Babalola
Ismael is an electrical and electronics graduate from Federal University of
Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. He recently launched Maeltra
technologies, an automation and security system startup that aims to 'secure
and keep track of vehicles.'
 |
| Maeltra Technologies, CEO, Babalola Ismael |
The
Akure-based automation and security system company 'Maeltra Technologies' plans
to invest in making quality electronic and automation devices available locally
and more affordable to users in the country.
In
this interview with Alli Abiola,
Ismael shares his thoughts on government policies and how it affects the
Nigeria security and automation industry amongst other issues.
Excerpts
ITSALLISAY: Tell us about yourself. Why the interest in automation and
electronics?
Babalola Ismael: I
am Babalola Ismael, an electrical and electronics engineering graduate from the
Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. My interest in automation
started as a hobby. So much of my childhood days were spent living with someone
who likes to create and make things work without supervision.
I
got attracted to electronics due to the way it is capable of doing wide range
of things, just with a physical little device. It was an amazement to behold
and I wanted to know more about its operations.
What will Maeltra technologies offer differently ?
As
I grew older, it became obvious that things that are necessities to enjoy life
to the fullest are only enjoyed by rich people. I decided in my own little
capacity to change the narrative. You know there are things that amazes people,
they want to acquire it but then their prices are either inflated or
substandard in cases where these devices maybe affordable.
 |
| Maeltra technologies, an automation and security system startup that aims to 'secure and keep track of vehicles.' |
Our
focus at Maeltra Technologies is to invest, such that we can create these
devices locally and affordable with a similar or better quality.
The economic impact of COVID-19 on the automation industry,
agricultural, and food supply cannot be over-emphasized. How do we solve the
issues?
In
every situation, there is always a boom, and the low, COVID-19 should open our
eyes to the world of automation, in fact, this moment should be a steep rise in
the stocks of automation companies. COVID-19 has made everyone to stay at home, in isolation, however, in more developed
countries where automated farming are being practiced, the effect of reduced
human resources is felt at a lower percentage compared to other
countries.
As
companies decide to make staff members work from home, automation has enabled
farming with internet of Things (IoT) that requires lessened human resources.
How developed is the Nigeria digital and automation technology
industry? Is it widely accepted?
Talking
of development, we have people worth the technicality but then we have an environment
that is a little toxic. So, it does not make it worthwhile, hence, making it
underdeveloped.
As
to the acceptability of the automation industry in Nigeria, as I have said
earlier, people are too attracted to what comes from other countries except
Nigeria. It takes a few convincing words to get people and its end-users to
accept it.
Even
at that, affordability is a big deciding factor for its acceptance.
How consistent are Government policies? Do you think they serve
purpose?
Government
policies are generally meant to help indigenous companies develop and
grow.
However,
in this part of the world where foreign instruments and devices are an attraction for everyone, government policies have not really been helpful in
protecting the startups trying to sprout in the country.
Where do you see Maeltra Technologies in 5 years?
In
everything you do, you must endeavour to pray and aim for the best. In 5 years,
I see the Maeltra technologies as not just 'an household item but as an
industrial and agricultural brand widely used and accepted all over the world.'
What is your advice to young people?
Young
people have to start from somewhere, somehow. Starting is not easy but keeping
up is more difficult. You have to pray. We have absolutely no knowledge of what
tomorrow holds.
Tomorrow
is brighter and it might just become perfect for us and it will make our
endeavours perfect.
Editing by 'Seyifunmi Adebote
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