Nigeria’s tech community is in mourning following the untimely death of Abiola Elijah Olaniran, the visionary founder of Gamsole and one of Africa’s pioneering figures in mobile gaming and angel investing.
Olaniran passed away on July 16, 2025, at the age of 36, sparking a wave of heartfelt tributes from across the continent and beyond.
A Nation Mourns a Tech Visionary
The news of his passing has reverberated through Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Industry leaders, public officials, and fellow entrepreneurs have praised Olaniran not just for his groundbreaking work, but for the humility, generosity, and passion he brought to Africa’s tech renaissance.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, paid tribute to Olaniran, writing:
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Abiola Olaniran. Abiola was a rare talent, visionary, humble, and committed to using technology to solve real problems. Nigeria has lost one of its finest minds in the tech space far too soon.”
A leading tech media outlet, Techpoint Africa, which Olaniran supported early in its journey, noted:
“Abiola Olaniran was Techpoint Africa’s first angel investor. He believed in our mission and supported us quietly, with kindness, before anyone else did.”
Others echoed the sentiment. Nairametrics described him as:
“A leading voice in Africa’s mobile gaming revolution and an early backer of the continent’s digital media startups… A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and a skilled Unity3D developer, Olaniran gained early acclaim after representing Nigeria in the Microsoft Imagine Cup in 2010, an achievement that would lay the foundation for his future success.”
Former colleagues and peers took to platforms like Nairaland to remember his kindness and brilliance:
“Abiola Olaniran, the soft‑spoken software engineer who turned a campus coding hobby into one of Africa’s best‑known mobile-gaming brands.”
Who Was Abiola Olaniran?
Born in 1989, Abiola Olaniran was a trailblazing Nigerian software engineer and tech entrepreneur whose work reshaped Africa’s mobile gaming landscape. His rise to prominence began in 2010 when he became a finalist in the prestigious Microsoft Imagine Cup, representing Nigeria on the global stage.
In 2012, Olaniran founded Gamsole, a Lagos-based mobile gaming studio that went on to achieve over 10 million downloads by 2015 across platforms such as Windows Phone, Android, and feature phones, at a time when African representation in global app stores was scarce.
His best-known titles included Gidi Run, developed in collaboration with telecom giant MTN, as well as Monster Ninja, Sweet Candy, and Temple Run-inspired games. These creations not only captivated audiences but also demonstrated that African developers could build globally relevant digital content.
His achievements did not go unnoticed. In 2015, he was named among Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, and in 2016, he was listed among the 30 Most Promising Young African Entrepreneurs, further cementing his reputation as a pioneer in African tech.
A Legacy of Quiet Impact
Olaniran’s contributions extended far beyond game development. As an angel investor and mentor, he played a behind-the-scenes role in nurturing a new generation of African entrepreneurs.
His support was not limited to capital, he offered time, advice, and quiet encouragement, often away from the spotlight.
Between 2020 and 2022, he served as Chief Technology Officer at eLimu, a Kenyan EdTech company, where he applied game design principles to enhance digital learning. His work there exemplified his commitment to using technology to drive social impact.
With a career defined by innovation, integrity, and an unwavering belief in Africa’s potential, Olaniran leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come.
He inspired millions through his games, empowered dozens of startups through mentorship and investment, and proved that African talent belongs on the global tech stage.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing remains clear: Abiola Olaniran was not just a game developer, he was a game changer.
Tributes to the late Abiola Olaniran
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, wrote:
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Abiola Olaniran. Abiola was a rare talent — visionary, humble, and committed to using technology to solve real problems. I have a fond memory of working closely with him when we acquired eLimu World and repositioned it as a leading EdTech content developer. His quiet brilliance and dedication left a lasting mark on everything he touched. Nigeria has lost one of its finest minds in the tech space far too soon.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Rest well, Abiola. Your impact will not be forgotten.”
Amrote Abdella, AWS EMEA Leadership said:
“Very sad to learn of the passing of Abiola Olaniran! He was a visionary who didn’t stop innovating, building and paving the way for many others who followed his path in Nigeria and Africa. May he rest in peace!”
Silicon Africa mourned with the tech communities across the continent as follows:
“The African tech ecosystem is in mourning following the untimely passing of Abiola Olaniran… Known for his soft‑spoken nature, Olaniran was a monumental figure whose work transformed a personal coding hobby into one of Africa’s most recognized mobile‑gaming brands…
One of Abiola’s associates, Adewole Yusuf, Founder and CEO of Techpoint Africa expressed:
“By early 2015, Gamsole had achieved a phenomenal milestone, crossing 10 million downloads across Windows Phone, Android, and even feature‑phone app stores…
“His legacy is not just in the millions of downloads but in his pioneering vision that built a globally respected company from the ground up. He demonstrated that world‑class tech products could emerge from Africa, paving the way for countless others.”
“My brother, my friend, ‘Olorinla’ (Big Head, as we jokingly call each other). I have been sad since the day I heard about this. I didn’t want to believe, but God knows best.
“You encouraged me to start as an entrepreneur and gave me my first angel cheque. I remembered where we sat at the Eko Hotel when I came up with the name Techpoint, and you registered the domain immediately.
“You gave me the most crucial advice in entrepreneurship: ‘Don’t die,’ but you did, Abiola.
“I remember our last in-person time together in Kigali, touring the city, and discussing how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go.
“We still have unfulfilled dreams, but I’ll move on and continue to push forward.
“Rest well, my brother, rest on. You’re missed! Abiola Olaniran.”
Note, this page is being updated as Techparley gathers more tribute notes form mourners.
