Ade Olufeko
Achromatic portrait of Olufeko, 2023
Born1980 (1980)
United States
Nationality
Other namesAdéolu
Occupations
  • Technologist
  • entrepreneur
  • designer
Known forHumanities and innovation, Founding of Visual Collaborative
Notable workNorth Star (2019)
Remember To Rise (2018)
Awards2003 IBM Gerstner Award

Ade Abayomi Olufeko[lower-alpha 1] (born in 1980), is an American-born designer, technologist, and entrepreneur primarily active in Lagos, Nigeria.[1] He is known for his international contributions to the humanities, impacting regions like the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe. His influence evolved from direct interactions and collaborations with consortiums, advocacy groups, and artist collectives. He is the founder of Visual Collaborative, an American platform collaborating with diverse experts on socio-economic issues.[2]

In 2003, he became a recipient of the IBM Gerstner Award for exceptional service during a malware epidemic.[lower-alpha 2] His significant contributions in technology, the creative sector, and speeches at prestigious institutions like University Of Oxford, Yale University, and Harvard Business School have received substantial recognition.[3][4]

Early life and education

Ade Olufeko was born in Minneapolis, a city in the Upper Midwest. He hails from royal Ijebu lineage, both his parents were active entrepreneurs. He spent his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, specifically in Surulere, a mainland city, during the country's Second Republic. He received his primary education at Unilag Staff School and later attended St. Gregory's College in Obalende for his secondary education.[5]

In the mid-1990s, he returned to Minneapolis for further studies at Henry High. During his time there as a student, he served as a guest speaker to his IB classmates in English literature, providing insights on themes of culture shock. For a period, he also resided in the historic Stevens Square. He is an alumnus of Metropolitan State University, where he pursued studies in computer science and multimedia.

Career

Work as technologist, IBM and Visual Collaborative

Olufeko's technology career began during the dot-com era, where he delved into motion graphics, internet technologies, and hardware while employed at companies like Ameritech, a 3M spinoff Imation, and IBM.[lower-alpha 3] His focus developed into digital strategy and information architecture, providing consulting services to diverse industries, including media, technology, health, and finance. Later, he relocated to New York City, joining the media conglomerate Warner Music Group. Notably, he served as a Front-End engineer for PayPal, Bank of America, and various American celebrities of different music genres online.[lower-alpha 4] [2]

In 2007, Olufeko established Visual Collaborative, a platform deeply grounded in socioeconomics, uniting his passions for media, creativity, and technology. Since its inception, he has teamed up with more than 150 artists from different cities showcasing their diverse talents.[7] In 2015, he returned to oversee and curate the platform, shining a spotlight on a wide range of artists and multidisciplinary creatives.[8] Then, in 2016, he took a brief break from his role at Visual Collaborative to share his expertise as a management consultant with IBM's Interactive Experience service line, contributing to innovation in the tech industry.[9]

Impact, Keynote lectures and panels

Olufeko imparting to scientists on Visual design at American Chemical Society in DC. circa 2015

Olufeko's lectures explore the intricate interplay of technology with contemporary concerns like governance, ethics, innovation, and culture.[8] In 2019, he took center stage as the opening keynote speaker at Yale University's African Peace and Development conference, also participating as a panelist discussing Innovation and Development in Africa. Shortly after, he moderated a panel at Columbia University focusing on the business aspects of art and literature.[10] Georgetown University invited him in 2018, where he delivered impactful talks and engaged in a fireside chat exploring the relationship between the African value chain and cognitive design.[11]

From 2011 to 2017, Olufeko shared his insights at renowned institutions like Oxford University, Harvard Business School, Carnegie Mellon and Lagos Business School.[9][12][13][14]Business Day commended his presentations for their emphasis on innovation, multidisciplinary design, and collaborations. In 2016, Covenant University invited him to discuss technology and governance in Nigeria alongside other thought leaders.[15]

Insights, Advocacy, and Sungbo’s Eredo

In 2017, Olufeko's astute observations of the Nigerian technology landscape earned him recognition from Incubate Africa.[16] During the same year, he demystified unaddressed complexities in African social interactions during an interview on Victoria Island's Smooth 98.1 FM radio station.[17]

Olufeko inside Sungbo's Eredo in 2017

His extensive work in humanities led to a keynote speech at the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers initiative, where he discussed disruptive innovation.[18] Vanguard News also highlighted his advocacy for African women entrepreneurs.[1]

In 2017, Ade Olufeko's research efforts led him to explore Sungbo's Eredo, an archaeological site located outside the Ijebu Kingdom, which is part of his ancestral heritage and cultural lineage. His mission was to rekindle academic and public interest in this ancient site, which has the potential to shed light on crucial aspects of West African history. Olufeko's advocacy for Sungbo's Eredo within scholarly circles emphasizes its importance as a compelling subject for extensive study, presenting a golden opportunity to deepen our insights into the region's rich heritage and cultural evolution.[19] He holds the distinction of being the first chairman of the Creative Group at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a role he served from 2021 to 2023, Olufeko wielded influence, driving a notable change by advocating for the protection of intellectual property owned by creative professionals.[20][21][22]

Art

Style and selected works

Self-taught as a digital painter and in mixed-media artistry, Olufeko's creative process as an avocation evolved over a decade. Inspired by the convergence of design and technology, 3D geometry, fractals and embedded data are consistent elements in his exhibited work. It explores Africanfuturism, experimental Chaos theory and Counterculture.[23] He is a former member of the Society for Neuroscience.[24][25]

Adeolu Khafre a brand showcased, is a 100% West African made Mancala AYO board collection designed by Ade Olufeko

Remember To Rise

A milestone in Olufeko's artistic journey was his collaboration with London Business School in the spring of 2018, culminating in the creation of the renowned piece, Remember To Rise This work, blending digital painting and mixed-media elements, received widespread acclaim. Notably, its significance was further heightened as distinguished celebrities in attendance contributed their inscriptions to the artwork.[26]

Ayo Mancala

In 2021, Olufeko created and introduced the wax print version of the indigenous AYO mancala in Ankara to enter the consumer market with 200 units. The response and reviews were well-covered in local media. In the third quarter of the year, he released the Kente and Adire product lines which drew considerable interest outside Nigeria across west Africa and its diaspora.[20][27] According to audited data, the sales of the locally made units reached over 2000 in sales. During the capital flight in the nation and following a fire outbreak in one of the largest wood communities, part of the sales helped feed numerous artisans and their families.[28][29]

Martial Arts

Olufeko is a martial arts practitioner, initially starting with Wing Chun and later expanding to include Tai Chi and Qigong. He deepened his skills under the tutelage of Wudang Taoist Master W. Shizhi against the backdrop of Mount Luofu, in mainland China. Olufeko shares his martial arts knowledge with diverse groups such as executives and children, nurturing mental toughness and mindfulness.[30][21][31]

Selected exhibitions

Literary works

Visual Collaborative publishing platform:

  • 2019: Polaris, Vol. 1 [36][37][38]
  • 2019: Voyager, Vol. 2 [39]
  • 2019: Vivencias, Vol. 3 [40]
  • 2019: Supernova, Vol. 4 [41]
  • 2020: TwentyEightyFour, Vol. 5 [42]
  • 2020: Grand Masters, Vol. 7 [43]
  • 2020: Eta Carinae, Vol. 10

Awards and recognition

  • In 2003, Olufeko received the IBM Gerstner award in Global Business Services[1][44]
  • NABF (Nigerian American Business Forum) Young entrepreneur achievement Award 2018[11]
  • In 2019, Olufeko received an award of special recognition serving a judge for the Prof. Ayodele Awojobi design and engineering competition[25]

Notes

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ade Olufeko.
  1. ↑ Simply known as Adé, Pronounced /ɑːˈdeɪ/; ah-DAY Yoruba: Adé Olúfẹ́kọ́ pronounced [a.dé o.lú.fɛ́.kɔ́].
  2. ↑ For customer excellence and countermeasure teamwork during the Blaster Worm epidemic.
  3. ↑ In the early aughts, his interactive design work was showcased by adjuncts in selected courses by British training organization Learndirect.[6]
  4. ↑ Following the Bravebird album and its subsequent release Morning, Olufeko contributed digital design and advisory work to Larrieux's record label.
  5. ↑ On January 17, 2013, several digital paintings by Olufeko were showcased and leveraged at a fundraiser which Somaly Mam was guest of honor, this took place at the Hudson Terrace in New York City. The evening brought together influencers and celebrities featuring composers such as Chloe Flower supporting the Somaly Mam Foundation.[35]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ibiwoye Dotun (March 28, 2017). "The future is considerably female— Ade Olufeko". Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  2. 1 2 Taiwo, Yetunde (March 2012). "Behind the Technology: Super Cool Nerd!". Made Magazine. Vol. 20. Lagos.
  3. ↑ "Columbia University African Business Forum - Panels". Archived from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Ade Abayomi Olufeko: A Mid-career Retrospective of a Multidisciplinary Technologist with Africa's 2020s in view". May 28, 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-05-28. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Ade Olufeko/Visual Colabo Q&A". November 11, 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-06-02. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Ade Olufeko 2013 Speaker Profile". Social Media Week. Retrieved 14 Oct 2017.
  7. ↑ Kristy Samone (September 28, 2012). "Pop Up Art Exhibition". Archived from the original on 2018-02-15. Retrieved Feb 15, 2018.
  8. 1 2 "Accomplished visual artist Ade Olufeko weighs in on his work and The Africas - Soundcloud.com". The Africas. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  9. 1 2 "LBS Africa Business Conference ABC Rolls Out Africa We See Campaign". YNaija. January 27, 2016. Retrieved Oct 15, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Ade Olufeko speaks at Yale University, collaborates with Bahia Shehab, others in new collective". New Telegraph. April 2, 2019. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  11. 1 2 AsuquoE (Feb 5, 2018). "Polymath Ade Olufeko receives Young entrepreneur achievement Award at NABF in Florida, and speaks at Georgetown University in D.C." Talk Media Africa. Retrieved Feb 15, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Ade Olufeko – Oxford Africa Conference 2017". oxfordafricaconference.com. May 19, 2017. Archived from the original on July 8, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Digital Media and Entertainment". HBS African Business Conference. March 1, 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-04-12. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Ade Olufeko to impart on the digital ecosystem at Oxford University". YNaija. May 19, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Experts to Discuss E-government at Covenant University's Conference". Covenant University. June 2, 2017. Archived from the original on July 26, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  16. ↑ "The Buzzwords Startups and the Brain-Drain Game by the Millenial Techies". Incubate Africa. Sep 17, 2017. Retrieved Oct 15, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Technologist Ade Abayomi Olufeko: "There is no (tech) ecosystem in Nigeria, there are just societies and clubs"". Africa Music Law. Sep 12, 2017. Retrieved Oct 15, 2017.
  18. ↑ "Meet The Leader Series". September 2017. Archived from the original on 2018-01-04. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Sungbo Eredo Back Into Awareness Anda A Path Forward With This Xennial". June 19, 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-06-19. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  20. 1 2 Okeke, ifeoma (7 January 2022). "Skewed facts, lack of measurable data bane of SMEs in Nigeria – Olufeko". Business Day (Nigeria). Retrieved 9 January 2022.
  21. 1 2 "Ade Olufeko exits position as LCCI's chairman, creative and entertainment group". No. High Society. Guardian Nigeria. 17 June 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  22. ↑ "Dr. Chinyere Almona, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Ade Olufeko deliver talks in Beijing". The Guardian. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  23. ↑ "Abayomi Olufeko" (PDF). NewWebPick. No. 37. Newwebpick ‘Design for Designers’. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  24. ↑ "SfN Member Detail". Archived from the original on 2019-01-13. Retrieved Feb 10, 2019.
  25. 1 2 "Sungbo's Eredo Monument Back to Awareness". thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
  26. ↑ Agbana, Rotimi (13 November 2018). "Seun Kuti, Ozwald Boateng, others endorse Ade Olufeko's groundbreaking digital painting". Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  27. ↑ Guardian Nigeria (4 January 2022). "Recalcitrant conformist succeeds with AYO Mancala to remove analytical biases in strategy". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 9 January 2022.
  28. ↑ "The Velocity of business innovation through design". Vanguard (Nigeria). 11 August 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  29. ↑ Our Correspondent (3 January 2022). "Seasoned Technologist Tweaked Physical Ayo Mancala That Fed Artisan Families". Leadership News Nigeria. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
  30. ↑ Adeolu, Tunde (25 September 2023). "Nigerian Executive Expands Martial Arts Prowess with Qigong". This Day. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  31. ↑ "Nigerian-American Polymath Promotes Wellness Through Combat Arts". Leadership.ng. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  32. ↑ "Visual Collaborative Art Exhibition, Miami 2008!". Ladybrille. April 15, 2008. Archived from the original on May 4, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Local artist finds alternative way to break into the art scene". Knot Move. September 13, 2011. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  34. ↑ "United for Kids Foundation (UKF) Ambassadors Ball". MP Master Plan events. December 18, 2011. Archived from the original on November 14, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  35. 1 2 "Brave is Beautiful at the Hudson Terrace in NYC". January 17, 2013. Archived from the original on December 20, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  36. ↑ "Bahia Shehab, Bobby Yan, others feature on Visual Collaborative". The Punch. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
  37. ↑ "Ade Olufeko breaks echo-chambers into new levels of awareness". 20 November 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  38. ↑ "Tosin Oshinowo, Remi Vaughan-Richards, and other Nigerians featured in online catalogue". This Day. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
  39. ↑ Bankole, Idowu (17 June 2019). "Seun Kuti, Chris Uwaje, others to feature on American platform, 'Visual Collaborative". Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  40. ↑ "Dakore Akande, Swaady Martin, Kelli Ali, Adelaide Damoah and Husani Oakley Feature on Visual Collaborative". Odyssey2. Odyssey (publication). Archived from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  41. ↑ Onyekwelu, Stephen (4 December 2019). "LIFE & ARTS Nse Ikpe-Etim, William Coupon, others drive creative sector SDG". Business Day. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  42. ↑ Onyekwelu, Stephen (6 May 2020). "Les Nubians, Rika, Chigul, Dakore feature in TwentyEightyFour". Business Day (Nigeria). Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  43. ↑ "Robert Greene author of the 48 laws of power speaks with futurist Ade Olufeko". The Guardian (Nigeria). 28 December 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  44. ↑ "Techpreneur One on One with Ade Olufeko". Business Day. August 22, 2016. Retrieved Nov 18, 2017.
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