From Posters to Products: How Afolake Odubote Designed Her Way into African Tech
Afolake Odubote’s journey into the dynamic world of tech design wasn’t a pre-determined path but rather a profound discovery. What initially began as a simple side task—crafting engaging posters during an entrepreneurship program in 2021—swiftly evolved into a powerful calling. This pivotal moment fundamentally reshaped her career trajectory, guiding her towards the impactful realm of product design. “I didn’t set out to be a product designer,” Odubote candidly reflects, “But the moment I realized I could merge creativity with solving real problems, I knew this was where I belonged.” Her story is a testament to the unforeseen opportunities that often lie within creative exploration, especially within the burgeoning African tech landscape.
Early Tech Engagement and Paving the Way with Ogun Innovate
Odubote’s underlying interest in technology began to form during her undergraduate years at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where she pursued Entrepreneurial Studies. Amidst the challenges of navigating prolonged academic strikes by ASUU and dedicating time to volunteering at various tech events, she became increasingly captivated by technology’s inherent capacity to dismantle barriers and foster accessibility. This burgeoning curiosity solidified into a significant commitment in 2019 when she joined Ogun Innovate. This groundbreaking initiative marked Ogun State’s pioneering government-led tech program, established under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun. Here, Afolake played an instrumental role, contributing significantly to the project’s foundational structure and meticulously shaping the curriculum for its inaugural official tech training program. Her work at Ogun Innovate underscored her passion for leveraging technology for societal benefit, bridging the gap between innovative ideas and practical implementation within the African tech ecosystem.
Afolake Odubote’s evolution from a casual poster designer to a pivotal figure in product design exemplifies a remarkable journey of self-discovery and impactful contribution. Her story highlights how initial creative tasks can unexpectedly lead to fulfilling careers that address real-world challenges. Through her dedication at FUNAAB and her instrumental role in establishing Ogun Innovate, Afolake has not only carved a niche for herself but also significantly advanced the accessibility and development of technology in her region, inspiring a new generation of African tech innovators.
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Related Keywords: Afolake Odubote, design career tech, product design tech, UIUX design career, graphic design to tech, career transition design, women in tech design, tech career path design, design professional journey
