“…I was called suddenly to lead a congregational prayer, being an introvert, I was timid and I couldn’t open my mouth but the result of the prayer ministration was what set me on high...” Seraph Oluwaseun Babatunde.
Scriptures is intentional and explicit when it stated that we should be a savouring salt and shining light in this world. The salt means for everyone to have a taste of the inner deposit of God in us and the light to shine in ‘every’ part of the world. People hardly do without salt, and definitely we can’t survive in darkness, there is the need for light!
Here at Seraph of the week segment, we have celebrated Seraphs from different walks of life and calling, and today we are celebrating our very own baba-tech, Seraph Oluwaseun Babatunde, alias Vertical , a media and technology personage.
Seraph Oluwaseun Babatunde is the CEO of Vertical Interactive Solutions Ltd. a software, web development company and digital services provider. He is a Senior Instructor at Vertical Hub. He is a software engineer, an entrepreneur, a writer and innovator at StackPreneur, a speaker, tech enthusiast, motivator and lover of God.
In an exclusive chat with our correspondent, Seraph Oluwaseun took us through the hurdles of him breaking through, disclosing he has always had a penchant for technology.
“I have always liked playing with gadgets when I was young and I’m not always patient to get things done though I didn’t have any privilege of having a computer around. When I finished secondary school and I saw a young lady pressing something and at the same time listening to music. I knew it was not a tv nor a radio, so I asked what it was and I was told it is a desktop computer. I had heard of computer but I had not seen it physically, so, on the same spot, I made a decision that I’m going to know and operate that thing.
I did some bricklaying jobs and I got myself enrolled at a computer training center. After that, in 3 months, I became an instructor in that same center. After my training, I got a job at an IT company and I was working on graphic designs and business development then. So, After that, I applied to Ekiti State University (then UNAD) and the only course I chose twice was Computer Science but unfortunately, I was not given admission. I applied to FUTA too to study Computer Science, but my 0’Level result do me bad. So, I finally got admission in Adekunle Ajasin University to study computer science.
Well, the unfortunate thing was that, after leaving university, I didn’t see myself as a developer. So, during my NYSC, I started developing myself, reading, watching videos and it was that time in that bush I built my first website which our customers know as VerticalSMS. So, since then, I have been developing things while I learn on my own. Up till, now, I’m still learning.”
He further disclosed how the compound name ‘Vertical’ which he describes as a ‘Zero-One’ progression, became a reality,
“Hahahah! That is a deep question. I have always wanted to have a company and create jobs. So, even when I did not know how a company works, I have generated lots of company names like Boot Technology, Innovative Minds Technology etc. But when the time came to finally start a business and I needed a real name this time. I had to start thinking and praying.
So, that time, I read a book, ‘Zero-One’ by Peter Thiel. In that book, he was describing creativity as going from zero-one which is usually creating something from nothing. And he describes this journey as a Vertical move. Apart from that interpretation, I also got a personal understanding that, Vertical is going up in a progressive fashion, hence, the name Vertical Interactive Solutions. And some of our products have always carry the word Vertical”, revealed Seraph Oluwaseun Babatunde.
One of the passionate dream of Seraph Oluwaseun is to give people reason to live well and make the world a better place make the world and this he does by contributing his quota through @thinkseun,
“Every year, I always have a dedicated time where I give free my professional services. I called this initiative @thinkseun. I have always wanted to give out even the little things I know for others to benefit from. So, this is my own little way of giving back to the society. We give scholarships for children to want to learn coding at our hub and also give discount for as many that wants to be driven by technology. The only way I think I can contribute my own quota is to empower more than one which will in turn empower more if the chain continue like that. We have bookings already and some classes taken already. Nevertheless, if there is any youth gathering coming up and they want to take the opportunity on this platform, we will still consider such event. All what they need to do is register here bit.ly/thinkseun”.
One notable thing about Seraph Oluwaseun is his zeal for creativity, seeing possibilities even when others aren’t seeing it and always taking a bold step even when the road isn’t smooth. Relating the nature of business, Seraph Oluwaseun points out that one of the factor that keeps a business going is being resolute even in the face of unfavourable tides,
“Every business has its own downtime at every stage. I remember when we wanted to register the company and CAC keeps rejecting the name. You know we have a name which must reflect Vertical. So we have to keep refining the name until we come up with the name we use presently. If not for determination, we wouldn’t have been where we are. The days business will not click and proposal will be rejected. So, determination is key”.
According to him, self discovery is key for anyone that wants to create a landmark in any field. Get to know who you are, and be who you are!
“It is just knowing more about more myself and what I’m capable of doing. I’m a shy and reserved person but when I have the opportunity to display my God’s given gifts, they find expressions themselves. Before I could hardly speak to one or two people but knowing more about what I can do, I was able to overcome that limitation. So, I think the sudden change as you put it is all about self discovery”.
He appreciates the effort of the Seraph youths for taking advantage of technology and encourages them to delve more into it for the advancement of the Gospel, then for the fold,
“The future will be better. You see, the future of Church is not in the four walls or in the street. Technology is advancing everyday and what I appreciate in this youths of C&S of this day is that, they are evolving with it. We now have a platform like Acts of Seraphs which is powered by technology. So, if the youths can develop more skills, the church will be well placed globally in the nearest future.
Develop more technical skills and involve in deep researches that can better the world and enhance the gospel of Christ. The time we spend on mountains need to reduce and get back to developing skills. When I saw the C&S Hymns on Playstore, I was so amazed and I loved it. Those are the kinds of things we should be having in C&S now. Building solutions, empires, businesses, capacity and making the world a better place. The gifts God gave us in C&S is not limited to trance or prophesying but also in thinking deep of a solutions to the world problems. The same gifts work for them all”, pointed out Seraph Oluwaseun.
Aside being a business man, the graduate of Computer Science from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko is a lover of God. He is as much a vibrant Seraph as he is an entrepreneur creating the impact of being a ‘light’ wherever he is. He served as the Levite Coordinator at Unification AAUA where he learnt leadership, he was also served as the treasurer at same fellowship. He is the Head of Media Team at Spirit Life C&S Ibadan where he presently fellowship. Through the @ThinkSeun outreach, he has been able to attend some C&S youths gathering where he speaks to youths on how IT will transform their lives positively and make them globally relevant.
June born, he likes intelligence and frowns at mind manipulation. His best C&S Hymn is ‘Mo ti ni Jesu lore’, while his most cherised Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11. His most memorable event was the day he was suddenly called to lead a congregational prayer, “being an introvert, I was timid and I couldn’t open my mouth but the result of the prayer ministration was what set me on high”.
Seraph Oluwaseun Babatunde is our Seraph of the week for this publication, he is a shining light, may he shine more. Follow us on our social media platforms, you might be the next to receive a pleasant call from us.
Seraph Tosin Akinsanmi is an entrepreneur and is into Fashion design. She loves Writing, Reading, Singing. Favourite Hymn: 444 – Aigbagbo bila! temi l’Oluwa
