Qazeem Oladejo is the brain behind The Connected Awards dedicated to the promotion of talents in technological innovation. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, he discusses the brand’s mission, accomplishments, challenges and his aspirations for the future.
Tell us about your brand, The Connected Awards? What do you do?
The Connected Awards is a global brand that aims to celebrate techies in all countries of the world. Our vision was inspired by the realisation that while tech companies receive recognition, the individuals behind their success also deserve to be celebrated. We believe that exceptional individuals drive these companies forward, and it is our goal to honour and highlight their contributions.
We started with the Nigerian edition in November 2021, engaging over 704 participants in the voting phase. Building on this success, we expanded internationally with the Africans in Europe Edition, which provided valuable insights for our upcoming East African edition. In 2022, we concluded the North Africa edition, which did not meet our expectations. However, we view these experiences as opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
In 2023, we successfully completed the West Africa and Southern Africa editions, attracting significant participation and producing remarkable winners. The Connected Awards now boasts of winners from across Africa, America, Canada, Europe and the UK. Despite encountering doubts from some techies, we have proven ourselves to be trustworthy, consistent, determined, and fully committed to achieving our goals.
Our meticulous selection process ensures that deserving techies from each region have the opportunity to participate and compete for recognition. We remain dedicated to delivering the best and upholding the integrity of our brand.
What were the major challenges the brand faced and how were they handled?
The first major challenge we encountered was the fragmented payment platform in Africa. The lack of a unified currency meant that conducting internal business transactions across African countries required currency conversions, causing inconvenience and setbacks. This created obstacles for growth and posed risks when receiving payments, particularly during the North Africa edition. We recognised the urgent need for a unified currency in Africa to facilitate seamless transactions and enable the continent’s economic potential. We continue to advocate for this change and urge African leaders to address the issue.
The second challenge we faced was the negative image associated with Africa and Nigerians in particular. The perception of scamming and fraudulent activities created mistrust and affected the reputation of individuals and businesses from the region. Overcoming this stereotype required consistent efforts to prove ourselves as a trustworthy brand, following due processes, and building digital footprints to confirm our authenticity. We are committed to dispelling these doubts and creating platforms and ideas that exemplify integrity and professionalism, gaining the trust and respect of our global audience. However, handling these challenges has not been easy, but we remain determined to overcome them through our dedication to excellence, transparency, and consistent efforts to showcase the true potential of African techies and their contributions to the global tech industry.
What is your vision for your brand and career in the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve it?
In the next five years, God willing, we envision The Connected Awards expanding its reach to cover all countries across the globe. Alongside this, we aim to make a positive impact on society as a whole. We anticipate challenges along the way, but we are determined to overcome them. Our commitment to hard work, meticulous selection processes, strategic publicity, and engaging the right audience will remain unwavering. Ultimately, our goal is to consistently deliver excellence and become the premier global platform for celebrating exceptional techies.
Do you think the current circumstances in Nigeria are impeding young individuals from fully realising their potential? If so, what do you believe is the solution?
In my opinion, previous Nigerian governments had focused more on infrastructure development rather than nurturing entrepreneurs. However, with the new government led by a technocrat with an economic background, I am optimistic that it will provide a conducive environment for young people, including those in the tech industry and other fields, to explore their potential and accomplish their goals. This shift in focus towards supporting entrepreneurship could be the solution to unlocking the full potential of the Nigerian youth.
What should the public expect from The Connected Awards brand in the near future? What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the tech industry?
Expect more exciting editions from The Connected Awards in the coming days. We have our upcoming Western Europe edition followed by other European editions, the UK edition, and expansions to North America, South America, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and more locations in the years to come. We are committed to delivering the best and recognising exceptional individuals, including the possibility of seeing renowned figures like Elon Musk as future winners of our award. We are also working towards official recognition from the Guinness World Records as the first-ever global tech personality award. Additionally, we are developing the Techie Hall of Fame, a physical structure to honor and celebrate all techies. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from The Connected Awards.
For young individuals aspiring to enter the tech industry, my advice is to embrace learning, continuous growth, and innovation. Be passionate about what you do, develop your skills, and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Seek mentorship and networking opportunities, as they can provide valuable guidance and connections. Never be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams. Remember that perseverance and dedication are key to success in this rapidly evolving field.
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