Abraham (Arome) Onoja is more than just a coder, he’s a passionate builder, tackling real-world challenges with both Spheron’s talent platform and his decentralized payroll system, Arnen Depay. In this quick chat, we will delve into his world: from early tinkering to his vision for a blockchain-powered future, and everything in between. Let us explore the mind of this talented engineer and discover how he’s using technology to shape the world of tomorrow together.

What do you do in simple terms?

Imagine a giant digital puzzle, but instead of pieces, it’s made of blocks of code connected specially. That’s what blockchain is. My job as a blockchain engineer is to build things on top of this foundation, using code to create secure and transparent systems. Think of it like building for the future, but way cooler and with real-world impact.

At Spheron, I help design, implement, and support a distributed blockchain-based network. I am responsible for analyzing requirements, designing blockchain technology around a business model, and building and launching of a blockchain network. With Arnen Depay, I’m working on a system that gives workers more control over their finances, cutting out the middleman and putting power back in their hands. It’s all about using this cool technology to solve problems and make a difference.
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Is Blockchain Engineering a career you decided to go into or did you stumble onto it?

I wasn’t exactly planning to be a “blockchain engineer” back then. Tech was always my thing, growing and building with anything I could get my hands on. But then I stumbled upon this idea of a super secure, transparent digital record-keeper – blockchain. It blew my mind! Here was tech with the potential to change the way we do things, from money to voting. I had to be a part of it. So, I dove in, learning everything I could, and well, here I am! It wasn’t a straight path, but that curiosity about how things work and the chance to build something impactful kept me going. And to be sincere, it’s been one heck of a ride!

Are there any differences between Blockchain Engineering and Software Engineering, or are the terms interchangeable?

Both blockchain and software engineering involve coding and building things, but they’re like cousins, not twins. Here’s the difference:

Software engineers are those who create all sorts of cool apps and programs we use daily. They use different tools and languages depending on the project. On the other hand, we as Blockchain Engineers specialize in this specific technology called blockchain, like the secure digital record-keeper I mentioned earlier. We use languages like Solidity and Rust to build things on top of this foundation, focusing on security and transparency.

So, while we share some skills, we have an extra layer of expertise in this unique technology and its possibilities. It’s like learning a new dialect within the language of coding.

Is there a learning curve to accommodate Blockchain Engineering?

What are the specific courses people need to take?

Blockchain engineering is like learning a whole new tech language. It is a climb. But the resources are out there – free courses, online communities, a treasure trove of knowledge. Start with coding basics like Python and JavaScript, then dive into blockchain-specific languages like Solidity and Rust.
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Most importantly, get your hands dirty. Build small projects, join hackathons, and contribute to open-source projects. It’s a steep learning curve, but the view from the top – building impactful things with this revolutionary tech – is incredible. Remember, passion and a never-ending learning spirit are your keys to unlocking the potential of blockchain engineering.

What challenges do you face as a techie in Nigeria?

As a blockchain engineer in Nigeria, let me tell you, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Imagine building groundbreaking tech while battling unreliable internet and power cuts – feels like the game’s rigged against you from the start. Then there’s the funding hurdle. Convincing investors to back your vision, especially in a cutting-edge field like blockchain, can be like trying to sell a flying car in the Stone Age.

But we as Nigerians are known for our hustle. We don’t back down from a challenge! We get creative, find workarounds, and turn those obstacles into stepping stones. The lack of readily available talent in specific areas like blockchain just fuels my drive to learn and grow. Every solved problem, every project launched, feels like a rare gem caught after hours of searching.

Sure, it’s not easy, but the journey is exciting. We have vibrant online communities, access to a wealth of resources, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge that keeps the innovation engine roaring. It’s all about using our resourcefulness and pushing boundaries, even when the odds seem stacked. We might be playing in hard mode, but trust me, the rewards are worth it.
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Do you have any advice for other Techies?

Don’t just code, ignite your passion. Find that tech spark, whether it’s building killer apps or solving real-world problems. That fire will fuel your journey even when debugging feels like deciphering ancient texts. Also, forget fancy tools, and master the basics. Python and JavaScript are your coding foundation. Don’t chase trends, these core skills will stand the test of time, no matter what tech wave crashes in.

Lastly, embrace the learn-forever life. Tech is a marathon, not a sprint. Treat online courses, hackathons, and open-source projects as your training grounds. Keep learning and growing, even when your brain feels like it’s fried.
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