By Yemisi Suleiman

Jeremiah Mayowa is one of Africa’s rising stars in digital finance, a young innovator using technology, discipline, and curiosity to build solutions for the future.

Growing up in a modest, Christian home, Jeremiah learned the values of honesty and accountability early, lessons that now guide the way he builds and leads.

A Mathematics Graduate from the University of Lagos, Jeremiah’s entrepreneurial journey started with a simple blog—Jeroid Reporters, and later shifted into cryptocurrency when he discovered how difficult and unsafe it was for Nigerians to trade.

That problem inspired Jeroid, the fast-growing digital finance platform he founded to make crypto safer, clearer, and more accessible.
Today, Jerry is shaping the future of digital money in Africa, one idea, one solution, and one innovation at a time.

He shares his inspiring story with Allure, while giving invaluable insights to cryptocurrency and the world of digital finance.

You started your entrepreneurial journey quite early. What was growing up like for you?

I grew up in a conservative, Christian home. We weren’t poor, but we weren’t wealthy either, more of an average household. That environment taught me the value of hard work, honesty, and accountability from a young age.
I remember when I bought my first car: unlike in some families where earnings are accepted without question, my father asked for a full account, documentation, statements, and proof of how I’d made the money. He even had people check the records to make sure everything was above board.
That experience instilled in me a discipline around transparency and legality that still shapes how I operate today.

How did your upbringing shape the person you are today?

I’ve always been naturally curious about technology, business, and human behaviour. Because I didn’t inherit a set path, I learned early to be proactive, resourceful, and independent. Those lessons built my resilience and motivated me to start creating the future I wanted rather than waiting for it. My upbringing made me responsible, honest, and determined to build things the right way.

At what point did you realise you had a strong interest in finance and technology, despite studying Mathematics at UNILAG?

I’ve always loved mathematics, but I never really wanted to study it, even though it was my best subject. I wanted to study computer engineering but later changed my mind. Because I was distracted with crypto, I couldn’t read as much as I normally would have. Mathematics became the safe haven for me, something I could do easily while still giving me time to pursue what I wanted on the side.
My interest in finance and tech came from observing how the world was changing. Even while studying Mathematics, I was fascinated by how digital systems were transforming industries.
Although my academic path was traditional, my curiosity pulled me toward the emerging digital economy, especially crypto, which combines finance, technology, and mathematical logic.

How did your family support or influence your early ambitions and career choices?

My family taught me the value of hard work and character. They didn’t fully understand crypto at first, but they believed in my focus and determination. Their support gave me the confidence to try, fail, learn, and grow. That foundation kept me grounded even as my career evolved.

Your first venture, Jeroid Reporters, launched in 2013. What inspired you to start a blog at an early age?

I was driven by a desire to inform people and build something meaningful. Jeroid Reporters started as a space where I could share curated, credible information. It taught me consistency, audience building, and how to communicate clearly skills that eventually shaped how I built the Jeroid brand.

So how did you transition from running a media platform to cryptocurrency trading in 2017?

My crypto journey began accidentally in 2016. While running my media platform, a family friend introduced me to Bitcoin through the pyramid scheme Zarfund. Joining required buying Bitcoin, that was my first encounter with cryptocurrency.
This sparked my curiosity. I bought my first Bitcoin, started learning, experimenting, and eventually trading. I quickly realised the industry’s biggest flaw in Nigeria: the lack of reliable, trustworthy platforms to safely buy and sell crypto. This risk-filled gap led to the founding of Jeroid in 2017.
The transition was natural. Seeing crypto’s potential for financial freedom, I shared my analysis, built trust, and saw the demand for a secure service. That mission became Jeroid.

Jeroid’s retail crypto services grew quickly. What set your approach apart?
Transparency, speed, and customer care. From day one, I prioritised explaining processes clearly and handling transactions swiftly. People want a platform they can trust and someone who is accountable. That commitment made Jeroid stand out at a time when many platforms were confusing or unreliable.

What challenges did you face building the first Jeroid app?

Developing the first Jeroid app was a two-year journey, starting in 2019 and launching Version 1 in 2021. A major challenge was communicating my crypto-trading vision to engineers who lacked blockchain expertise. I had to explain and re-explain the concepts for them to translate ideas into code. Extensive research was required to ensure the product was secure, compliant, and user-friendly. We tested everything, from wallet generation to transaction flows, to avoid mistakes with user funds.
Balancing a quick launch with stability required repeated testing, rebuilding, and adjustments until the standards were met. The launch of Jeroid App Version 1 validated the concept and laid the foundation for future builds.

Jeroid V2 launched in 2023. Which features stand out to you?

Jeroid V2 introduced enhanced security layers, faster transaction processing, advanced fraud-prevention tools, and a more intuitive interface. What stands out most is how accessible it is for beginners while still offering depth for experienced traders. It’s built for the African market but meets global standards.

What philosophy guides your approach to technology and innovation?

Build for people first. Innovation is only meaningful when it solves real problems. My philosophy is simple: Make it safe. Make it simple. Make it valuable.
User experience and trust are at the core of everything we build.

Where do you envision Jeroid and Africa’s digital finance space in the next 5–10 years?

I see Jeroid becoming a multi-solution digital finance ecosystem beyond crypto, expanding into payments, commerce, financial literacy, and everyday transactions.
For Africa, I see a continent where digital finance becomes the norm. With the right infrastructure and education, Africa will be a global leader, not just a participant.

Crypto is volatile. How do you cope with pressure and constant market evolution?

I manage volatility with discipline, data, and emotional stability. I avoid impulsive reactions by prioritising market understanding. My years of studying market cycles and trading patterns back then when Bitcoin was $500, gave me grounding.
I base decisions on data and global trends, focusing on long-term strategy rather than short-term noise. I also maintain balance by disconnecting outside of work, which keeps me centered in the 24/7 market.

How do you balance your personal life, family, and business?

I believe in intentional boundaries. When I’m with family, I’m present. When I’m working, I’m fully focused. I don’t try to do everything at once; I prioritise and delegate in sync with my effective management team. A strong support system makes balance possible.

How would you explain cryptocurrency simply to people who are still confused about it?

Crypto is simply digital money that runs on technology instead of banks. It allows you to send, hold, and receive money securely anywhere in the world without physical limitations. It’s the evolution of financial systems.

What are the biggest misconceptions Nigerians and Africans have about crypto?

The biggest misconception is the thinking that crypto is a quick way to get rich. That it is fraudulent by default. Or that you need huge capital to start.
Crypto is a tool, how you use it determines your experience. The key is education, not assumptions.

What should beginners know before they start trading?

Start small. ⁠Learn the basics before investing. ⁠Avoid trading out of fear or urgency. Use credible platforms with strong security. Understand volatility and risk. Be patient and consistent.

As a young entrepreneur, what has been your biggest career lesson so far?

My biggest career lesson is that resilience is everything. Entrepreneurship will test you through challenges, delays, and situations that feel out of your control. What determines how far you go is your ability to adapt and keep moving.

How do you stay grounded?

I rely heavily on God for guidance. There were moments when things felt overwhelming, but reading the stories of successful entrepreneurs reminded me that challenges are part of the journey, not a sign to quit.
Adaptability is equally important. Things won’t always go according to plan, especially in a fast-changing industry like crypto. You must be flexible and open to learning. Resilience and adaptability have carried me farther than talent or ideas alone.

We have a few weeks to the end of the year, as a business person what are your projections for next year?

Next year, I see digital finance in Africa moving even faster. More people are becoming comfortable with crypto, E-commerce is expanding, and trust in digital systems is rising. For Jeroid, our focus will be deeper innovation, more secure user experiences, and scaling our services to meet growing demand across the continent.

Are you one for New Year resolutions? What’s your resolution for next year?

I’m more of a “set clear goals and execute daily” person than a traditional resolutions type because I believe it’s the days that build the into the year. But if there’s one guiding resolution for next year, it’s ‘expansion through excellence’: improving our technology, strengthening our team, and making Jeroid even more accessible to everyday Africans.

With all that’s going on in the country, what does that mean for the business landscape?

The reality is that challenges often spark innovation. Yes, the economic landscape is tough, but it’s also pushing businesses to be smarter, more creative, and more resilient. For digital finance, it means more people are turning to alternative financial systems and tech-driven solutions, which opens big opportunities for platforms like Jeroid. And we’re passionate about collaboration, I especially believe it to be key to solving some of our biggest problems.

What is fashion like for you?

Fashion, for me, is an extension of discipline and identity. I like to keep things clean, simple yet intentional, and functional. Just like in digital finance, simplicity and clarity always win, so my style leans toward minimalism with a touch of quiet confidence.

What are you most comfortable in?
I’m most comfortable in well-tailored basics, a crisp shirt, good denim, or smart casual wear. Anything that lets me move easily between meetings, strategy sessions, and building with my team. Comfort and efficiency go hand in hand for me.

Best holiday destination and why?

My best holiday destination would be somewhere that blends calm with creativity energy, Cape Town or Dubai. I love places where I can disconnect, reflect, and return with clearer ideas for the products I’m building. Peace has a way of multiplying innovation.

Your advice for young people looking up to you for inspiration?

Start early, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to fail forward. I began my journey as a teenager, and every step, good or bad-shaped who I am today. Build your skills, find what you’re passionate about and people who share the same or similar passions and build great things. Also consistency is a game changer, no need to hop from one trend to another without purpose. Find your lane and stick with it. The world rewards those who create, innovate, and stay committed to growth.