“I WALKED AGAIN, THEN BUILT A TECH EMPIRE”: HOW A MIRACLE LED JOSHUA AJALA INTO TECH
Written by Praise Afolabi on 12th May 2025
The tech industry loves origin stories. The college dropout building apps in a garage, the self-taught coder breaking into FAANG. But Olufemi Joshua Ajala’s path to becoming an IT consultant and founder of Act4Services Limited might be the most remarkable tech origin story you’ll ever hear.
While most know Joshua as a cybersecurity expert with 12 years of experience specialising in AI security and compliance frameworks, few realise his tech journey began in a most unexpected place: a hospital rehabilitation center where he first discovered the power of technology to transform lives.
A SPARK THAT NEVER DIED
Olufemi Joshua Ajala’s entrance into tech was remarkable. A near-death experience, a simple prayer, and a second chance at life shaped how he works, leads, and lifts others today. His story isn’t just about IT, it’s about faith, grit, and purpose.
Even before the accident, Joshua’s curiosity for learning shone through. Inspired by his father’s journey to the U.S., he dreamed of combining sports, technology, and economics. After the accident left him paralysed, his love for tech remained unshaken.
Here are a few question and answer from the interview with Olufemi Joshua Ajala
Q: Let’s go back to Easter Sunday, age 9. What happened?
Joshua: We got back from church. I went out to buy a drink and that’s all I remember. I was
hit by a car. Woke up in a hospital. Couldn’t move the left side of my body. The doctors said it was a stroke caused by nerve damage. They gave us two options, a risky surgery or wait five years with therapy. We chose therapy.
Q: How did you go from paralysis to walking again?
Joshua: One day, someone read Acts 3 to me; Peter telling the lame man to walk. I prayed “God, if it’s Your will, help me walk.” Two weeks later, I heard a voice say,“Stand up and walk.” I tried it. Took shaky steps to another patient’s bed. That was it. I kept walking.
Q: What happened after you stood up?Joshua: I walked across the ward looking for a nurse. No one noticed at first, then one patient saw me and screamed. The nurses came rushing in. They thought I was playing a prank. I said, “I walked here.” They didn’t believe me until I walked toward them. They screamed and hugged me. That moment changed my life.
Q: Did that healing change how you see life now?
Joshua: Completely. I still live by that miracle. It taught me faith, purpose, and patience. I’ve faced other challenges; loss, unemployment, but I always hold on to what God did that day. It reminds me not to give up.
Q: When did tech enter the picture?
Joshua: I always loved tech. I wanted to mix IT with football like my dad. But life had other plans. I worked with my mum’s NGO first. Then one day, someone found my CV online; no application, no interview. That was my first tech consultant job. That call changed everything.
BUILDING ACT4SERVICES
What started in a hospital has metamorphosed into a tech company that teaches people cybersecurity, AI, compliance and offers mentorship.
“Acts4Services help others rise” he says. “I built what I wished I had when I was starting out” he added.
“I see people who want to enter tech but don’t know where to start. So we guide them; cybersecurity, AI, compliance, mentorship.”
WHAT PEOPLE DO WRONG WITH TECH AND AI
People get intimidated by tech, they think AI will steal their jobs but it is just a tool. It’s really about problem-solving. The real question is how can you use it? That’s what I teach. That baker can understand processes. The teacher can know how to break down complex concepts. We just helped them speak on the computer. And anyone can learn, even if you’re 50 or 80.
His advice for beginners is refreshingly simple:
1. Start with what excites you (games? apps? robots?)
2. Embrace the frustration – “If coding was easy, everyone would do it”
3. Find your people – “Even now, I still ask for help daily”.
4. Be humble. Learn daily. Don’t give up when it feels slow.
5. Show up for opportunities, events, courses, volunteer work – One open door can change your story.
6. Stat rooted in God’s word – That’s how I keep going
READY TO START YOUR TECH STORY?
Whether you’re:
• A complete beginner (“We all started somewhere”)
• Career-changing (“Your past experience is an asset”)
• Just tech-curious (“Come poke around our free resources”)
Joshua’s team welcomes you: Connect with Olufemi (Joshua) Ajala on LinkedIn
ARE YOU INSPIRED BY JOSHUA’S STORY?
Do you have a personal story of resilience, faith, or purpose in tech or life? Or maybe you’re still waiting for your “get up and walk” moment. We’d love to hear from you.
Send us a message or email: heartsonglivemusic@gmail.com and tell us how this story moved you or share your own journey. You never know who it might encourage next.
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This article is a curated excerpt from an interview featured on Throwback Thursday with Eloho, aired on HeartSongLive radio.
