By TechreportersNG
The Nigerian tech ecosystem has lost one of its brightest minds. Abiola Olaniran, celebrated founder and CEO of Gamsole, has passed away at the age of 36.
His death was confirmed by close associates and later reported widely across tech and innovation media. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting.
Abiola was more than a tech entrepreneur—he was a pioneer in Nigeria’s gaming industry. With a Computer Science degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and a strong passion for software development, he launched Gamsole in 2012. The startup quickly rose to fame, producing mobile games that racked up over 10 million downloads globally across Android, iOS, and Windows platforms.
Abiola’s impact was felt early. In 2010, he emerged as Nigeria’s national champion at the Microsoft Imagine Cup. He would later represent Nigeria at the world finals in Poland and emerge as the top African participant. He also ranked as Nigeria’s highest-paid Windows game developer at one point.
Beyond code, Abiola inspired. His journey was proof that African developers could build global products—even in the face of infrastructural and funding challenges. In recent years, he had stepped back from the public spotlight but remained deeply respected within developer and entrepreneurial circles.
Tributes have poured in from across the Nigerian tech community, celebrating a life that was short but deeply impactful.
Final Word
Abiola Olaniran wasn’t just building games—he was building belief. Belief that young Nigerians could play on the global stage in tech, not just consume. From all of us at TechreportersNG, we salute his legacy.
May he rest in peace.
