NCC, ALTON bosses to attend Dayo Oketola’s book launch on September 17

Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says he will attend the upcoming book launch of Dayo Oketola, former PUNCH editor.

The event is set to take place on September 17, at an exaugural lecture marking the end of Oketola’s tenure as editor of The PUNCH and celebrating nearly two decades of journalism and leadership.

Maida will join other notable industry leaders to celebrate Oketola’s contributions to Nigeria’s journalism and information and communications technology landscape.

A statement by Omoniyi Ibietan, the head of media relations at the NCC, who communicated the commission’s support for the author, said “it is a consequential work. Congratulations”.

Also, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and Funke Opeke, the chief executive officer (CEO) of MainOne, an equinix company, have also confirmed their attendance at the book launch.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the invitation to your upcoming exaugural lecture and book launch. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone,” MainOne said in a letter to the former editor.

The major point of the event will be the launch of Oketola’s book, The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens.

The book explores the dynamic growth of Nigeria’s ICT sector, especially the transformative impact of the telecommunications industry since the introduction of GSM technology in 2001.

Oketola charts a detailed path of how the sector has evolved, attracting over $70 billion in investments and creating more than 500,000 jobs.

According to the organisers of the launch, the event promises to be a remarkable gathering of industry stalwarts, as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who played a critical role in the liberalisation of Nigeria’s telecoms sector, will be the special guest speaker.

Reflecting on his career, Oketola said his 20 years in journalism have driven advocacy across sectors such as ICT, business, energy, and social inclusion.

“I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of my book, The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through A Journalist’s Lens, scheduled for September 17, 2024,” he said.

“On the same day, I will also be hosting an exaugural lecture to celebrate my tenure as Editor of The PUNCH and nearly 20 years in journalism.

“My 20 remarkable years of stewardship to the nation via media and leadership practices have driven advocacy and impacted areas such as business and economy, ICT, energy, agriculture, social inclusion, anti-corruption, drug trafficking prevention, and nation-building, a testament to the power of journalism in shaping our society.”