Hello Lawal, a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, has extensive experience in technology, with a proven background in web development, s...
Hello Lawal, a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, has extensive experience in technology, with a proven background in web development, search engine optimization (SEO), and software automation. As the founder of Imaiger, he has collaborated with global companies such as OGAds. In this interview conducted by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, he discusses his contributions to the tech industry, the role the government can play in supporting the Nigerian tech ecosystem, and other related topics..
What is someone with a university degree in Resource Management doing in the core and technical areas of the technology industry? Did you believe there were no opportunities in the resource management field?
My path in resource management wasn't straightforward. It wasn't my initial goal, as I began in agriculture, but I had to change course because of certain difficulties. Nevertheless, even before completing my studies, I had already found my interest in technology. Therefore, when I graduated from university, I was certain that technology would be my future. During my national service (NYSC) assignment, I taught computer science, which further solidified my decision. Since then, I have been developing my own projects as a self-taught programmer.
It wasn't related to the availability of jobs in resource management, since I had already focused my career on technology before entering the workforce.
How and when did you develop the technical abilities that helped you establish your career and technology company? How would you characterize this technological path, particularly how it influences your perspective on life and society?
I've always had an interest in programming since my university days, but academic responsibilities often took precedence. Following graduation, I taught computer science to kids, and later transitioned into digital marketing. During this time, I realized that to create something meaningful, I needed to explore the technical aspects more thoroughly. Therefore, I taught myself to code using YouTube tutorials and by working on project after project until the skills became second nature. I acquired knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and NodeJS, and eventually gained enough confidence to develop Imaiger.
This experience has influenced my perspective on life and community. To be honest, I can't picture myself pursuing any different profession. Technology is propelling society ahead, and I'm thankful to play a role in this progress in my own manner.
Two years back, you moved from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. What motivated this move? Did you feel exhausted with life in Nigeria? How has living in the UK influenced your life and career?
Moving to the UK was aimed at gaining access to broader global opportunities. I have consistently focused on a worldwide audience. My work is utilized across different countries, and I believed that the UK would provide me with a better platform to engage more closely with the global technology community. Nigeria played a significant role in my development, and I appreciate the base it provided. Nonetheless, at this point in my professional journey, the relocation was logical.
The last two years have brought significant changes. I have been invited to various conferences, engaged with technology leaders, and played a role in UK companies developing e-learning solutions for well-known organizations such as Colgate and DHL. The chances available here have enhanced both my professional growth and the effect of my work.
Can you share more about your involvement in the tech industry via your startup, Imaiger? Please explain how Imaiger was founded, the specific technology fields you focus on, and the influence you're having in those areas?
In August 2022, when Stable Diffusion was released, I recognized a potential. Individuals were creating AI images, yet lacked a straightforward method to search or find them. Therefore, I developed Imaiger, a centralized repository for AI-generated visuals. From that point, it transformed into a specialized platform catering to creators, entrepreneurs, and marketers who require AI images for content marketing.
I focus on front-end development with JavaScript, TypeScript, React, and Next.js. Imaiger has recently been honored with the Best AI-Powered Visual Content Platform award at the 2025 UK Midlands Enterprise Awards. I have also gained entry into Microsoft for Startups and Paddle AI Launchpad.
In addition to construction, I guide aspiring developers in Nigeria, assisting them in enhancing their technical abilities within the industry.
Technology revolves around imagination, new ideas, and developing practical approaches. What specific technological solution(s) have you created, and which social issues are these designed to address?
Imaiger is my main approach to enabling the democratisation of content creation. Prior to the availability of AI image generation, producing visual content involved costly software, design expertise, or employing professionals. This posed a challenge for creators in developing markets. Imaiger addresses this by offering accessible AI-generated images through a platform that allows anyone to produce high-quality visual content for marketing. It enhances human abilities, speeding up and simplifying the creative process, while making it available to more people.
I have also developed tools such as Daily Followers, a social media management platform for TikTok, which assists creators in managing their growth and interaction. These offerings ultimately make processes more flexible and accessible, particularly for underrepresented markets.
What are the two major technology challenges currently facing Nigeria, and how can your knowledge and abilities help solve them? If you had the necessary resources and a capable team, what steps would you take to tackle these issues?
Two issues are prominent. Firstly, the disparity between Nigerian skill and international prospects. Having worked on projects for global companies, I would establish a platform that links Nigerian developers with foreign organizations, enabling them to earn in foreign currency, thus enhancing foreign exchange and subtly reinforcing the economy.
Second is AI education. With AI transforming various sectors, Nigerians require adequate training to remain competitive on the global stage. I intend to create an educational platform where individuals can delve into various AI subjects and select their own learning path through organized roadmaps.
What recommendations would you offer to the Federal Government to effectively leverage local expertise in order to boost the nation's technology industry?
Nigeria possesses remarkable talent. To fully harness this potential, I recommend establishing more investment avenues that provide entrepreneurs with access to financial resources. In addition to funding, hosting workshops and hackathons can unite talented individuals to work together and develop projects. Such events foster environments where creativity flourishes, and this is how a lasting technology industry can be developed.
Most individuals and sectors are now concentrating on technology for productivity and convenience, particularly in areas such as the web, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Some people think that these advancements are causing us to become less active, impacting our psychological health, and endangering employment opportunities. What is your perspective on this?
Technology has continuously advanced, transitioning from the internet age to the present day, and we have grown alongside it. Indeed, these innovations bring risks, but the benefits greatly surpass them. Each emerging technology opens up chances for creativity and the development of new industries. I believe maintaining an open perspective allows us to concentrate on the possibilities while also tackling the issues. It's about finding a balance in utilizing what technology provides while being aware of its effects on our health and jobs.
People constantly discuss how technology, specifically AI, can address human and societal issues. However, the real question is whether AI or humans are the true solution. Do you believe AI surpasses human intelligence? Do you perceive AI as a threat to humanity's ability to be genuinely intelligent, similar to the great minds from before the age of technology and AI?
Humans address challenges, and AI assists us in improving our solutions. I don't view AI as more intelligent than humans. It gains knowledge from data created by people and excels in processing speed and volume, but it still requires our perspective, decision-making, and ethical standards. In my role at Imaiger, AI handles repetitive tasks, allowing me to concentrate on creative work, product choices, and ethical considerations. The brilliant minds of earlier times solved issues using the resources available to them. Now, we have AI as a tool, which enables us to take on larger and more complicated problems.
Nigeria heavily relies on foreign software, social platforms, and digital technologies. How does this, considering our talented workforce and intelligent minds, make you feel? What recommendations would you give to the government and key players in Nigeria's technology industry?
Nigeria is home to talented individuals, yet there is insufficient attention given to locally developed software. This is the reason we rely heavily on foreign technology. The answer lies in increasing awareness and backing for indigenous software. If the government and relevant parties promote solutions created in Nigeria, we will inevitably start using our own products. It's about establishing an environment of support, recognizing local innovation, offering resources, and making Nigerian software the preferred option for addressing local challenges.
Approximately two months back, on LinkedIn, you shared that you would be guiding individuals in the Skill-Up Tech Camp, an initiative organized by the A New Thing International Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Could you provide details about this program, your role in it, and the effect it had on the participants?
The Skill-Up Tech Camp initiative equips Nigerian youth with essential digital competencies in areas such as front-end and back-end programming, product leadership, mobile application creation, and social media advertising.
I guided the frontend development track, leading participants through practical projects and real-life challenges. The effect was substantial. Seeing these young individuals evolve from novices to self-assured developers was deeply satisfying. Several have since launched their own initiatives or obtained positions in the tech industry, which embodies the essence of mentorship — unleashing potential and influencing the future of technology.
What are the main difficulties you encounter in your job and at Imaiger, and how do you handle them? Where do you envision yourself and your professional path in five years?
The greatest difficulty at Imaiger is obtaining skilled personnel. Establishing a startup in the fast-changing AI industry involves gathering a variety of abilities, and locating suitable individuals is challenging. I handle this by taking on several roles. I have a technical background, along with experience in marketing. Therefore, I can address more areas personally while strategically hiring experts when necessary.
In five years, I envision Imaiger as a well-established platform that leads the generative AI image sector for content creation, both in the UK and around the world. I also foresee myself keeping on developing solutions that address real-world challenges while guiding the upcoming wave of African tech professionals.
What guidance would you offer to Nigerian artists and business owners aiming to establish a career in technology within the nation? What errors did you encounter when beginning your venture that you'd advise them to steer clear of?
Start with a global perspective from the beginning. Design for a worldwide audience. This is how we elevate Nigeria's visibility on a large scale.
One of the major errors I made in the beginning was not engaging in enough networking. I was focused solely on building, but I should have been interacting with others within the industry. My recommendation is to network with purpose. Go to gatherings, become part of groups, and contact individuals whose work you respect. The connections you establish will lead to opportunities you haven't yet envisioned. Avoid making the same error I did. Develop your network with the same intensity you apply to your product.
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