Inside Cadana: Meet Solar

At Cadana, engineering isn’t just about writing code, it’s about solving real-world problems that make financial services more accessible. In this episode of Inside Cadana, we sit down with Solar, an Engineering Associate, to learn about his journey into fintech, his passion for building impactful technology, and what keeps him motivated in an ever-evolving industry.

From staying ahead of the latest engineering trends to tackling the challenges of fintech security and innovation, Solar shares his insights, inspirations, and even a surprising passion for cultural art and sustainability.

Curious to know what drives the people behind Cadana’s cutting-edge solutions? Let’s dive in!

Can you tell us a bit about your journey and what brought you to Cadana as an Engineering Associate?

I’ve always loved solving real-world problems with technology. My background in software engineering and my passion for building user-friendly, efficient systems naturally led me to fintech. When I came across Cadana, its mission—removing financial barriers for talent, especially in emerging markets— resonated with me. That’s something I personally believe in: using technology to create value and make people’s lives better. The fast-paced environment, the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, and the chance to grow all made joining Cadana an easy decision.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments and best practices in engineering?

I stay up to date with blogs (Like dev.to, medium, etc), YouTube videos, online events and conferences e.g (Vue.js Nation), developer communities, and online courses when necessary. Beyond that, we have an internal culture of sharing what we’ve learned, which helps me stay sharp and gain insights from my colleagues.

What motivates you to tackle the challenges that come with your role at Cadana?

Like I mentioned previously, knowing that what we’re building actually helps people. It’s one thing to write code, but when that code enables someone to get paid faster or access financial services more easily, that’s powerful. In addition, I see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Finally, the people. Having a great team that supports and trusts each other makes even the toughest problems feel more manageable.

Outside of work, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I have a thing for cultural art—music, paintings, photography, all of it. One day, I’d love to start collecting. Also, I’m really passionate about environmental sustainability and waste management. Back in university, I worked on a business plan focused on waste collection and keeping communities clean in Nigeria. It’s something I’d love to connect with tech in the future.

What do you love most about working at Cadana, especially in your engineering role?

The ownership and innovation. At Cadana, you’re not just given task, you’re given real problems to solve. You’re trusted to think creatively and come up with solutions, and that’s empowering. Plus, the team is super collaborative, and there’s always something new to learn.

If you could sit down and chat with anyone, living or from history, who would it be and why?

My late mom. No question. She shaped so much of who I am today, and I’d give anything to spend another time with her. She taught me one of the most valuable lessons I live by: “How you do someone else’s work is how you’ll do yours.” That really stuck with me. Funny enough, I later heard a similar quote in John Wick 3: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” It was one of those moments where you realize how universal great advice can be.

Do you have any hobbies or passions you’ve recently picked up, or is there something you'd love to spend more time on outside of work?

I’ve recently started learning about IoT (Internet of Things) as that is one of my hobbies, to build. Also, I really enjoy mentoring younger engineers—helping people grow in their careers and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.

What do you see as the biggest engineering challenge for fintech companies in the coming years?

Security and staying ahead of the curve. With AI and LLMs evolving so fast, fintech companies have to keep up or get left behind. It’s not just about adopting new technologies—it’s about understanding how they impact security, compliance, and user trust. One of my colleagues always says, “Innovate or die.” And honestly, it’s true. Companies that don’t adapt will struggle to stay relevant.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in engineering?

Stay curious and keep building. Watching tutorials is great, but if you’re not actually applying what you learn, it won’t stick. Build projects, challenge yourself and surround yourself with people who push you to grow. And most importantly, focus on solving real problems; technology is just a tool, but the impact you create is what truly matters.

From his passion for problem-solving to his commitment to continuous learning, Solar’s journey is a testament to how innovation and purpose go hand in hand. As he puts it, “Technology is just a tool, but the impact you create is what truly matters.”

At Cadana, we’re driven by people like Solar; engineers who don’t just build software but help shape the future of fintech.

Stay tuned for more Inside Cadana stories!