The death has been announced of renowned entrepreneur and industrialist, Engr. Mrs. Florence O. Seriki, MFR, FNSE, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Omatek Ventures Plc.
Seriki was reported to have died on Saturday, March 4, 2017, after a brief illness. She was widely recognised for her contributions to Nigeria’s information and communications technology industry and the development of local computer manufacturing.
Seriki founded Omatek Ventures Plc about 24 years before her death and built the company into a prominent player in the West African technology sector. She was credited with establishing computer manufacturing operations in Nigeria and Ghana.
She also served as a Non-Executive Director of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc from October 1, 2009, bringing her experience in business development and industrial management to the company’s board.
A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Seriki was a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers and Nigerian Computer Society. She was also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
Her contribution to national development earned her the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), one of Nigeria’s national honours.
Under her leadership, Omatek Computers Limited became the first African company to win the Microsoft Best Systems Builders Award in 2005 for the Central, West and East African region, according to profiles of her career.
Seriki was often described in the Nigerian technology sector as a leading female entrepreneur. Her work at Omatek focused strongly on local content, technology transfer, skills development and the expansion of opportunities for young Nigerians in the ICT industry.
Her company also developed relationships with universities and other institutions through research and development initiatives. Omatek Resource Centres were established in several higher institutions to provide students with practical exposure to technology.
Seriki was also associated with government technology initiatives. Omatek supplied computer-related products under government programmes aimed at expanding access to computers among Nigerian civil servants and citizens.
The company was similarly involved in technology supply initiatives in Ghana.
Beyond her business activities, Seriki held several positions in professional and public-sector organisations.
She served as chairperson of the Electronics and Telecommunications Group of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Nigerian National Information Technology Advisory Committee.
She was also a member of the Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, and served at different times as President of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN).
Seriki was further involved in presidential committees, including a committee on port reforms tasked with improving the efficiency of customs clearance and reducing delays in the movement of goods.
Her career earned her numerous professional and business awards, including the Woman of the Year Award, Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Life Time Achievement Award for Revolutionising IT in Nigeria, Distinguished Alumni Award from Obafemi Awolowo University Alumni Association and Legend of Technology recognition.
Other honours attributed to her included the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Excellence in Enterprise Award, Best IT Woman of the Year, Professional Fellowship Award of the Nigerian Computer Society and various recognitions for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Seriki was also inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Faculty of Technology at Obafemi Awolowo University in recognition of her achievements in the technology sector.
A mother of three, Seriki combined her entrepreneurial career with family responsibilities and remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s technology and business circles until her death at the age of 55.
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