Benjamin Oyemonlan, Chief Executive Officer of Platnova, has received the Humanitarian Personality of the Year award at the Cool Wealth Awards 9.0, held on 11 January 2026.
The award recognises leaders whose work links business outcomes with social responsibility, community support, and people-centred use of technology. According to the organisers, the decision followed a review of Oyemonlan’s role in advancing access to digital finance and supporting groups often excluded from formal systems.
Speaking after the presentation, Oyemonlan said the honour carried a duty beyond personal recognition.
“This recognition goes beyond me as an individual. It reflects our collective belief at Platnova that technology should serve people first. Our goal has always been to build financial solutions that create access, dignity, and opportunity for everyone, regardless of background,” he said.
The Cool Wealth Awards committee stated that the selection focused on sustained actions rather than one-off projects. These actions include initiatives aimed at widening participation in digital payments and reducing barriers faced by users across borders.
Under Oyemonlan’s leadership, Platnova has developed tools that support cross-border transfers, savings, and digital payments. The platform is used by users across Africa and other regions, including students, freelancers, business owners, and families who rely on digital access to take part in the global economy.
Observers within the technology sector note that the award reflects changes in how leadership is assessed in Nigeria’s innovation space. Attention is shifting towards how founders respond to social needs while building systems that support long-term use and trust.
By selecting Oyemonlan, the Cool Wealth Awards placed focus on leadership that treats innovation as a shared responsibility. The organisers said the Humanitarian Personality of the Year category exists to highlight leaders who link progress with social outcomes and measure success through impact on people.
As Platnova continues operations across regions, the award marks a point in the company’s journey and restates its stated mission to simplify access to finance while supporting everyday users.
The Cool Wealth Awards serves as a platform that recognises work across business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The 9.0 edition acknowledged individuals whose efforts influence industry practices and contribute to social progress.
