In a grand celebration held at Fourpoints by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) laid the grounds in preparation for its 30th anniversary coming up next year.
The event, attended by industry leaders, was a reflection on the commendable journey of the platform’s three-decade legacy in shaping the telecom sector of Nigeria and a medium to share the vision for the ATCON 30th anniversary coming up next year.
President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere acknowledged the indispensable part ATCON has played in Nigeria’s telecom sector. He stated, “Our advocacy drive over the past three decades stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to progress and innovation.” Emoekpere highlighted notable achievements, including the liberalisation of the Nigerian telecom sector and initiatives such as SIM Card Registration, Base Station Collocation, Mobile Number Portability and many more.
Speaking on the association’s social responsibility during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, he expressed gratitude to past presidents and outlined plans for impactful corporate social responsibility projects in the future. Emoekpere emphasised the commitment to creating a lasting infrastructure and encouraged support for the association’s noble endeavours.
Engineer Titi Omo-Ettu, Past ATCON President, 2010-2012, reminiscing about ATCON’s inception, recounted being present when the association was first discussed. He commended the pioneers who led the registration of ATCON, emphasizing the importance of creating an executive committee to lead the association.
Another ATCON Past President, 2016-2020, Eng. Olusola Teniola shared insights into the evolution of technology, noting the advancements that preceded present-day innovations like ChatGPT. He praised the past leadership of ATCON and acknowledged the association’s role as a key player in enabling the digital economy. Teniola urged the current leadership to continue advocating for a conducive environment, emphasising the importance of addressing issues such as right-of-way and multiple taxation.
Ajibola Olude, ATCON Executive Secretary, reflected on his journey with ATCON, also acknowledging the contributions of past presidents including Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem and others. Olude concluded by commending the current president for his impeccable character and leadership style.
Vision for ATCON’s Proper 30th Anniversary Next Year
Speaking on the vision for ATCON’s 30th anniversary to be held next year, President Emoekpere pointed out the critical nature of communication, aiming to enhance the industry’s mission. He stated, “We seem to be looked upon as people who just collect airtime, people who SAP subscribers’ data. Communication is a fundamental human right, and anything that affects our ability to communicate impinges on our rights.”
The president highlighted the often-underestimated impact of damage to infrastructure, making it clear that communication services provided by the industry are fundamental across sectors. From banking to healthcare and agriculture, all industries rely on telecom services. Emoekpere stressed the need to drive home the point that communication is a fundamental right and a critical service.
To commemorate the achievements of the industry over the last 30 years, ATCON plans a series of events and activities. Emoekpere outlined its strategy, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, visits to showcase key companies, and acknowledgement of supportive state governments. Notably, the association plans to publish a tribute to major players in the industry, recognising their significant contributions.
One of the central themes for the ATCON 30th anniversary celebration is to spotlight the industry’s journey through various initiatives. ATCON intends to publish a special edition featuring “Telecom and Digital Economy Leaders in Nigeria” in collaboration with media partners. Additionally, a documentary will be produced to document the evolution of the industry, highlighting policies like Collocation and the National Broadband Plan.
Emoekpere spoke on the importance of celebrating the industry’s achievements and the individuals who have contributed. The association aims to host a standard industry event, an annual telecom conference that will be a three-day affair with speakers, exhibitions, and workshops. The goal is to make it a calendar event, attracting global attention to Nigeria’s communication market.
The president affirmed the need for collaboration with government agencies and partners to make the event a success. He called for a transformation where Nigeria becomes a destination for telecom conferences, urging partners to support the vision.
In conclusion, Emoekpere laid out the comprehensive vision for ATCON’s 30th Anniversary celebration, combining reflection on the industry’s past achievements with a forward-looking approach.
The association envisions beyond a celebration, a stimulation surrounding the telecom industry in Nigeria, solidifying its position as an indispensable service provider and contributor to the nation’s growth.
ATCON at 30 was sponsored by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Open Access Data Centres (OADC), MainOne Cable, MTN Nigeria, Pan African Towers (PAT) Vezeti, Net Access System, MangoNet, IpNX, Cedarview Communications Limited and Bluechip.
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