By Elizabeth Godwin
Former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Ayo Arise, has been conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by Titans of Tech, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of technology in Nigeria and across Africa.
The ceremony, held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, also saw File Solutions Company, owned by Senator Arise, honoured with the Biometric and Identity Management Game Changer of the Year Award. The award was received on behalf of the company by Miss Omolade Ogunmiluyi.
A native of Oye-Ekiti and widely regarded as a pioneer in Nigeria’s tech space, Senator Arise was celebrated for his role in introducing the ATM MasterCard to Nigeria and other African nations, as well as for his contributions to digital infrastructure, identity management, and tech policy.
In his acceptance remarks, Arise urged Nigerian youths to surround themselves with intelligent and hardworking peers, advising them to fully engage with opportunities in the tech sector to contribute meaningfully to national development. He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for fostering an environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, urging young Nigerians to leverage this for a brighter future.
The Titans of Tech Awards—often dubbed “Africa’s Tech Grammy”—is one of the continent’s premier platforms for recognizing innovation and excellence in the tech ecosystem. Now in its 21st edition, the event is organised by Technology Africa in partnership with TechTV, celebrating tech pioneers, disruptors, and visionaries.
Don Pedro Aganbi, Executive Secretary of the Titans of Tech Awards Board, described Senator Arise as a transformational leader in the digital space. “His work in card technology, e-commerce infrastructure, and digital identity has helped lay the foundation for the modern digital Nigeria,” Aganbi said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, also praised Arise, calling him “a blessing and a pride to Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Notable dignitaries at the event included Senator Iyiola Omisore, Prof. Bamitale Omole, Mr. Kayode Alufa, Engr. Duro Omogbenigun, and several others. Other award recipients included Interior Minister Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
