Five Things You Didn’t Know About Paystack Co-founder Ezra Olubi

Meet Ezra Olubi, a Nigerian software engineer, entrepreneur, the innovative co-founder and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of PayStack- a trailblazer in Nigeria’s online payment system.

As a prominent figure in the country’s tech space, Olubi has garnered recognition through his distinctive fashion sense and has also received a national award:

Here are 5 things about him that people might not know:

Early Life and Education

Born on November 12, 1986, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Olubi graduated from Babcock University with a degree in Computer Science.

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Career Beginnings

Before co-founding Paystack, Olubi worked as an IT Administrator and Web Application Developer for various companies, including North Ocean Logistics and Solutions Limited and Softcom Limited Nigeria.

 

Androgynous Style

Olubi is known for his unique fashion sense, often wearing lipstick and nail polish, which has sparked conversations about gender norms and expression. During an interview, Olubi while speaking about his sexuality said; “I guess I’ve always been like this as far back as my secondary school time. I remember my dad made a comment, and he was the first person that made me know the word – effeminate. I checked it in the dictionary, and I embraced it.”

 

 

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Philanthropy and Advocacy

Olubi is an advocate for human rights and LGBTIQ+ issues, using his platform to promote acceptance and inclusivity.

Awards and Recognition

In 2022, Olubi received the National Award of Order of the Niger (OON) from President Muhammadu Buhari, recognizing his contributions to technology and innovation. However, something interesting that happened during the ceremony was the shock and disbelief in the eyes of the the late President Muhammadu Buhari was shocked to see Olubi’s choice of fashion to receive the national award.

Recently, Olubi has been in the news for his suspension from Paystack due to allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate. The company has launched a formal investigation into the matter.