Nigerian entrepreneur, Michael Okaredje has been endorsed as an Exceptional Talent in Digital Technology under the United Kingdom Government’s Global Talent Visa (GTV) scheme.
This is in recognition of his significant contribution to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of indigenous ride-hailing startup Pickmeup, as well as the potential impact his expertise could have on growing the United Kingdom’s digital economy.
On behalf of the UK Home Office, Tech Nation endorses applications for the Global Talent Visa in digital technology. This is in line with the British government’s plan to attract the brightest and best tech talent from around the world to the UK, with the hope of leveraging their cutting-edge expertise, creativity, and innovation to maintain the country’s position at the forefront of the global digital economy.
Michael Okaredje gets a three-year UK visa and residents’ permit with the Exceptional Talent endorsement. There’s also an option of becoming permanent residents and citizens in the UK after 3 years.
“I am thrilled with this endorsement, and more importantly, the opportunity to positively impact the digital economy of the United Kingdom,” Okaredje said.
A native of Warri, Delta State, Michael Okaredje holds a degree in Computer Science (B. Sc) from Ambrose Alli University. The serial entrepreneur has over 16 years of experience in IT solutions and currently sits on the board of one of the most successful constructions and energy companies in Nigeria’s south-south region.
In 2017, Michael Okaredje launched Pickmeup, driven by a desire to address the lack of ride-hailing services in his city and the sizable un-serviced market in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Similar to any of the popular ride-hailing apps, Pickmeup uses technology to provide drivers for people when they need to move around.
The platform lets users monitor their trips as well as complete payment on the app. After receiving the UK Govt’s endorsement, an expansion into the United Kingdom is on the cards for Pickmeup.
