The Obiex Block: I Abandoned Politics to Become a Front-End Developer

Godwin Adejo is a web3 front-end developer. In this episode of The Obiex Block, he speaks to us about how he got into tech because it had more financial advantages, his opposition to saving money in traditional banks, and his belief that “packaging” would save you from unnecessary negotiations in your career.

Let’s get to know you! Please introduce yourself.

My name is Godwin Adejo.

Hi Godwin. It’s great to have you here. Let’s just dive into it, shall we?

Of course!

So, what do you do for a living?

I’m a web3 front-end developer. I create user interfaces for decentralised applications (DApps) that operate on blockchain technology.

Whoa, front-end development. Sounds like a cool job.

It is. I find it interesting.

Did you choose it because it was interesting or because it had great monetary potential?

Ah, I see what you did there. Well, to be honest, it was the money that first attracted me. During my second year of studying Political Science at the University of Nigeria, I started looking for a side hustle that would give me extra cash. I met this guy who had an academy that ran masterclasses in different tech areas. I asked him which tech career would give me more money, and the rest was history.

So he told you that front-end development would set you up there?

That, among others. But I chose front-end development because I liked the trajectory. Creating websites and apps? I thought, “Now, that’s some really cool stuff.”

No more political science, then?

Who political science help? I just finished the bachelor’s degree as a formality.

Then, you went on to fully start working in the blockchain and web3 space. Why did you decide to choose this particular field?

I mean, why not? Web1 and Web2 are old news. They are becoming stale, and the world is advancing toward Web3. If you want to stay ahead of your game, advance with the world. Moreover, Web3 and blockchain are really cool and innovative fields to get into. It also means more money (laughs).

You and your money! We’ll talk about that soon.

What I want to know now is if you have any views on cryptocurrency. I mean, being an active player in web3 and blockchain, you must have some. Do you care to share?

The world is moving toward crypto the way it is advancing to web3. I don’t think I have any friends who save money with traditional banks anymore. Even I don’t do that. Digital assets are the way forward. True, some people may say that it is risky and that many people won’t buy into it, but numerous crypto exchanges are getting thousands of new customers every week. Dey play.

What about blockchain? What do you understand by it?

Blockchain is like a big digital book with a network of endless computers that record transactions and smart contracts, which we call blocks, in a decentralised system that is not controlled by any one person. When someone carries out a transaction, it’s automatically recorded, and this system can record millions of different actions at a go. At least, that’s how I understand it.

I think you understand it quite well. Have you ever had to give a full lecture on crypto, blockchain, or web3 just because you told someone where you worked?

I think everyone who works in blockchain and web3 has been questioned about these things at some point in their career. I’d say it’s in the job description.

I know, right? It’s inevitable. Just like how people still ask us writers if writing is a real job. Or if it gives enough money.

Exactly. Some of these things come with the job.

Either way, we always end up giving them a lecture, right?

At least, they would leave with new information.

Right. Besides this, what kinds of advice have you received since you began your career? Tell us the best and worst ones.

I think I have already hinted at the best one. Keep evolving with the environment around you. That’s how you stay relevant as a developer.

As for the worst one, a friend of mine advised me to leave “all these tech bro things” and go into politics, that I would make it big there, especially since I studied political science. The way I unfriended him!

Politics? That is hilarious!

Politics, in this Nigeria. God forbid.

I’m with you on that one.

So, you talked about being invested in digital assets. Could you tell us the biggest money move you have ever made in crypto?

I once invested the money I got from a contract into crypto. Within a year, the money I generated almost made me faint. I cashed it out immediately, leaving some capital behind, and went on a lifestyle reformation journey.

Lifestyle reformation. I like that! And how has this present lifestyle influenced your financial habits?

If you look like money, you will get more money. With the way I package myself now, there are some types of budget you can’t bring to me. Also, when I present my budget to you, you can’t look down on me. It’s either you can afford the budget, or you leave. No senseless negotiations. Emphasis on “senseless”, not “negotiations”.

And that is what you call “Professional Class”!

Period! That’s how GenZs say it, right?

Yeah. Now, for our final question.

What do you find most exciting about your job?

It has a lot of flexibility and innovative opportunities. Today, it might be cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. Tomorrow, it will be a whole new series of amazing things. The wonders of blockchain and web3 are unlimited, and that is why I love working in the field.

That is amazing, Godwin. I can’t wait to see the cool decentralised apps you will come up with in the future.

Fingers crossed.

Thank you for being on the Obiex Block. I wish you the best of luck.

Thank you!