Dr. Stephen Owoeye is a trailblazer in Africa’s ICT sector. As the CEO of Preciousgate Technologies Ltd., he is setting new standards for leadership and innovation across the continent. He is more than an entrepreneur. A visionary through and through, he is reshaping Africa’s technological and economic landscape. Dr. Owoeye hopes to leave behind a legacy of impactful empowerment and sustainable digital prosperity for Africa.
An Accountant Turned Entrepreneur Thriving in Tech Space
“My journey into technology and entrepreneurship wasn’t a sudden revelation,” Dr. Owoeye says. It was gradually shaped by his fascination with how digital tools could transform lives.
An accountant by training, Dr. Owoeye found himself drawn to the information and communication technology (ICT) field because of his daily work with computers about 25 years ago. While using accounting software, he became curious about IT systems, networking, and software applications. He also began observing the engineers and consultants in his office. “Before I knew it, I began to do it,” Dr. Owoeye recalls.
“As I grew in experience and expertise, I saw the nascent internet and emerging digital devices not just as tools, but as powerful equalizers,” he adds.
Dr. Owoeye gradually became involved in the IT sector as a consultant and business manager. This experience opened his eyes to the immense potential for bridging critical gaps in Africa’s technological landscape.
His entrepreneurial spark ignited when he realized that merely observing these possibilities was not enough. “I wanted to be a part of building solutions, not just consuming them,” Dr. Owoeye says. “This vision crystallized into Preciousgate Technologies (PGT) Ltd.” His aim was ambitious yet simple. He wanted to harness the power of cutting-edge technology and empower individuals, locals, and businesses in the private and public sectors.
Dr. Owoeye points out that PGT was born to provide the “precious gate” or pathway for organizations to navigate the complexities of digital transformation securely and effectively. “It was about creating a company that not only delivered exceptional technological services but also championed digital literacy and fostered local talent,” he adds.
“Your great pursuit and expectation in business determines your great realization.”
– Dr. Stephen Owoeye
About Preciousgate Technologies
PGT is a provider of high-quality end-to-end user technology, infrastructures, servers, networking, and storage, software applications, licensing and subscription, protective security solutions, and CCTV installation and management. The company’s core values are: Integrity, Dependability, Excellence, Adaptability, Sustainability, and Spontaneity. “They are the bedrock upon which PGT is built, shaping every decision, interaction, and value delivered,” Dr. Owoeye says. AS they operate in an industry where trust is paramount, they uphold the highest ethical standards in all their dealings. This creates a culture of trust, both internally and externally.
“Empowerment and growth define our internal culture,” Dr. Owoeye says. They nurture talent and provide opportunities for continuous learning, mentorship, and career advancement. Additionally, the company has a dedicated R&D team. They also invest in continuous training for their engineers and have created an environment where curiosity and experimentation are encouraged.
And Dr. Owoeye ensures that their solutions remain both innovative and accessible, maintaining a delicate balance. This is central to PGT’s mission. “Our innovation is always problem-driven,” Dr. Owoeye says. “We don’t adopt new technologies just because they are new, but because they offer a superior way to solve a client’s challenge or create new opportunities.”
The company maintains strong partnerships with leading global tech providers. This allows them to integrate cutting-edge capabilities into their local solutions.
A Breakthrough Moment
Early in their journey, Dr. Owoeye and his team experienced one of their most significant breakthroughs. He recalls bidding on a major digital transformation project for a government agency in Nigeria. It was an ambitious, high-stakes project with tight deadlines, and they were a relatively young company competing against established players. Despite all the odds stacked against them, they won the contract.
“The ‘breakthrough’ wasn’t just about winning the contract, though that was a monumental validation,” Dr. Owoeye points out. “It was the moment we specifically addressed the unique local challenges of varying internet penetration and the need for scalable, yet robust, security protocols.”
Dr. Owoeye and his team adopted an approach rooted in an understanding of the Nigerian context. In addition to that, they were committed to local talent development for implementation and support. Once this project was delivered successfully, it opened doors to more opportunities for Dr. Owoeye and his team. Their success also instilled in them an “unshakeable confidence.”
The project also solidified their reputation as a trusted, capable tech partner committed to solving problems. “It was a pivotal point that affirmed our unique value proposition and set us on a trajectory of impactful growth,” Dr. Owoeye says.
“Criticism is not a death sentence. It makes you better and not bitter.”
– Dr. Stephen Owoeye
Challenges and Solutions
Nigeria and Rwanda’s cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, primarily due to rapid digitalization. This has resulted in substantial challenges, such as sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks. Dr. Owoeye points out that they often target human vulnerabilities rather than technical ones.
The proliferation of ransomware and advanced persistent threats (APTs) is another significant challenge that they have to deal with. This disproportionately affects small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and even government entities with limited security budgets and expertise. According to Dr. Owoeye, data breaches, often stemming from misconfigurations, insider threats, or inadequate patching, are also a constant concern. It leads to reputational damage and financial losses. PGT is tackling these challenges with a multi-pronged, holistic approach. In addition to offering Managed Security Services (MSS), it focuses on Cybersecurity Awareness and Training programs, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), and other solutions.
“Our strategy isn’t just about tools,” Dr. Owoeye points out. “It is about building a robust, informed human firewall.”
“The music of business is changing, and your step or dance must change as well, otherwise, you will become odd. If you are not current with information, the present business changes will deform you.”
– Dr. Stephen Owoeye.
Proudest Achievement: Resilient Team Culture
Dr. Owoeye’s career is dotted with achievements and milestones. The completion of significant projects and the inking of major partnerships have been regular highlights of his entrepreneurship journey. “However, my proudest achievement isn’t a single event,” he points out, “but rather the cultivation of a thriving, resilient, and deeply committed team culture that has endured through our toughest challenges.”
When they were in the early growth phase, Dr. Owoeye and his team went through a turbulent period due to unforeseen economic headwinds and intense market competition. During this challenging time, they held regular, open forums, encouraged cross-functional collaboration, and celebrated small victories. Dr. Owoeye made sure that they were in it together. “The impact on the team was profound,” he says. “They not only survived the period but also emerged stronger, more cohesive, and incredibly innovative.”
That experience created an “unparalleled sense of loyalty,” and everyone began to believe in the power of collective capability. Dr. Owoeye points out that it reinforced the idea that success is not just about reaching a destination, but about the journey and the people one travels with.
“Seeing individuals grow into leaders, taking initiative and demonstrating remarkable resilience, truly fills me with immense pride,” he says. “This resilient team culture is, without a doubt, our greatest asset and my most cherished leadership achievement.”
Dr. Owoeye is more interested in others’ achievements than in his own.
A Leader’s Responsibilities and Leadership Style
As CEO, Dr. Owoeye coordinates all the company’s operations. He manages a team of directors who report to him. He makes sure they effectively carry out their responsibilities. In addition to that, he builds strategic business connections, identifies new opportunities, meets people, allocates resources, and provides capital injections to support the organization’s growth.
And Dr. Owoeye makes sure that the company’s corporate goal and the corporate target are being achieved. “Since the inception of the company, we have been exceeding our targets,” he points out.
Dr. Owoeye’s leadership style aligns with that of servant leaders. From his experience, he has learned that leaders must see themselves as servant to other people. So, he enables his team to thrive, make autonomous decisions, and unleash their full potential. He explains that these values “collectively cultivate a dynamic, collaborative, and resilient environment where everyone is inspired to contribute their best and where our collective efforts translate into meaningful impact.”
Humility, integrity, and transparency are the hallmarks of Dr. Owoeye’s leadership. He firmly believes that all these traits make a leader successful. “I have seen that, thus I have adopted them, and they have worked for me,” Dr. Owoeye says.
“And a leader must be a visionary leader,” he adds. “Anyone who wants to succeed in leadership must see beyond his colleagues and his followers. They must always be ahead of them, but still bring everyone along.” And he always appreciates his team and acknowledges their efforts.
The Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a balance between professional life and personal life is a journey and not a destination, according to Dr. Owoeye. He has found it to be challenging at times. “It requires intentionality and discipline,” he says.
Dr. Owoeye strives to maintain a work-life balance by following three rules: strategic delegation, ruthless prioritization, and disciplined self-care. He has built an “exceptional leadership team” that he trusts implicitly. Dr. Owoeye has empowered them to take ownership of their respective domains, while he focuses on high-level strategy, vision casting, and mentorship. This frees up his time as well as ensures the team’s growth and strengthens the organization’s resilience.
As Dr. Owoeye leads a company on a rapid growth trajectory, the tasks to do are often endless. But he has learned to distinguish between urgent and important. He also says “no” to things that do not align with their strategic objectives or his personal well-being.
Dr. Owoeye does not view his personal well-being as a luxury. He sees it as a critical component of his effective leadership. “My spiritual life, personal care, exercising, connecting with my personal support system of mentors, peers, and family – all these are non-negotiable,” he says.
African Tech Leaders Shaping Global Digital Economy
Africa is no longer just a consumer market. Dr. Owoeye notes that it is rapidly becoming a “powerhouse of innovation” and a “source of unique solutions” to global challenges.
The continent has the youngest and fastest-growing population. This demographic dividend is playing a key role in fueling entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Dr. Owoeye believes that African tech leaders are “uniquely positioned” to leverage this dynamism, which leads to fresh perspectives and innovative models that are often born out of necessity and resourcefulness.
And Dr. Owoeye expects African leaders to close the digital divide on the continent. Along with that, he is confident that they will increasingly export scalable, adaptable solutions to other emerging markets and even developed nations.
Africa has demonstrated remarkable innovation in areas such as mobile-first solutions, fintech, agri-tech, health-tech, and sustainable energy tech. Dr. Owoeye points out that they have the potential to become blueprints for global applications. “Furthermore, as the world grapples with issues like climate change and sustainable development, African tech leaders, with their inherent understanding of resource optimization and community-led innovation, will offer invaluable insights and technologies,” according to Dr. Owoeye.
“We are poised to shift from being recipients of technology to being significant contributors and co-architects of the global digital future,” he adds.
“In the business world, the only thing permanent is change and at the point of change many people become a dropout”
– Dr. Stephen Owoeye
Vision and Legacy
Over the next five years, Dr. Owoeye envisions Preciousgate Technologies as the leading catalyst for secure and intelligent digital transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa. He expects it to be recognized for both technological prowess and commitment to human development.
Additionally, he intends to significantly expand the footprint of PGT in strategic markets outside Nigeria and Rwanda. He hopes to see it become the go-to partner for cloud adoption, advanced cybersecurity solutions, and AI-driven insights for enterprises, governments, and critical infrastructure providers.
Dr. Owoeye has already defined his company’s lasting legacy. “My vision for PGT’s legacy is multi-faceted,” he says. It is about empowering millions through technology, fostering a new generation of African tech enthusiasts, and contributing to the continent’s digital sovereignty.”
“It’s about being recognized not just for what we built, but for who we helped build,” he adds.
Dr. Owoeye explains that he hopes to create a legacy of being a trusted partner in Africa’s digital narrative. They want to show the world that world-class innovation and ethical leadership can originate from within the continent. Dr. Owoeye says that this will leave behind a more secure, connected, and prosperous digital landscape for generations to come.
“You can not claim to be excellent if what you knew yesterday or last year is what you are still working with today.”
– Dr. Stephen Owoeye
Advice for Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs
Dr. Owoeye advises aspiring black entrepreneurs to identify pressing issues in their community and tailor solutions to them. “You should look to solve real, local problems,” he says. “Local relevance can lead to global potential.” He also encourages them to build a strong, diverse team with complementary skills and shared passion.
Dr. Owoeye also underscores the importance of learning from failure. He wants aspiring entrepreneurs to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and iteration. In addition to that, he tells them to leverage Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem and network relentlessly to build authentic relationships with mentors, leaders, partners, and investors.
“From the outset, you should focus on scalability and sustainability, considering how your solution can grow and remain viable long-term, encompassing financial, environmental, and social aspects,” Dr. Owoeye urges aspiring entrepreneurs.
“And never stop learning to keep pace with evolving technology and commit to continuous development,” he adds.
“What makes people fail is their inability to respond to the change that occurred. Progress and breakthrough in business comes from our response to change.”
– Dr. Stephen Owoeye
