Gamsole founder Abiola Olaniran, 36, dies
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, his journey caught the world’s eye in 2010 when, as a young developer, he won the Microsoft Imagine Cup in Poland. Representing Nigeria on a global tech stage, he gave the world a glimpse of the talent growing on African soil.
But he didn’t stop at accolades. He turned early recognition into action, founding Gamsole in 2012 — a mobile gaming company built from Lagos that would go on to hit over 10 million downloads by 2015. In an industry where African voices were rare, Olaniran carved space not just for himself, but for a future.
He believed in local stories. In 2016, Gamsole partnered with MTN to release Gidi Run, a game designed with African players in mind. It wasn’t just entertainment — it was strategy, community, and culture, packed into code.
The tech world noticed. Forbes Africa named him to its “30 Under 30” list in 2015. A year later, he was recognized as one of the continent’s most promising young entrepreneurs.
But what the headlines didn’t always capture was the quiet way he uplifted others.
In 2015, long before it became a major publication, Olaniran invested in Techpoint Africa, believing in its mission to tell African tech stories. Later, as CTO of the Kenyan ed-tech company eLimu, he led a full rebuild of its learning platforms, helping students across the continent access quality digital education.
And while the world measured his success in downloads and deals, those who knew him remember his humility most. Soft-spoken and generous with his time, he mentored young developers, listened more than he spoke, and kept his focus on building, always building.
His LinkedIn profile didn’t boast. It read simply:
“Experienced Unity3D developer with a track record of creating and publishing games across platforms.”
He didn’t need to say more. His work said enough.
He is survived by his family, friends, and a generation of African developers who saw in him what was possible — not someday, but now.
Olaniran showed us that Africa doesn’t have to wait for permission. With heart, vision, and code, it can lead.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
