Two years after stepping into the fintech space with a bold promise to merge finance and lifestyle on a single platform, Nigerian startup Platnova celebrated its progress, customers, and purpose. The company also unveiled its new corporate office in Lekki, Lagos, with a renewed commitment to solving real financial challenges across Africa.
The 2nd anniversary celebration, held recently in Lagos on May 1, brought together team members, users, and supporters of the brand. Nigerian music stars YCee and Peruzzi headlined the evening, performing for a buzzing crowd, while guests walked away with gift prizes, and a strong sense that Platnova is building for the long haul.
Platnova’s new home for innovation
For Platnova’s co-founder and CEO, Dr. Benjamin Oyemonlan, the newly launched Lekki building is more than just a workspace—it’s a symbol of the company’s expanding capacity.
“It’s been a long ride, but it’s amazing. Look at where we are—two years today. We’re celebrating heavy, we’re celebrating big,” he said. “I’m excited to be leading this ship and also to take Platnova to the next level.”
Dr. Oyemonlan emphasized that Platnova was built around listening to users and delivering practical solutions. “We know what you want. So, we built for the people. We built it for you,” he said.
From the new Lekki base, the team aims to scale its services, providing seamless access to tools like cross-border payments, bill settlements, flight and hotel deals, and other digital lifestyle features, all in one app.
Teamwork driving fintech excellence
At the core of Platnova’s story is a team that believes deeply in the mission. Benedict Oyemonlan, a software engineer, described the work culture as fast-paced but rewarding.
“We try to give it our most. We try to do the most here at Nova. So at that time, I didn’t really think about it too much—I just worked with the flow, and it turned out great,” he said.
For content creator Nancy Chukwudebe, collaboration is key. “The rapport here is great. I work with the marketing team, and I value everybody’s input,” she said. “It has been drilled into my head that we need content that will keep people engaged… That constant communication from my team lead and my team members has helped me.”
She added, “Platnova is at a stage where, yes, it has been walked, dreamt about, and now we’re living it. It’s just for us to take it to the next level.”
One app, multiple possibilities
Alexandra Iwere, who works in tech support, explained the product offering with clarity and pride.
“Our vision is an all-in-one platform. So from money payments to bill payments to lifestyle—you have it all in one app,” she said. “You don’t need to close your phone and open another app. You just do everything on one platform.”
For many in attendance, the product’s flexibility was a highlight. “It’s really great to be here today to celebrate Platnova. What we see here is a result of innovation,” said one well-wisher. Another guest described the event as “a privilege to witness how far the brand has come.”
Building for the future of African fintech
Since its founding, Platnova has earned awards including Most Innovative Fintech Startup, Best Fintech Startup, and Most Promising Fintech Startup—recognition that reflects the platform’s user-focused innovation.
“We understand that most of our customers have issues moving money across the globe,” Dr. Oyemonlan noted. “We solve that problem. You want to pay tuition without going to the bank? We solve that. You want the best flight and hotel deals? We have that too.”
With a focus on speed, trust, and ease of access, Platnova is positioning itself beyond just another fintech product to a lifestyle partner.