University of Lagos.

The solution analyses workflow patterns, browser activity and task completion timelines for remote and physical teams while incorporating privacy-focused monitoring systems.

Participants also took part in coding marathons, technical assessments, live product demonstrations and networking sessions.

Judges evaluated teams based on creativity, scalability, execution and real-world impact.

Nigeria’s AI ecosystem gains momentum

Technology experts say the competition reflects the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s startup and AI ecosystem, especially among university students building solutions around finance, employment and productivity.

The hackathon also reinforces efforts by financial institutions to position Nigeria as a major digital innovation hub in Africa.

With rising investment in fintech and AI across the continent, initiatives such as the Squad Hackathon are increasingly viewed as talent pipelines for the next generation of African software engineers and entrepreneurs.

The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, has announced plans to hold its 12th inaugural lecture focusing on artificial intelligence, ethical hacking and the future of cyber defence.

The lecture, titled “The Vigilant Watchman and the Serpent’s Wisdom: Artificial Intelligence, Ethical Hacking, and the Future of Proactive Cyber Defense,” will be delivered by Professor Aderonke Justina Ikuomola, a professor of Computer Science and Information Security.

The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the university auditorium by 1:00pm, with guests expected to be seated by 12:30pm.

The lecture will be hosted under the leadership of OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Professor Temi E. Ologunorisa, on behalf of the university senate.

Why the lecture matters

The event comes at a time when concerns over cybercrime, online fraud, digital surveillance and AI-driven threats are increasing globally.

Experts say universities are playing a growing role in shaping conversations around cybersecurity, ethical technology and digital governance, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into finance, education, healthcare and public administration.

The lecture’s focus on “proactive cyber defence” highlights a shift from reacting to cyberattacks to preventing them before they occur.

Industry analysts say ethical hacking — where cybersecurity professionals test systems for vulnerabilities before criminals exploit them — is becoming increasingly important for organisations and governments.

Growing focus on AI and cybersecurity in Nigeria

Nigeria’s digital economy has expanded rapidly in recent years, with more businesses, institutions and government services moving online.

However, cybersecurity experts warn that the growth has also increased exposure to phishing attacks, ransomware, identity theft and financial fraud.

Universities and technology institutions are increasingly introducing cybersecurity programmes and AI-focused research to help bridge skills gaps in the sector.

Professor Ikuomola, who is affiliated with the Department of Cybersecurity at OAUSTECH’s School of Computing, is expected to address how artificial intelligence can strengthen cyber defence systems while also raising ethical and security concerns.

Academic community expected to attend

The inaugural lecture is expected to attract academics, students, technology professionals, public officials and cybersecurity stakeholders from across Nigeria.

University inaugural lectures are traditionally used to showcase major research contributions by professors while also addressing pressing national and global issues.

The event invitation was signed by the university registrar, Abiodun P. Okunniga.

JMG Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to improving elevator safety standards in Nigeria following a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Safety Commission in Lagos.

The meeting, held on Thursday at the Commission’s office in Alausa, Ikeja, focused on strengthening cooperation between regulators and the private sector on elevator safety awareness, technical training, compliance, and industry best practices.

The delegation from JMG included the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rabi Jammal, Group Operations Director for JMG Elevators, Ahmed Sameh, and Head of Marketing, Oluwatomi Faniran.

They were received by the Technical Adviser to the Lagos State Safety Commission, Seun Awojobi.

Why Elevator Safety Matters in Lagos

As Lagos continues to expand vertically with more residential towers, shopping malls, hotels, and office complexes, industry experts say elevator safety has become increasingly important.

Faulty elevators, poor maintenance practices, and weak compliance systems can pose risks to building occupants, especially in densely populated urban centres.

Industry analysts note that stronger regulation, regular inspections, and better technical training are becoming critical as Nigeria’s construction and real estate sectors grow.

JMG said its engagement with the Commission reflects a broader push to improve operational standards and align with international safety practices.

Speaking during the meeting, Rabi Jammal said the company remained committed to “safety, innovation, and operational excellence” across its operations.

According to him, JMG continues to align with global standards by investing in technical expertise, quality systems, and strategic partnerships aimed at creating safer environments.

He added that collaboration with regulators was necessary to improve compliance and strengthen public confidence in the industry.

“Collaborations with regulatory institutions such as the Lagos State Safety Commission are essential to strengthening compliance and boosting public confidence within the sector,” he said.

Lagos Safety Commission Calls for Stronger Collaboration

Responding during the visit, Seun Awojobi praised the initiative and stressed the importance of cooperation between regulators and private companies.

He said sustained engagement between stakeholders would help improve professionalism, safety consciousness, and compliance across the sector.

“Continuous stakeholder engagement would play a vital role in improving operational standards and ensuring safer systems across the state,” Awojobi said.

The discussions also covered technical capacity development, safety education, and long-term collaboration to support global best practices in Nigeria’s elevator and electro-mechanical industries.

JMG’s Growing Presence in Nigeria’s Infrastructure Sector

JMG Elevators, a division of JMG Limited, provides installation, maintenance, and modernization services for elevators and lift systems in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

The company is an authorised distributor of TK Elevator, formerly known as Thyssenkrupp Elevator.

Beyond vertical transportation systems, JMG operates across power generation, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, air compressors, and renewable energy solutions, including solar and hybrid energy systems.

Industry observers say investments in safer building systems could become increasingly important as Nigeria modernises urban infrastructure and expands commercial real estate development.

What This Means for Residents and Businesses

For residents and property owners in Lagos, the partnership discussions could lead to stronger awareness around elevator inspections, maintenance culture, and adherence to safety standards.

Businesses operating high-rise buildings may also face growing expectations to comply with modern safety protocols as regulators and industry players intensify conversations around public safety.

Experts say the move could encourage more companies in the construction and facility management sectors to prioritise preventive maintenance and certified safety systems.