Olanrewaju Olukoya Odumuwagun has been awarded the prestigious Data Innovation Excellence Award at the 2023 Dratech International Innovation Awards, recognizing his outstanding contributions to data science, risk analytics, and transformative financial solutions. The award celebrates his role in driving smarter decision-making in global finance through original thinking and data-driven leadership.
Presented by Dratech International, the award is given to Africans who are redefining their industries with innovation, integrity, and impact. Olanrewaju stood out for his groundbreaking work in building population migration models for non-performing loans, automating critical reporting frameworks, and publishing advanced research that bridges theory and practice.
“Your work continues to inspire and drive transformative impact across global environmental and urban development sectors,” said Dr. Timothy Okeke, Chairman of the Dratech Award Committee. “We are proud to honor your leadership in risk modeling and your dedication to building systems that respond to real-world financial challenges.”
A native of Lagos, Nigeria, Olanrewaju’s journey into data innovation began with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Babcock University. He is currently enrolled in a Master’s degree in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics at Western Illinois University in the United States. This strong academic foundation prepared him to take on critical roles at Deloitte & Touché, NSL Capital Partners, and OOM Professional Services, where he evolved from auditing to risk management and data modeling.
Speaking about the honor, Olanrewaju said, “These awards are humbling, but they remind me that every solution built, every model created, must have people at its heart. Data should never just sit in reports. It should drive action and improve lives.”
As a Senior Risk Management Associate today, he develops high-impact strategies in the mortgage servicing space, shaping how major institutions handle delinquency forecasting, automation, and compliance. His technical command of tools like Python, R, SAS, and SQL, along with certifications such as ACA and FMVA, places him among the continent’s most respected financial data experts.
Beyond technical expertise, Olanrewaju is a passionate mentor to young African professionals navigating early careers in analytics and finance. “Being Nigerian taught me to persist and adapt. It taught me to find solutions even when the tools aren’t obvious,” he shared. “I carry that mindset with pride wherever I go, and I try to pass it on to others.”
Dratech International described his recognition as a testament to Africans who are reshaping the global innovation narrative. The plaque he received reads, “In recognition of your outstanding contributions to data innovation and transformative risk analytics, driving smarter decisions in the global financial sector.”
From Lagos to Illinois and beyond, Olanrewaju’s journey is one of skill, service, and substance. His recognition is not just a celebration of personal excellence, but a signal to rising African talents that the future of global finance can be shaped by voices rooted in homegrown brilliance.
