It’s truly gratifying to see Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, recognized by StartupBlink as the 8th-ranked startup ecosystem in Nigeria and 1211th in the global space. This milestone represents years of collective effort to put Ogun State on the map as a thriving hub for technology and innovation. For me, it’s realizing a vision that began long before this achievement.

Back in 2019, when I launched the Ogun Tech Community, the goal was to bring together tech enthusiasts, innovators, and entrepreneurs to build an ecosystem from the ground up. But my journey in ecosystem building didn’t start there—it began even earlier in 2014, when I launched several initiatives while still in school, driven by a passion to create opportunities for young talents in the tech space. These early experiences shaped my belief that Ogun State could one day emerge as a leading innovation hub in Africa.

At the Ogun Tech Community’s official launch, a bold declaration: “In the next 3 to 4 years, we will be on global stages explaining how to stimulate the growth and development of technology and innovation ecosystems from scratch, using Ogun State as a case study.” This optimism was shared by a friend and brother, Oluwaseun Hamazat, who has been a steadfast advocate for our shared vision. Together, we believed that with the right strategies and a committed community, we could turn this ambition into reality.

Ogun State has always had immense potential with its abundance of tech talent, top-notch educational institutions, and strategic location neighboring Lagos and Ibadan. But building a robust ecosystem required more than just optimism; it needed intentional efforts from a network of dedicated individuals. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the emergence of promising startups like EduTAMS, Farmspeak Technology, Vant, Savey Africa and Frootify among others, which are not only pushing the boundaries of innovation but also actively supporting the community. Events like Tech Summit Ogun, Ogun Digital Summit, Friends of Figma, Abeokuta Tech Hangout and so on have consistently drawn thousands of young people, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.

My role as an ecosystem builder has been about more than just hosting events; it’s been about fostering sustainable growth, building communities, and creating platforms where talents, startups, and tech hubs can thrive together. Through initiatives like Friends of Figma Abeokuta, managing 720Degree Innovation Hub, and leading efforts at ATB Tech Hub, TechZone Space and Academy, Cre8ng Digital Innovation among many others. I’ve worked to lay the foundation for a tech renaissance in Ogun State. These initiatives have provided avenues for training, mentorship, and the cultivation of tech talents who will drive the ecosystem forward.

Now, as we prepare to launch the Abeokuta Tech Fest, I see another opportunity to accelerate the momentum. This event will be a significant gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, showcasing the strides we’ve made and charting a course for future growth. Abeokuta Tech Fest will not only be a celebration of our achievements but a springboard for even greater accomplishments.

The journey of ecosystem building in Ogun State hasn’t been without its challenges, but with the unwavering support of friends like Oluwaseun Hamazat and many others, we are steadily transforming the tech landscape. Abeokuta Tech Fest will be a testament to our resilience and shared commitment to seeing Ogun State thrive on both the national and global stages.

As we continue to build, I look forward to sharing more milestones and shaping the future of technology and innovation in Ogun State. Together, let’s keep pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for the generations to come.