Team Block X Wins HabariPay Squad Hackathon 3.0 as GTCO Promotes AI Innovation

Team Block X Wins HabariPay Squad Hackathon 3.0 as GTCO Promotes AI Innovation

HabariPay⁠�, the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO)⁠�, has announced Team “Block X” as the winner of the Squad Hackathon 3.0 after an intense competition showcasing innovative technology solutions from young Nigerian developers and AI innovators.

The grand finale, held at the GTCentre, featured technology-driven solutions addressing economic and social challenges through artificial intelligence, automation, productivity tools, and digital inclusion initiatives.

Team Block X, made up of Treasure Uvietobore, Naheem Olaide, and Enoch Idowu from Obafemi Awolowo University, emerged winners with their innovation known as Guild.

Guild is an AI-powered platform designed to connect informal workers with employers while integrating them into Nigeria’s formal financial ecosystem. The platform features a Nigerian-English voice assistant named “Tola,” which helps artisans and informal workers secure jobs, receive payments through Squad, and build verifiable financial records that can provide access to banking services and credit facilities within 90 days.

The third edition of the hackathon attracted over 1,600 applications from students and young innovators across Nigerian universities, highlighting growing interest in the country’s expanding technology ecosystem.

Organisers disclosed that more than 600 applicants were shortlisted based on technical competence, team structure, and GitHub portfolio submissions, while over 500 participants advanced to the final stage of the competition.

Speaking at the event, Segun Agbaje described the initiative as a platform designed to nurture future technology leaders through practical innovation and problem-solving.

According to him, participants who reached the final stage had already distinguished themselves as exceptional talents capable of shaping the future of technology and enterprise.

Managing Director of HabariPay⁠�, Eduofon Japhet, said the 2026 edition was the most ambitious so far, with participation increasing significantly compared to previous years.

She explained that the hackathon was created to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical innovation by helping students develop real-world solutions using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart systems.

Japhet also revealed plans for a long-term mentorship and talent development programme that would support selected participants through training opportunities, tuition assistance, and possible employment pathways.

Among other standout innovations at the competition was Tracker, an AI-powered workforce productivity monitoring platform developed by Sherif Sani. The solution uses artificial intelligence to analyse workflow patterns, browser activity, and task completion timelines for remote and onsite teams while maintaining privacy-focused monitoring features.

The event featured coding marathons, live product demonstrations, technical evaluations, and networking sessions, with judges assessing entries based on creativity, scalability, user impact, and execution.

Organisers said the Squad Hackathon 3.0 reflects the commitment of GTCO and HabariPay to promoting innovation, supporting talent development, and positioning Nigeria as a leading technology hub in Africa’s digital economy.