The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and MainOne, an Equinix company, have all pledged their support for the launch of a new book by former PUNCH Editor, Dayo Oketola. The book, titled The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens, offers an in-depth look at Nigeria’s technological journey, particularly in the telecommunications sector.
The book launch, set for September 17, 2024, will coincide with an exaugural lecture marking Oketola’s transition from Editor of The PUNCH, celebrating his almost two-decade career in journalism and leadership. Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, confirmed his attendance, while the commission’s Head of Media Relations, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, praised the book, calling it “a consequential work.”
Also backing the event are key telecom industry figures, including ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and MainOne CEO, Funke Opeke. In a congratulatory statement, MainOne acknowledged Oketola’s achievements and stated, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the invitation to your exaugural lecture and book launch. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who introduced GSM in Nigeria in 2001, will serve as the Special Guest Speaker. Oketola credits Obasanjo’s initiatives with laying the groundwork for the country’s telecommunications growth, noting that the sector has since attracted over $70 billion in investments and created over 500,000 jobs. Oketola’s book traces this transformation from fewer than “450,000 telephone lines before 2001 to a thriving telecommunications market today,” while also exploring the country’s digital economic potential.
Oketola, who stepped down as editor in June 2024, has built an outstanding journalism career, receiving numerous accolades, including the Editor of the Year award at the 2023 Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA), where The PUNCH also won Newspaper of the Year under his leadership. He is a two-time winner of the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards and has been recognized at The Industry Awards.
Reflecting on his nearly 20 years in journalism, Oketola highlighted the impact of his work across sectors such as ICT, business, energy, and social inclusion. “My two decades in journalism have driven advocacy and shaped sectors critical to Nigeria’s growth. I am excited to share insights from this journey,” he said.
The event will be chaired by Michael Ikpoki, former CEO of MTN Nigeria, while Dr. Akin Olaniyan, Convener of the Centre for Social Media Research, will review the book. Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, will serve as Chief Host, with PUNCH Nigeria Limited’s Managing Director, Adeyeye Joseph, acting as host and Nigerian Guild of Editors President, Eze Anaba, as co-host.
