Nigerian cryptocurrency exchange Jeroid commemorated its 8th anniversary with a vibrant celebration tagged The Jeriversary, a multifaceted event blending culture, innovation, and industry insight. The event, held in Lagos, not only honored Jeroid’s remarkable journey from a modest startup to a leading player in the digital asset space but also launched a fresh chapter in its brand identity with the unveiling of Nigerian music star Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, as its new ambassador.

A Night of Culture, Insight, and Crypto Reflection

Attendees at The Jeriversary experienced an immersive evening that celebrated both technological growth and African creativity. The lineup included thrilling dance routines, live violin performances, and a comedic set from popular entertainer Kenny Blaq. However, beyond the entertainment, the evening also served as a reflection point on Nigeria’s crypto industry and its future trajectory.

Jeroid’s CEO, Jeremiah Mayowa, took the audience through the company’s journey—starting from a small apartment in 2017 to achieving major milestones that include becoming the first Nigerian crypto exchange to obtain ISO certification in 2024, and again in 2025.

“Our story has been one of resilience, vision, and purpose,” Mayowa declared. “From launching our Lagos headquarters and mobile app in 2021 to expanding nationally in 2022 and releasing a second app version in 2023, we’ve remained committed to building a secure, user-friendly platform for Nigerians to access the crypto economy.”

Version 2 of Jeroid’s app introduced features such as utility bill payments and personalized crypto wallets, enhancing the platform’s functionality and expanding its user base.

Powerful Presence from Industry Stakeholders and Government Officials

The anniversary event attracted a mix of prominent industry experts and government representatives. Present were Mr. Ayo Adeagbo, the Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture, and Creative Economy; Obinna Iwuno, President of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN); Oluwasegun Rosemani, founder of the Naija Bitcoin Conference; Damilare Ogundare of HabbyFX Academy; and Mr. Obinna Egbuniwe from the Fintech and Innovation Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Lagos Zonal Office.

A panel discussion featuring key players in the crypto ecosystem allowed for robust dialogue on the state of cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria. Jeroid’s Chief Operating Officer, Hassan Eniola, used the opportunity to address some of the major issues hindering mainstream acceptance.

“Compliance and regulatory clarity remain significant challenges for crypto adoption in Nigeria,” Eniola stated. “The uncertainty surrounding government policy, combined with rising incidences of crypto-related fraud, makes it harder for platforms and users to navigate safely.”

Zlatan Ibile Joins the Crypto Movement

One of the night’s biggest highlights was the formal introduction of Zlatan Ibile as Jeroid’s official brand ambassador. The award-winning artist, known for his energetic performances and connection to Nigerian youth, symbolizes the company’s dedication to engaging a broad demographic through relatable and influential voices.

Speaking on the new partnership, Mayowa emphasized, “Zlatan represents the bold, enterprising spirit that Jeroid stands for. With this partnership, we are not only deepening our cultural relevance but also reinforcing our belief that Africa can lead the digital finance revolution.”

Jeroid’s Impact Beyond Tech: A Cultural and Financial Statement

The Jeriversary event underscored that Jeroid’s ambitions stretch far beyond digital transactions. As Mayowa put it, “Jeroid is not just a tech company; it’s a cultural and financial movement. We believe Africa does not need to play catch-up. We can lead, we can innovate, and we can set the global standard.”

Jeroid has increasingly positioned itself as an enabler of economic empowerment among Nigerian youth. With growing financial inclusion through its platform and educational efforts, it reflects a broader trend of crypto becoming more than an investment tool — emerging as a means for everyday Nigerians to secure financial freedom in an economy marked by volatility and limited opportunities.

Africa’s Youth: Driving the Crypto Revolution

Much of Jeroid’s success is owed to Nigeria’s tech-savvy and innovation-driven youth. From peer-to-peer crypto trading to blockchain development and fintech startups, young Africans are carving out new spaces of influence and income. The Jeriversary served as a reminder of this youth-led transformation, with performances and panel conversations highlighting their central role.

Panelists urged stakeholders to prioritize education and awareness to combat fraud and deepen trust in blockchain-based solutions. Rosemani, of the Naija Bitcoin Conference, stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between innovators and regulators to create a conducive environment for growth.

Looking Ahead: Innovation, Partnerships, and Policy Engagement

Jeroid’s leadership reaffirmed their commitment to expanding services across Africa, developing blockchain infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships across the tech and financial sectors. With the appointment of Zlatan Ibile and increasing government attention to digital currencies, the firm is poised to elevate its profile and impact.

However, the platform’s executives also called on regulators and policymakers to engage more proactively with the crypto industry. As Mayowa noted, “We are not asking for favors, just fairness. Clear regulations will help platforms like ours scale safely and serve more people.”

Conclusion: Celebrating Progress, Shaping the Future

The Jeriversary not only marked a celebration of Jeroid’s past achievements but also charted a bold path forward. With its mix of cultural celebration, industry insight, and celebrity endorsement, the event reinforced Jeroid’s status as a leading force in Nigeria’s fintech and crypto landscape.

As the company enters its ninth year, it remains firmly focused on democratizing access to digital assets, promoting innovation, and shaping Africa’s financial future — one transaction, one partnership, and one bold step at a time.