Layi Wasabi’s Success Soars with MoMo Ambassadorship Deal

Vanessa Obioha

Layi Wasabi’s success streak continues as he was recently unveiled as the new face of MoMo PSB, a fintech subsidiary of mobile telecommunications provider, MTN.

The young digital content creator, born Issac Olayiwola, is famous for his comic skits, which have endeared him to many fans and attracted numerous brands seeking to leverage his popularity.

A law graduate from Bowen University, Olayiwola began his comedy skit career three years ago and has since portrayed various characters. His prominent roles include Officer Roberts, a spineless police officer, and Mr. Richards, a Ponzi schemer who paradoxically preaches wealth while appearing impoverished. However, Olayiwola’s most outstanding character is The Law, inspired by his background in law. He plays an itinerant lawyer who randomly takes on cases to defend the defenceless, though often finding himself defenceless.

With an intimidating height and memorable dialogues, The Law character stands out, particularly due to his oversized law attire, which Olayiwola revealed in a BBC Pidgin interview belonged to his grandfather.

Olayiwola’s growing fame continues to attract reputable brands, leading to his new ambassadorship role with MoMo PSB.

The announcement was made at the Momo Stakeholder Conference held at Eko Hotel and Suites, as part of the highlights of a month-long celebration to commemorate the second anniversary of the payment service bank that has helped provide financial services to individuals and SMEs in underserved communities.

This year’s theme, ‘Empowering SME Through Digital Financial Solutions, ‘provided a clear perspective of the adoption of PSB in Nigeria, a process hugely expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CEO, MoMo Payment Service Bank Limited, Eli Hini, emphasised the significance for SMEs to enhance the structure of their businesses to appeal to potential investments and partnerships through MoMo.

“SMEs, by themselves, should be able to attract interest from investors. They can only build these things when they begin to structure their business, putting it in a format that other people can easily access. If businesses are accessible, people will be interested and willing to invest or partner with you.”

Representing Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability Directorate, Philip Ikeazor, Oladejo Olufemi of the Banking Supervision Department noted the contribution of SMEs and PSBs to national growth.

“Globally, SMEs are known to be the bedrock of economic development among developed and emerging markets like Nigeria. Participants within the sector remain critical players in driving economic development. Notably, there are challenges affecting them, including inability to access trade facilities, poor credit largely due to credit history, and low level of financial education. The emergence of digital financial solutions globally offers numerous benefits to the SMEs,” Olufemi concluded.

Additionally, three cast members of the popular drama series ‘Wura’—Olumuyiwa Donald, Rhoda Albert, and Lanre Adediwura—were also revealed as ambassadors of the brand.