At an age when most children are still figuring out how to navigate the digital world, Nigerian tech whiz Tomisin Ogunnubi was already shaping it.
At just 12 years old, Tomisin designed “My Locator”, a mobile app that helps lost children find their way home—earning her global recognition and the attention of leading technology companies.
Now in her twenties, Ogunnubi’s story continues to inspire young people across the globe, particularly girls and teens in underrepresented communities in tech.
A Solution Born From Curiosity and Compassion
Ogunnubi first learned to code at age 12, and instead of settling for practice projects, she set her sights on something meaningful.
“I’ve just learned how to create applications. How about I use what I have learned to create something that can be useful to me and other people?” she recalled in an earlier interview.
That idea evolved into My Locator, a location-tracking app built on Google Maps that helps users stay connected with family members and send out alerts in emergencies. The app allows users to store trusted phone numbers that will automatically receive their real-time GPS location with a single tap of the SOS button.
“It sends a text message and makes a phone call—if enabled in your settings—to a particular number that you’ve designated,” said Ogunnubi. “It could be an emergency number or a family member’s number… so somebody can easily locate where you are.”
A Game-Changer for Family Safety
“My Locator” functions similarly to modern Family Locator apps, offering shared, private maps and instant messaging between users. It’s a practical tool for parents, guardians, and caregivers to keep track of their loved ones and ensure their safety during travel or emergencies.
Since its launch on Google Play in 2016, the app has been downloaded over 1,000 times and continues to gain attention for its practical and socially impactful use.
From School Project to National Inspiration
Ogunnubi’s success had a ripple effect far beyond her immediate community. According to her teacher, Kofoworola Cole, her achievement prompted her school to overhaul its curriculum and start teaching coding to younger students.
“When Tomisin was able to achieve that, we knew that yes, there are talents in the junior school,” said Cole.
A Future Bright with Possibilities
While she keeps details about her upcoming projects under wraps, Ogunnubi has made it clear she’s only getting started.
“I feel great after developing the app; though not a professional app, I have other things agitating my mind to work on,” she told Tech Economy. “I prefer to keep them to myself for now, because things change and develop over time.”
Whether it’s reshaping emergency response tools or pioneering the next generation of life-saving tech, Tomisin Ogunnubi remains a powerful example of how youth, creativity, and compassion can transform communities.
