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  • Tech - News - Blockchain Technology
  • Updated: May 02, 2023

Story Of Oil And Gas Expert Turned Blockchain Evangelist

Story Of Oil And Gas Expert Turned Blockchain Evangelist

Block Chain

The transition from the oil and gas field to the blockchain sector can be quite exciting. Here, you would be looking forward to learning more about the technology as well as exploring the potential applications of blockchain in various industries.

Of course, there must be something from the oil and gas industry that will be quite beneficial in understanding blockchain potential. 

This must be the narrative of an oil and gas expert turned blockchain evangelist. Lucky Uwakwe Arisukwu’s journey from being an oil and gas professional, to becoming a leading Blockchain and Web3 evangelist in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, is a captivating tale of interest, dedication, and passion for emerging technologies.

Lucky's background was initially in the oil and gas sector, having studied petroleum technology and industrial chemistry in his Bachelor’s degree. 

Background And Discovering Blockchain

Lucky’s curiosity about Blockchain technology and Cryptocurrencies was piqued when news of Silk Road and Ross Ulbricht broke the Internet in 2013.

Uwakwe learned over time that the US government was auctioning Bitcoin, Lucky became increasingly curious, knowing that the government would only auction something if it has value.

 This period coincided with when he wanted a career change, and the love of emerging tech was the best way for him to go.

He became more dedicated and commenced sharing his knowledge with different people and communities in 2015. 

Lucky did further courses in the sector from institutions in the US and moved on to study at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, as part of the first batch of their Master’s Degree program in Blockchain Technology and Digital Currency.

Engaging and Reaching Out to Communities

The breakout of the Ponzi com Crypto scheme in 2016 swept Nigerians off their feet. 

As an industry leader, Lucky became concerned about how Blockchain and Crypto had become synonymous with Ponzi schemes.

He set out to dedicate a substantial part of his time and resources to teaching people that Crypto and Blockchain have no relationship with Ponzi schemes like MMM, OneCoin, and co.

That effort led to the Central Bank of Nigeria seeking Uwakwe's expertise from 2016 to 2017, to help demystify the distinction around Blockchain technology.  

Lucky became the Central Bank of Nigeria’s lead speaker from 2016 to 2017, travelling with them across Nigeria to educate the public about what was happening in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Jos. Lucky, points out a very influential factor in the genesis of building communities in Nigeria

"It is noteworthy to state that a vital community was formed by Mr Adeolu Fadele, who happened to be a Cryptographer by training and profession.

"We came together to build the first Blockchain community, known as Cryptography Development Initiatives of Nigeria (CDIN).

"It later had the Blockchain Industry Association of Nigeria (BIAN) as one of its arms.

"CDIN became the first body that gave a wave for all of us to come together as enthusiasts to put more effort around web3/ Blockchain.” 

Positioning Africa Not to be Left Behind

Lucky narrated how he went around Nigeria, and other parts of Africa, to facilitate Blockchain adoption without any incentive from brands or companies.

He happily promoted Blockchain brands and products like Bittrex, BitX – now LUNO, Metamask, and Local Bitcoin. 

“I paid for Halls, snacks and food, flight from one state to another, and countries, just to share the knowledge and our story in Africa at that time.

"And many more people have taken such an approach of giving back to the continent through one form or the other.

"With this mindset, it is hard for this technological advancement to leave such a continent behind.” 

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