The Connected Awards has recognized Ibukun S. Afolabi as the 195th Certified Global Tech Hero and the 9th Certified Operations Professional in the Operation category. This dual recognition celebrates his exceptional career, marked by innovation, leadership, and excellence, in both operations management and semiconductor manufacturing. His over seven years of experience have been defined by driving process optimization and enhancing operational efficiency.
The Connected Awards, a global brand, has honored over 200 tech professionals as recipients of the Global Tech Hero Award across its seven categories. The award was created to appreciate and recognize professional experts, starting with its Nigeria edition in late 2021. Since then, the brand’s goal has been extended to Africans in Europe, East Africa, and North Africa, and it recently completed its West Africa Edition.
The Connected Awards focuses on seven generalized fields in the technology sector, which include Data, Design, Development, Growth, Operations, Product, and Security.
Afolabi’s early career at Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company showcased his ability to transform complex processes. He spearheaded the digitization of maintenance systems, significantly improving task completion and cost efficiency. His performance management initiatives fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
Transitioning to Intel Corporation as a Process Integration and Yield Engineer, he applied his expertise to semiconductor manufacturing, optimizing fabrication processes like CVD, Wet Etch, and Photolithography. His data-driven solutions enhanced yield performance and reduced production costs, contributing to Intel’s competitive edge.
Beyond technical expertise, Afolabi is a dedicated mentor and advocate for continuous learning. His involvement in organizations like the Materials Research Society and his role as a science fair judge highlight his commitment to fostering innovation. His academic background, including a Master’s in Nanoengineering, reinforces his ability to bridge research and practical application.
His achievements have been recognized with the 2021 Best Maintenance Planner Award at Coca-Cola Hellenic and fellowship positions at the International Organization for Academic and Scientific Development (IOASD) and a member of esteemed bodies such as the Nigerian Institution of Professional Engineers & Scientists (NIPES) and the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC).
The winners in the Operation category along with Ibukun Afolabi include Fawaz Abaniwonda, Arimoro Olayinka Imisioluwa, Ibrahim Adepoju, Odufolakemi Oduwole, Oghenerukevwe Adaware Michelle, Oluwaseun Adebajo, Leke Bankole, and Victoria Oloni as certified experts in the operations category. Their collective achievements highlight the growing impact of industry leaders who continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence in their respective fields.
Commenting on the award, the founder, Qazeem Oladejo, said, “At The Connected Awards, we uphold integrity, transparency, and credibility in our selection process. Our team of hardworking experts dedicates themselves to ensuring that only the best tech experts are recognized and awarded based on our strict criteria.” He further mentioned that to be a winner, successful nominees are subjected to rigorous nomination process and attestations from professionals who validate the nominee’s achievements with special focus on technical prowess, leadership, mentorship and industry contributions.
Afolabi’s induction into the Global Tech Hero network immortalizes his contributions, inspiring future generations. His relentless pursuit of progress continues to push the boundaries of manufacturing operations and technology, leaving a lasting impact on the global tech ecosystem.
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