So the Forbes ’30 under 30′ list, 2017 has now been released and as you would expect, Nigeria, despite all the odds have some representation. Basically, there are five Nigerians that made the list, but then, not all of the are tech startup founders.
The five include Muktar Onifade, 26, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, 26, Edikan Udiong, 29, Shakeela Tolasad Williams, 29 and Nasir Yammama, 27. Out of these five, just two have their businesses in an explicit relation with technology – Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, who is into FinTech, being the co-founder of Andela, and now founder of Flutterwave (a FinTech company) and Nasir Yammama who is into AgriTech.
It is very good that people like this have rose and emerged to be on such lists as the ’30 under 30′. It shows we as a nation still have young people trying their very best to make a difference. The emergence of tech startup founders also further proves that the future of Nigeria, and the African continent lies in the ways of technology.
While we are, let me take you through the world of the two tech founders that made the Forbes ’30 under 30′ list.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
August 2016 was when Iyin Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela finally exited the company to focus on a new tech startup called Flutterwave. Flutterwave is a platform that allows merchants make and receive payments across multiple platforms.
Some years back, when he was just 19 years old, Iyinoluwa in an interview made know that, “The entrepreneur lifestyle definitely appeals to me and I hope I can change the world by making products and services people cannot live without. One thing for sure is that if all goes well, I hope to return and tap into the bundle of business opportunities Nigeria is by being a super angel or venture capitalist focused on young Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
Presently, he has been handpicked by the acting president of the country to advise Nigerian presidency on industrial policies.
Nasir Yammama
Nasir Yammama is a 26-year-old who hails from northern Nigerian, also having a flair for technology. Nasir was raised from the humble beginnings of being a farmer’s child and most of his siblings are still active farmers.
It was when Nasir became old enough that he left the fields and into Institute and Creative Technology at MiddleS3x University, London. This is where he began his technology interest which would later develop into a tech startup very distinct and close to home.
His company, Verdant, is an AgriTech value chain company that offers solutions to support farmers and other stakeholders in the industry for improved food production using novel technologies. The aim of the tech startup is to provide agricultural extension market information, managerial support, and access to markets & financial services to rural farmers with unique mobile technologies.
Well, to say the least, it is important to note that these people are a giant source of inspiration to the Nigerian populace and have indeed represented the tech society very well. More success.