Tomisin Ogunnubi, a young Nigerian tech developer, is earning global recognition for her innovative contribution to child safety after creating My Locator, a mobile application designed to help lost children find their way home. Remarkably, Tomisin built the app at just 12 years old, instantly catching the attention of local and international tech companies.
My Locator harnesses Google Maps to track users in real time as they move from one location to another. The app allows users to pre-store emergency contact numbers, which automatically receive the child’s live GPS location if the emergency alert is activated.
Beyond its emergency feature, My Locator functions as a full family safety tool, enabling families to stay connected through a shared, private map. Parents can monitor the location of loved ones, send instant messages, and receive alerts through the SOS button — a critical lifeline in situations where a child becomes disoriented or separated.
Tech analysts say the app showcases the power of early digital literacy and highlights Africa’s growing influence in youth-driven innovation. Tomisin’s achievement has since become a model for STEM education advocates across the continent, demonstrating how young people can create real-life solutions to everyday challenges.
Industry watchers describe her story as “proof that Africa’s next generation of inventors is already here.
