The Tech Journey of Elizabeth Agada: Frontend Developer, Community Builder, and Lifelong Learner

Elizabeth Agada’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and a relentless drive to create impact through technology and community. She didn’t always know she would end up in tech, but life had a way of leading her there—and once she discovered it, she never looked back.  

Growing up, Elizabeth was the kind of child who couldn’t resist taking things apart just to see how they worked. Her elder sister jokingly called her “Discovery Channel” because she was always investigating, always questioning. That curiosity once led her to dismantle the family DVD player, carefully examining every component before putting it back together—only to find that it never worked again. But even then, she wasn’t discouraged. For her, understanding how things functioned was worth the risk.  

Originally, she dreamed of studying Pharmacy. Chemistry fascinated her, and for a long time, she thought that would be her path. But when she wasn’t admitted into the program, she found herself pivoting to Computer Science—a field she hadn’t initially considered. At the time, she didn’t realize how much that decision would shape her future. What started as a fallback option soon became a passion. The logic of programming, the creativity of problem-solving, and the endless possibilities of software development captivated her. She immersed herself in learning, building a strong foundation in web development, system administration, and coding.  

About five years ago, she took her first deep dive into frontend development, and it was a turning point. There was something magical about writing code and seeing it come to life on a screen—transforming abstract ideas into tangible, functional applications. She threw herself into mastering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks, constantly pushing herself to learn more. The more she built, the more she realized that tech wasn’t just a career for her—it was a way of thinking, a way of solving problems, a way of creating something meaningful.  

But Elizabeth’s journey didn’t stop at coding. Along the way, she discovered another passion: community building. She realized that technology wasn’t just about writing lines of code—it was about people. She began managing communities, including Sandlip-Oasis, where she helped others navigate their own tech journeys. She organized training sessions, hosted career spotlights, and created spaces where people could learn, grow, and support one another. Seeing someone land a job, master a new skill, or gain confidence because of a community she helped build became one of the most rewarding parts of her work.  

Her dedication to empowering others led her to take on roles as an Organizer for Google Developer Groups (GDG) and an Ambassador for Women Techmakers (WTM). Through these platforms, she mentored aspiring developers, championed diversity in tech, and organized events that brought people together. She believed deeply in the power of shared knowledge and collaboration—that no one should have to struggle alone when a community could lift them up.  

Of course, juggling community management, tech projects, and personal growth wasn’t always easy. There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, when she questioned whether she was doing enough. But she learned to pace herself, to prioritize, and to remind herself that progress wasn’t about doing everything at once. She started journaling to reflect on her journey, to celebrate small wins, and to keep herself grounded.  

Beyond her professional pursuits, Elizabeth found joy in the little things—like binge-watching medical dramas. There was something about the precision of surgeries, the way doctors worked together to save lives, that reminded her of software development. Both were about solving puzzles, about every small piece contributing to a larger solution.  

At the heart of it all, Elizabeth’s story is about impact. Whether through coding, mentoring, or building communities, she wanted to create solutions that helped people. She believed in the power of communication, trust, and commitment—not just in work, but in every aspect of life.  

Her advice to young people starting in tech? Start where you are. You don’t need all the answers to begin. Stay curious, keep exploring, and trust the process.

For Elizabeth, this is only the beginning. She doesn’t have everything figured out, and she’s okay with that. She’s learning as she goes—one project, one lesson, one community at a time. And if her journey so far is any indication, the best is yet to come.

Sparks of Innovation: How One Engineer Electrified His Dreams and Empowered a Community

In the heart of Ningi, a small town in Nigeria, a young boy’s fascination with how things worked began to take root. What started as simple childhood curiosity would later blossom into a lifelong passion for Electrical Engineering, shaping not only his career but also his mission to empower communities and redefine the electrical services industry. This is the story of a man who turned challenges into opportunities, using his skills and determination to light up lives—both literally and figuratively.  

His journey began during his university days, where he initially explored the world of fashion design and men’s wear under the banner of SBN Collection. However, it wasn’t long before his true calling—Electrical Engineering—took center stage. As a trained engineer, he saw an opportunity to merge his technical expertise with his entrepreneurial spirit. This marked the birth of General Electrical Contracts, a company dedicated to the sales and supply of electrical appliances. The name “SBN” was more than just an acronym; it was a reflection of his identity—Sulaiman Bala Ningi—a tribute to his roots and the place that shaped him.  

After earning his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, he joined the Rural Electrification Agency in Katsina State. It was here, as a junior engineer, that he identified a critical gap in the market. Engineers often struggled to procure the necessary tools and equipment for their projects. This realization sparked an idea: a business that could streamline the process of sourcing electrical appliances and provide reliable general contracts. With the seed money from his PTDF postgraduate scholarship, he took the leap and turned his vision into reality. Slowly but surely, the pieces began to fall into place.  

For him, education has always been the foundation of meaningful progress. Electrical Engineering, he often reflects, is one of the most demanding fields, requiring a deep reservoir of knowledge, continuous learning, and unwavering dedication. He attributes his success to the guidance of Allah and the solid educational foundation he received. Without these, he believes he would not have achieved half of what he has in such a short time.  

The driving force behind his entrepreneurial journey was the harsh reality of unemployment. Like many young graduates, he faced the daunting challenge of finding a job. But instead of succumbing to despair, he channeled his passion for Electrical Engineering into creating opportunities for himself and others. His vision was clear: to build a company known for its quality, honesty, and integrity.  

Today, his company, SBN General Electrical Ventures Ltd., operates on the principles of competency, merit, and experience. Every decision is guided by the company’s constitution and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. For him, integrity is non-negotiable, and he ensures that his business reflects this value in every aspect of its operations.  

His journey has not been without challenges. Yet, he firmly believes that every obstacle can be overcome through patience, hard work, learning from failures, and prayer. These values have been his compass, guiding him through difficult times and helping him emerge stronger.  

His ultimate goal is to establish SBN General Electrical Ventures Ltd. as a leader in the electrical and renewable energy sectors. His vision encompasses sales, supply, production, import and export, installation, and general contracts. He aspires to master the trade of electrical accessories, becoming a trusted wholesaler, retailer, and supplier of technical tools. Additionally, he aims to expand into renewable energy services, including solar electric systems, inverter systems, automatic voltage regulators, energy audits, load balancing, CCTV surveillance systems, and clean energy solutions. His dream is to contribute to the development of sustainable energy infrastructure, from generating stations to hydro and wind power plants.  

One of his proudest achievements is his involvement in the Lassa Isolation Center at ATBUTH, a project founded by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). This project stands as a testament to his commitment to using his skills for the greater good. While he remains modest about his accomplishments, he hints at even bigger projects on the horizon, promising exciting developments in the near future, insha Allah.  

His advice to young people is simple yet profound: invest in your integrity and build a strong, honest reputation. He emphasizes that reputation is everything and should be guarded with the same intensity as one’s life. For him, success is not just about financial gain but about making a meaningful impact and leaving a legacy of excellence.  

Through his journey, he has proven that with passion, education, and unwavering integrity, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. His story continues to inspire those who dare to dream and work tirelessly to achieve their goals.

From ATBU to Digital Innovation: The Inspiring Journey of Umar Saleh Siyi and Rocket Digital Agency

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.  

Umar Saleh Siyi's story is one of passion, perseverance, and digital transformation. A computer science graduate from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, where he's currently pursuing an MSc in Cybersecurity, Umar's journey into tech entrepreneurship began with a simple observation: many challenges in his community could be solved through technology. Born and raised in Bauchi with roots in Siyi village (Ganjuwa LGA) and the Dankofa family (Bauchi LGA), his educational foundation was laid at Fariah Foundation School before he embarked on his remarkable tech journey.  

What sets Umar apart is his insatiable curiosity. While studying computer science, he didn't limit himself to classroom knowledge. He taught himself web development, UI/UX design, and strategic communications, seeing how these skills could address real problems around him. This self-driven learning would later become the bedrock of his entrepreneurial success. By graduation, he had already transformed from a student into a solutions-driven tech professional.  

The birth of Rocket Digital Agency came from this problem-solving mindset. Together with co-founder Yusuf Habu, Umar envisioned a digital solutions provider that would help businesses thrive in the digital age. The name "Rocket" wasn't chosen by accident—it emerged after considering several options during an intense brainstorming session. "We wanted something that captured speed, growth, and limitless potential," Umar explains. "When we landed on 'Rocket,' we knew it perfectly represented our mission to propel businesses forward."  

Umar's professional journey has been anything but linear. From digital marketing and software development to political PR campaigns and government data initiatives, each experience contributed to shaping Rocket Digital Agency's unique approach. Even his unexpected involvement in student politics (Aluta) during his university days played a role, sharpening his leadership and negotiation skills in unexpected ways.  

The ATBU influence runs deep in Umar's approach to business. "The university didn't just teach me computer science," he reflects. "It instilled discipline, perseverance, and that 'can-do' spirit that defines how we operate at Rocket." This combination of technical expertise and problem-solving mentality allows the agency to create customized digital solutions rather than offering one-size-fits-all services.  

In Nigeria's competitive digital space, Rocket Digital Agency stands out through its blend of technical prowess, local market understanding, and commitment to client success. "We don't just execute projects; we transform our clients' digital ecosystems," Umar emphasizes. This client-centric philosophy has helped them overcome the inevitable challenges of building a startup in Nigeria's tough business environment.  

One project that particularly stands out in Rocket's portfolio is The Kaura Situation and Control Room Project during Nigeria's last elections. This high-pressure initiative demonstrated their ability to deliver real-time data solutions for crisis management, proving their capacity to handle complex, large-scale digital implementations.  

As for the future, Umar's vision is clear: establishing Rocket Digital Agency as Northern Nigeria's leading digital transformation partner while continuously developing innovative solutions to real-world problems. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? "Start now. Master your craft, focus on delivering value, and never stop learning. The digital world waits for no one."  

Through Umar's leadership, Rocket Digital Agency isn't just another tech company—it's a testament to how passion, when combined with skill and determination, can launch businesses (and clients) to incredible heights. Just like a rocket.