In a modest manner, within the University of Lagos campus, a quiet yet powerful idea was born—one that is gradually making waves across Nigeria’s digital economy.
It’s the brainchild of Ikechukwu Mbadiwe, fondly known as Iking Ferry, a final-year student of Financial Accounting who is rewriting the narrative of youth innovation.
Faced with the everyday struggles of high data costs and unreliable bill payment platforms, Ikechukwu didn’t wait for a miracle—he built one.
His creation, Otapay, is a homegrown bill payment platform helping Nigerians buy data, recharge airtime, and pay utility bills with speed, ease, and affordability.
“I built the App to solve a real problem I personally experienced,” Ikechukwu shares. “As a student, there were times I couldn’t afford data, and it affected everything—schoolwork, staying in touch with family, even access to opportunities.”
Mbadiwe’s App may have started as a passion project, but it’s poised to become a household name in virtual top-up services. With user-friendly features, real-time wallet funding, and a seamless mobile experience, the platform is empowering thousands of Nigerians to stay connected and take control of their digital expenses.
But Ikechukwu didn’t stop at providing services—he’s creating opportunities too. Otapay has three user levels: Subscribers who benefit from discounted services, Agents who resell and earn profit, and Vendors who build businesses powered by the backend.
There’s even an affiliate website program that lets users launch their own branded platforms using the brand’s tech infrastructure.
What truly sets this student-led startup apart is its heart. Ikechukwu has committed 15% of Otapay’s net profits to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in underserved communities—a move that reflects his desire to build a platform that goes beyond profit.
Today, from the classroom to the cloud, Ikechukwu is juggling lectures and leadership while building one of Nigeria’s most promising digital payment platforms—all without external funding.
His story is more than a tale of tech entrepreneurship—it’s a lesson in grit, vision, and purpose. In a country where many young people are still searching for opportunity, Ikechukwu is creating his—and offering others a chance to grow with him.
Otapay isn’t just helping Nigerians pay their bills—it’s proof that sometimes, the biggest solutions come from the most unexpected places.