Olusola Adenuga
Founder, Olla Foundation
A trailblazer in Nigeria's ICT sectorA respected leader in Nigeria's ICT industry with over two decades of experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and leadership.
From Banking CIO to Technology Entrepreneur
Olusola Adenuga is a successful information technology (IT) entrepreneur and consultant with over two decades of experience in Nigeria's banking sector, where she rose to serve as Chief Information Officer (CIO) in several banks. Her career in banking shaped her deep understanding of how technology can solve complex operational and financial challenges, having overseen the development of mission-critical systems for core banking functions long before cloud solutions became mainstream.
In 2007, driven by a desire to build Africa-focused technology infrastructure, she founded Olla Systems, which has since grown into one of the continent's leading Oracle partners, delivering large-scale digital transformation projects across financial services, telecommunications, and enterprise organizations in Nigeria and the UAE. Her forward-looking vision is today reflected in OllaCloud, a secure and scalable cloud platform designed specifically for Africa's data residency, security, and AI-readiness needs.
A Commitment to Inclusion
Her commitment to technology is matched by an equally strong commitment to inclusion. After decades of building enterprise systems, she became increasingly aware of the systemic barriers limiting young women from entering and thriving in technology. This understanding formed the "why" behind the Olla Foundation, which she registered in 2019 with the intention of launching it during her 60th birthday year, though full implementation began in 2025 with a successful pilot in Redeemer's University and Covenant University.
The foundation exists to empower the next generation of female tech leaders by providing comprehensive scholarships to beneficiaries. Beyond financial aid, she created a structured mentorship program called CodeBloom, pairing each beneficiary with industry professionals who guide them through technical learning, soft skills, and career navigation. Through this blend of access, mentorship, and opportunity, she is working to build a strong, future-ready pipeline of female technology leaders equipped to drive Africa's digital transformation.
"I know what it feels like to be underestimated... The Olla Foundation is my commitment to ensuring that no brilliant young woman has to abandon her dreams in ICT because of financial barriers or lack of mentorship. Every scholarship awarded is an investment in Nigeria's future."
Her Leadership Philosophy
Mentorship as Transformation
A core belief that guidance from a seasoned professional is life-changing.
Investment in Potential
Seeing each scholarship not as charity, but as a strategic investment in Nigeria's future.
Holistic Empowerment
Going beyond finance to build confidence, networks, and critical soft skills.
Systems Thinking
A focus on addressing the root causes of the gender gap, not just the symptoms.