RescueTap launch will help to combat insecurity in Nigeria -Founder, Oyewole Joledo

As Nigeria grapples with escalating insecurity, tech entrepreneur Oyewole Joledo has unveiled RescueTap, a revolutionary safety app designed to combat the nation’s growing security threats. “One tap could save a life,” declares Joledo, whose personal experiences with tragedy inspired the life-saving innovation.

Recent data paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s security landscape, with SBM Intelligence reporting 3,964 kidnappings between June 2023 and June 2024 alone. The Federal Capital Territory recorded 283 abduction cases in just one year, while the infamous “one chance” robberies continue to terrorize commuters in major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

Joledo’s motivation stems from heartbreaking personal losses. “We built RescueTap because we were tired,” he confesses. “Tired of watching people die in the silence between crisis and care.” The app’s development follows the tragic deaths of several close associates, including a young professional thrown from a moving vehicle and a basketball player who died waiting for emergency care.

We didn’t do this alone; this is possible with bright minds such as Israel Idowu, Pamela Williams, Princess Marius, Samuel Wojola, Benjamin Bitrus, Prisca Okafor, Dr. Nixon Egbe, Precious Iyersehen, Cynthia Ihuoma, Daniel Bowman, Esther Dioka; they gave their time, skills and sweat; Oyewole says.

RescueTap’s innovative features include instant location sharing with emergency contacts, vehicle verification through QR codes, and direct access to emergency services. The app is now available on both Google Play and the App Store, with plans to expand partnerships nationwide.

“This isn’t just technology,” Pamela Williams, Head of Marketing, emphasizes. “It’s memory. It’s purpose. It’s grief made useful. It’s love made functional.” As Nigeria faces unprecedented security challenges, RescueTap offers citizens a much-needed digital shield against the growing threats to personal safety.