In an exclusive interview, Abimbola Owoeye, the Country Lead for Dell Technologies in Nigeria, shared insights into his journey in the technology sector, his views on innovation, and the challenges facing the industry in Nigeria.

Owoeye, who holds a Bachelor of Technology in Applied Geophysics from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, initially envisioned a career as a geoscientist. However, his time at the Central Bank of Nigeria during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) became a pivotal moment. “It was one of the few departments with computers back in 2002, and getting hands-on experience with them sparked my interest in information technology,” he revealed.

As he delved deeper into the tech industry, Owoeye discovered a passion for the business side of IT. “It wasn’t easy at first; I was figuring out my direction,” he admitted. Yet, his faith and curiosity steered him towards a fulfilling career in technology.

What captivates Owoeye about technology is its relentless evolution. “The field is in constant motion; what’s trendy today can be outdated tomorrow,” he explained. Reflecting on past technological milestones, he noted the rapid transformation from early desktop computers to the advanced mobile devices of today. “Technology has completely reshaped our lives since the arrival of the internet,” he stated, citing Uber as a prime example of how connectivity has revolutionized services.

To keep pace with the ever-changing tech landscape, Owoeye leverages his position at Dell Technologies, where he gains firsthand insights into emerging trends. “If you don’t keep transforming, you risk becoming irrelevant,” he warned. He emphasized the importance of adapting to advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, which he believes will define the future of businesses globally.

Looking towards the future, Owoeye sees immense opportunities for technology in Nigeria. He highlighted the nation’s advanced banking technology as an example of how Nigeria has embraced innovation by skipping outdated systems. “Our bank cards are among the most secure available anywhere,” he said.

As technology adoption accelerates, Owoeye believes Nigeria will see greater innovation across industries. He noted the increasing embrace of digital platforms by older generations, illustrating a shift towards a more digitally-driven society.

Throughout his 18-year career, Owoeye has cultivated essential skills for success in the tech sector, particularly in building connections and understanding clients’ needs. “People buy from those they trust,” he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of delivering measurable outcomes that clients can rely on.

At Dell, Owoeye navigates a vast array of products, including laptops and enterprise solutions. He described the challenges of managing over 1,000 solutions but credited Artificial Intelligence and structured training programs for helping streamline the process.

One notable experience that reshaped Owoeye’s perspective was a challenging transition into an individual contributor role. He learned to prioritize meaningful contributions over titles, finding greater fulfillment in the value he brings to his work and others.

Dell Technologies is committed to supporting local startups and entrepreneurs through various initiatives, including mentorship programs and community service efforts. Owoeye highlighted the company’s engagement with schools and NGOs to inspire youth and foster innovation.

Despite the optimism surrounding the tech sector, Owoeye acknowledged significant challenges, particularly the lack of political will to adopt technology in governance. He called for investment in digital services to enhance transparency and accountability within government systems.

Owoeye’s executive education at Harvard Business School profoundly impacted his outlook on business and technology. He shared how exposure to successful global enterprises inspired him to think critically about opportunities in emerging markets, particularly in Africa.

He concluded by addressing a common misconception about technology: the difference between being a tech user and being immersed in the industry. “Understanding technology requires more than just using it; it involves being deeply engaged in its evolution,” he clarified.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its tech landscape, Owoeye’s journey reflects the potential for innovation and growth, fueled by curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.