In a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with the rising cost of data, airtime, and utility bills, a final-year student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has stepped forward with a bold solution that is already turning heads in the tech and Bill payment sectors.
Ikechukwu E. Mbadiwe, popularly known as Iking Ferry, is the young founder behind Otapay, a revolutionary digital platform that makes it easier—and significantly cheaper—for Nigerians to buy data, recharge airtime, and pay bills online. Currently studying Financial Accounting in UNILAG, Ikechukwu Mbadiwe has developed a fintech solution that challenges even the biggest names in the industry, by putting affordability and access at the core of his innovation.
With many Nigerians spending a substantial portion of their income on mobile data and electricity, Otapay was launched to break this barrier. The newly released Otapay mobile app and web App Otapay.ng is built to serve everyday Nigerians, whether in urban cities or underserved communities, by offering discounted prices on data bundles, airtime, TV subscriptions, and utility bills.
But Otapay isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about creating opportunities. The platform introduces a powerful three-tier user model—Subscribers, Agents, and Vendors—designed to help users either save or earn. Agents and Vendors can resell Otapay’s services at a profit, making it a game-changer for young people, students, and small business owners looking to earn in the digital space.
“I started Otapay because I know the pain of spending almost half of your monthly income on data and bills,” said Iking Ferry. “As a student, I’ve experienced firsthand how difficult it is to stay connected without breaking the bank. I wanted to build a platform where both the rich and the poor can enjoy digital services without paying outrageous fees.”
Otapay also provides an Affiliate Website Program, which allows users to create and manage their own VTU websites connected to Otapay’s secure API. This gives more Nigerians a chance to run digital businesses with little or no technical experience.
Unlike many startups solely focused on profit, Otapay has committed to giving back. 15% of the company’s net profits are directed to education, healthcare, and community infrastructure projects, especially in neglected areas across the country. According to the founder, this social commitment is rooted in his belief that business should uplift people, not just wallets.
Otapay’s launch comes at a critical time, as Nigerians grapple with economic hardship and soaring telecom prices. The platform, with its sleek user interface and lightning-fast transaction system, is already gaining attention from both tech enthusiasts and everyday users who are tired of overpriced services.
From the lecture halls of UNILAG to the boardrooms of tech innovation, Ikechukwu Mbadiwe is proving that age, background, or circumstance should never limit impact. As Otapay continues to grow, the young founder’s dream is clear—to make everyday digital services more affordable, more accessible, and more empowering for all Nigerians.
