The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and MainOne have endorsed the upcoming launch of a book by former Editor of *The PUNCH*, Dayo Oketola. The book, titled *The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens*, will be unveiled on September 17, 2024.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, confirmed his participation at the event, which will also feature a lecture marking Oketola’s departure as *The PUNCH* editor. The NCC’s Head of Media Relations, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, commended the book, calling it a “consequential work.”
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo and Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne, an Equinix Company, have also voiced their support for the event. Opeke, in a statement, congratulated Oketola and praised his milestone achievement.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will serve as the special guest speaker at the launch. Obasanjo played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s telecom evolution by introducing GSM technology in 2001, a move that has since attracted over $70 billion in investments and created over 500,000 jobs.
Oketola, now a senior member of *The PUNCH* Editorial Board, served as editor until June 2024. Under his leadership, the newspaper won numerous awards, including *Newspaper of the Year* at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) in 2023. Oketola himself received multiple accolades during his journalism career, such as *Editor of the Year* at the NMMA and The Industry Awards.
Reflecting on his career, Oketola said, “My 20 years of stewardship in journalism have driven advocacy across various sectors like ICT, energy, agriculture, and nation-building.”
The launch event will also feature former MTN Nigeria CEO Michael Ikpoki as chairman, with Dr. Akin Olaniyan reviewing the book. Minister of Information Alhaji Mohammed Idris will attend as Chief Host, while *The PUNCH* Managing Director Adeyeye Joseph and Nigerian Guild of Editors President Eze Anaba will serve as hosts.
