The Lagos State governor may have gotten more than he bargained for when he appreciated the huge leap by one of the state based startup company, Flutterwave.
Recall that the online payments platform announced its $170m Series C funding after it proudly claimed it has processed over $1Bn in transaction value by making it easier to complete seamless and secure payments across Africa; just two years it commenced operation in 2016.
According to the founder of the payments solutions business, Olugbenga Agboola, despite the ‘difficulties encountered in the journey, the team persevered’.
When we started @theflutterwave in 2016, the idea was to build a payments technology infrastructure that connects Africa to the global economy by making local and international payments seamless. We knew this would be incredibly difficult but we continued. pic.twitter.com/i6Ai7wZiyO
— GB 🦋 (@TechProd_Arch) March 10, 2021
Two years later, @theflutterwave had processed over $1Bn in transaction value by making it easier to complete seamless and secure payments across Africa. Today we’re announcing our $170m Series C funding. We’ve come a long way and you made it possible.https://t.co/SgO4hThPf8
— GB 🦋 (@TechProd_Arch) March 10, 2021
We’re grateful for our People, Customers, Investors, Partners, Regulators, the people at @EndeavorNigeria and well wishers. Through your support, we have empowered millions to start their journey to economic freedom, wherever they are, knowing that the world is their market.
— GB 🦋 (@TechProd_Arch) March 10, 2021
We promise to continue to develop products and services that empower our users. This is why i’m also happy to announce Flutterwave Mobile; now you can take your business with you, everywhere; turning your phone into a point of sale : https://t.co/iYugBGvury pic.twitter.com/T87rKkj6Lr
— GB 🦋 (@TechProd_Arch) March 10, 2021
The tweet caught the attention of the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who excitedly congratulated and aligned with the success of the payment platform, while announcing the government’s commitments in supporting SMEs.
Huge congratulations to Gbenga and the entire team of @theflutterwave for this landmark achievement. Stories of how they are enabling SMEs are everywhere around us and as a government, we are committed to supporting deeper interaction. https://t.co/7srJog6rZa
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) March 11, 2021
While some see this gesture of the governor as encouraging, some pointed out that he was being hypocritical. The governor was reminded of how SMEs suffer in the state due to double taxation and highhandness from the state and its agencies. Others still blamed him for how youths with brighter future were dealt with and made to suffer ugly fate during the #EndSARS protests.
As the government you only bring down striving youths that’s the only thing you do, kill people’s destinies and claim the once that manages to strive under the harsh conditions you created
— NIG TWITTAR MEMES (@PalaceTVmedia) March 11, 2021
hmmmmmm….. Same way Gokada and MaxNg were supported?
‘m just asking oh.
— My Opinion (@Diji_O) March 11, 2021
@jidesanwoolu Just imagine the owners were at the Lekki toll gate that night??? Do you know how many dreams died??? You clearly don’t
— KUSA THE REALTOR 🏡 (@kusakells) March 11, 2021
Truly Lagos is the land of opportunities
— PATRIOT (@scarfizal) March 11, 2021
Remember to over tax them ooo
Moreover Gokada Says hi..
— Eze Udene Umunri (@AdannaPapa) March 11, 2021
According to the CEO, Flutterwave started in a small office space in Lagos with only one goal in the mind of its team; to unite Africa through payments and make the continent feel like a country. And five years down the line, it has been one success story to the other.
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