Susan Abayomi
Verve, Africa’s leading domestic payment cards and tokens brand, has renewed its partnership with Google Play for the ninth edition of VerveLife, as the fitness and lifestyle event continues its nationwide tour ahead of its grand finale in Lagos.
The 2026 edition, themed “Ignite,” is combining fitness, entertainment, digital engagement and lifestyle experiences, with activities scheduled across several Nigerian cities.
VerveLife 9.0 began in Ikorodu on August 15 and has since visited Ibadan and Enugu. The tour will continue with stops in Surulere and Uyo before culminating at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 21, 2026.
Under the renewed collaboration, Google Play will support the VerveLife experience through digital engagement initiatives, rewards and lifestyle benefits for participants.
The partnership builds on the companies’ collaboration at VerveLife 8.0 in 2025 and their broader relationship, which dates back to 2023. That relationship enabled Nigerian consumers to use Verve cards for eligible purchases on Google Play, with transactions processed locally in naira.
Verve cards remain available as a payment option for eligible Google Play purchases, subscriptions and services in Nigeria.
Commenting on the partnership, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch Group, said the renewed collaboration reflects Verve’s efforts to create experiences that extend beyond conventional payment services.
According to her, VerveLife has evolved into a platform that brings together fitness, entertainment, lifestyle and community engagement, while the partnership with Google Play will create additional opportunities for participants to interact with the event through digital channels.
She added that the brand looks forward to delivering experiences that reflect the energy and diversity of the Verve community as the event progresses across the country.
The Lagos grand finale is expected to feature a full day of activities, including high-energy workouts, an obstacle course and appearances by fitness personalities and trainers from across Africa. Fitness enthusiasts, families and lifestyle communities are expected to participate in the event, which will conclude with an evening after-party.
Beyond the main event, VerveLife 9.0 is also providing opportunities for members of the fitness community through its “Road to VerveLife 9 Stage” competition.
The initiative is open to fitness trainers, dance instructors, aerobics coaches, yoga and Pilates instructors, as well as other fitness enthusiasts seeking an opportunity to perform on the VerveLife stage.
A “Train the Trainer” programme is also scheduled for November 20, ahead of the Lagos finale, as part of efforts to support and engage fitness professionals and practitioners.
With VerveLife 9.0 progressing towards its Lagos finale, the renewed Google Play collaboration is expected to further broaden the event’s digital, fitness, entertainment and lifestyle offerings.
Participants can follow the VerveLife activities and register for upcoming experiences through myverveworld.com/life.
