Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. At a very tender age, he had been familiar with computer systems. Mr. Olamigoke Samuel Ogayemi, Chairman, Omogbemigoke & Co @ ICT Solution, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has made a name in Information Technology. The 25 year-old computer expert, in this interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, delves into what drives his career, how he declined, at a young age, to be influenced in his chosen career, his clients, and many more
Tell us about your background…
I am Olamigoke Samuel Ogayemi. I was born in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state on June 22, 1991. I got my primary school leaving certificate at St Anthony Nursery and Primary School, Ijebu Ode, and that was between 1993 and 2000. After that, I attended Tai Solarin Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, and then left for Sacred Heart College, Ijebu Ode between 2001 and 2007, where I was the pioneer Senior Prefect. After that, I was admitted to Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, where I studied Computer Science and Information Technology. I graduated in 2011 and subsequently, proceeded for my NYSC. During my service year, I studied at Karot Institute of Technology, Ikeja, Lagos, where I obtained an Oracle – based certificate, as an oracle-based analyst and administrator, in 2012. After that, I got admitted into Federal University of Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where I had my Master’s degree in information and communication technology, and I graduated in 2015. I am also planning of starting my PhD, before the end of the year.
Did anybody, especially your parents influence you in your chosen career?
No! In fact, my dad actually was thinking, I would go for medicine, but I knew within myself, that I wasn’t really into the medical line. But I had love for computer ever since, because we had one desktop at home then and I was always playing around it. Also, I had this computer teacher that always encouraged me to use his computer, and I became familiar with the computer system. So, I fell in love with computer, generally and when the option came up for computer science, I just enrolled for it. So, there was no external influence in choosing my career.
Specifically, where did the drive come from?
After my junior WAEC, I was always playing around in my mother’s office, Justice Development and Peace (JDP), a Catholic Church NGO in Ijebu Ode, where she was in charge of the resource centre. There was a cyber cafe there that I always visited, and I fell in love with the Internet. Ever since, I saw different opportunities in the Internet itself, and in the likes of Bill Gates, and I was captivated and I decided to choose that as my career. One, you could stand on your own; two, you could develop ideas.Also, computer world is something you could think of, not just to think of it alone, you could also, implement it. You can put it into action, so that people can also make use of it. So, it was the likes of Bill Gates that actually influenced me into loving computer.
What services do you provide your clients?
We are into Web development and hoisting; software development. We also do intra and inter- network setup. We do ICT training for those interested. We also do repairs and supplies. We do user-support services. We would soon be diverting into car solution, tracking system.
How did you get start-up capital?
During my service year, I happened to serve in a bank, Enterprise, now Heritage Bank. So, from there, I got little savings, and also with the help of my parents, they were able to support me in raising the capital required to start the business.
How has regulations by the government or your registered Association affected your operations?
The government has been able to provide a conducive and an enabling environment for our operations.
I am a member of Nigerian Computer Society, and I go for its annual conferences where we share ideas.
What is your dream in regard of this career?
I am dreaming of owning a mobile telecommunications firm in the nearest future, because telecommunications have come to stay; the Internet has come to stay. With those two, especially, I really wish to begin my mobile telecommunications company in future. I also want to make communication easier, particularly in rural areas.
Who are your clients?
We have both corporate and individual clients. We have started a new project with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi. We are designing his website, ooniadimula.com and ooniadimula.com. We have different organisations in Lagos and Ogun states, like; Defining Excel Ventures at Cement bus stop, Agege-Abeokuta motor road, Ikeja, Lagos; Thomas Heisten Nigeria Limited, Lagos and Matmer Medical Consultancy. We have Divine Excel Nigeria Limited. We do support services for Catholic Diocese of Ijebu Ode. We also design Harvester’s International Christian Centre. Yemak Sawmill Nigeria Limited, Mayflower Clinic, T&S Medical Centre, Apapa, Lagos, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, St’ Sebastian Catholic Church, Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, Odilum Technology, Justice Development and Peace, Tepebo International Limited, IGI Pensions and Managers Funds are our clients. We have an endless list.
Who are your foreign technical partners?
We have two foreign technical partners; one is OJ Investment in Maryland, United States of America. They help with hardware supplies. We are also partnering with George HR Solutions Company, in providing HR solutions. They are in Toronto, Canada. We hope to have more associates in future.
