Telecom
Olusola Teniola Emerges New ATCON President, Unveils Goals
Mr. Olusola Teniola has emerged the new national president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
ATCON as a professional, non-profit, non-political umbrella organization of telecommunications companies of Nigeria, aims at bringing together under one umbrella all companies in the field of telecommunications and auxiliary services for the purposes of sharing industry information, networking, associating and otherwise enhancing the stature and relevance of the telecommunications industry.
Teniola, replaces Engineer Lanre Ajayi, whose tenure ended at the ATCON at the annual general meeting and national executive council elections 2016 held in Lagos recently.
Teniola, the new president was until his election the first vice president of ATCON.
Other members of the newly elected National Executive Council members of ATCON are: Tony Nwosu (1st Vice President); David Roberts (2nd Vice President); Myke Ofili (National Secretary); Adeyegbe Aderonke (Treasurer); Ikechukwu Nnamani (Coordinator, Telephone Operators); Jude Egokwu (Coordinator, Infrastructure Providers); Gbeyega Ojuri (Coordinator, Internet Services Providers); Adebusuyi Adetunji (Coordinator, Manufacturer’s Representative) and Hyacinth Anucha (Coordinator, Value Added Services).
In his acceptance speech, the National President expressed gratitude to all members of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) for the confidence repose in him and other elected NEC members to steer the leadership of the Association for two years.
He assured to work “tirelessly to take ATCON as an institution to an enviable position through execution of programmes that would aid telecoms industry growth. For me, the Association has once again proved to the whole industry that it believes in corporate governance”.
The new ATCON President said that, the current NEC will be more proactive in that a form will be sent on monthly basis to all telecom companies that are not registered with ATCON to find out some of the areas that the Association needs to intervene before the matter get out of hand among members or the relevant government regulatory commissions.
“This administration shall not be reactionary but more proactive, pragmatic and involving. We want to further promotion and encourage harmonious relationship which would impact positively on the general wellbeing of our members as well as Nigerians. All pending issues in the industry we shall plan to resolve them so that more investors can come to our sector,” he promised.
Teniola added that after a thorough consultation, he developed the following goals for the Association: Strategic and purposeful engagements with all tiers of government as the conceptualization of the Association of Telecommunication Company was to support and give direction to the policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria.
“This NEC shall concern itself with the federal, state and local government in respect of developing the telecommunication sector in a manner that everyone wins. The telecommunications business is on the exclusive list of federal government but what is playing out or obtainable in our country right now is that all tiers of government level taxes on all our member companies and it is affecting the growth of the telecommunication sector in Nigeria. ATCON as an institution would work closely with all agencies setup by various tiers of government to develop a model that would be mutually beneficial to everyone in the value chain.
“Collaboration with NCC, NITDA and other related MDAs: The growth of information communication technology shall occupy our focus in the next two years. The Association shall come up with a time table for quarterly meetings with NCC, NITDA and other related agencies to monitor, review and proffer timely solutions to some of the bottlenecks militating against the implementation of short and long term policies of those agencies. ATCON would organise both indoor and outdoor meetings to upgrade the knowledge of the commission and agencies that regulate the ICT sector for the betterment of the country.
“Protection of telecom investment in Nigeria: ATCON would continue to protect the existing investment in the Nigerian telecoms sector through advocating for an enabling environment in Nigeria. ATCON would also as a matter of part of its objective to encourage further investment in the sector through trade mission to other countries of the world.
“Expand the scope of Communication Business Information Technology Exhibition and Conference (ComBIT Expo): ATCON would reactivate the organization of its popular conference and exhibition which is known as Communication Business Information Technology Exhibition and Conference (ComBIT Expo). As a matter of fact the date for the 2016 edition of ComBIT Expo and Conference shall be announced in the month of June 2016.
“Redefine ATCONNews ThisWEEK: The impact of ATCON News in the Nigerian telecommunication industry has been impressive in terms of timely information dissemination to all stakeholders in the sector. This NEC shall also produce the hard copy of ATCONNews on quarterly basis.
“To strengthen the Secretariat through partnership: ATCON would be open for strategic partnership from members and international communities”.
He added that the leadership shall continue with existing programmes that the Association has developed.
MTN Nigeria has alerted the public to a fraudulent 25GB anniversary data offer currently circulating across social media and messaging platforms.
In an official advisory published on its support handle on X at the weekend, the telco warned customers against interacting with unverified links, sharing private credentials, or making payments to access the supposed anniversary promotion.
According to MTN, the official 25GB anniversary freebie is only accessible via the MTN eShop and the MyMTN NG App.
In the post, the company said, “Please beware of fake MTN 25th Anniversary 25GB giveaway offers circulating online.
“The official MTN 25GB Anniversary Giveaway is available ONLY via the MyMTN NG App and MTN eShop.
“Do not click on links, share your personal information or make payments on any other platform claiming to offer the giveaway.
“Only trust official MTN channels.”
In a different post, the provider explained how eligible subscribers could access the legitimate MTN data giveaway.
The company said, “Log in to the MyMTN App and tap ‘Redeem Now’ on the anniversary banner or via the MTN eShop.
“To access the 25GB offer, kindly visit the MyMTN App or the MTN E-Shop and follow the prompts to activate the bundle, if you are eligible for the offer.
“You may also click on the link contained in the SMS notification you received regarding the offer.”
To safely claim the reward, the telecom operator advised subscribers to rely strictly on details published through its official communication channels.
MTN added that the complimentary 25GB data allocation remains valid until 11:59 p.m. on the designated expiration date, urging eligible customers to redeem the package before it expires.
The warning follows a wave of viral posts and link-sharing schemes falsely offering free data under the guise of the company’s 25th-anniversary celebration.
Consequently, users are strongly cautioned against engaging with unauthorized platforms or providing sensitive personal information and fees to third-party sites claiming to offer the promotional data.
Nigeria is strengthening its position as a leading digital economy in Africa as it prepares to host the second edition of GITEX Nigeria, against projections that the continent’s artificial intelligence (AI) economy could generate up to $1 trillion in economic value by 2035.
GITEX Nigeria
GITEX Nigeria, described as West Africa’s largest technology, AI and startup event, is scheduled to hold in Abuja and Lagos from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, under the patronage of President Bola Tinubu.
The event is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International.
With the theme, “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation,” the 2026 edition is expected to bring together global technology companies, investors, policymakers, regulators, startups and other stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the organisers, the event will focus on strengthening digital resilience, scaling AI infrastructure, attracting strategic investments and building partnerships to support digital sovereignty across Nigeria and West Africa.
Nigeria’s progress in digital skills development is expected to feature prominently at the event, with the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme highlighted as a major intervention.
The programme has recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas, while more than 135,000 Nigerians have been trained through three cohorts.
The programme has also extended learning opportunities to more than 300,000 people through community resources and created 15,000 job and opportunity pathways, according to figures released by the organisers.
Another key initiative, Project BRIDGE, is aimed at expanding Nigeria’s national ICT backbone and improving connectivity in underserved communities.
The project is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 Nigerian youths, raise internet penetration above 70 per cent and extend high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments.
Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said Nigeria’s objective was to build the foundations for digital sovereignty and a globally competitive AI-powered economy.
“Building on the momentum forged through the implementation of Project BRIDGE, our national blueprint for expanding digital infrastructure and connecting communities across Nigeria, our aspiration ahead of this year’s edition is clear: to solidify the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination, and a globally competitive AI-powered economy,” Tijani said.
He said Nigeria was seeking to promote equitable access, accelerate cross-continental progress and position the country as a producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.
The GITEX Nigeria Government Leadership and AI Summit will open in Abuja on Aug. 31, bringing together ministers, governors and regulators to discuss digital public infrastructure and other issues shaping West Africa’s digital economy.
The GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, as well as the Startup Festival, will also return for the second consecutive year.
A new component, FDX Nigeria by GITEX, will focus on finance and digital asset exchange, with the organisers describing it as a platform designed to promote financial inclusion and connect emerging technology with global capital.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said the state remained central to Africa’s digital transformation, noting its role in attracting talent, capital and innovation.
He said hosting GITEX Nigeria would further support Lagos’ ambition of becoming a smarter, more connected and globally competitive economy.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, said Nigeria’s digital future would depend not only on technology adoption but also on resilience, trust and effective governance frameworks.
“GITEX NIGERIA seamlessly complements this mandate, creating a unique environment for the dialogue needed to accelerate responsible AI adoption, develop a secure digital economy, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth,” Abdullahi said.
He said the expertise, investment and partnerships generated through the event would contribute to building an AI ecosystem that was secure, inclusive and capable of supporting Nigeria and West Africa’s long-term competitiveness.
The organisers said Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, 3MTT programme and Project BRIDGE were among initiatives strengthening the country’s capacity in talent development, digital infrastructure, investment attraction and responsible AI adoption.
They said GITEX Nigeria would provide an avenue for global stakeholders to establish partnerships and develop solutions capable of accelerating the region’s digital transformation.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX, said the event was intended to demonstrate that West Africa was ready to convert technological ambition into economic growth, resilience and global competitiveness.
She said GITEX Nigeria would facilitate strategic conversations and partnerships aimed at strengthening regional competitiveness and unlocking scalable growth across Nigeria and West Africa.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Enugu State Government have signed an agreement for the operational lease of the NCC Digital Industrial Park and NCC Learning Centre in Enugu.
The agreement was witnessed by Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, alongside members of the Commission’s Board and Management.
The development is expected to strengthen digital innovation, skills development and technology-driven opportunities in the state.
As part of the engagement, the NCC delegation also visited the Enugu Smart School Initiative, where technology is being integrated into teaching and learning.
The initiative is aimed at equipping young Nigerians with relevant digital skills and preparing them for future opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The NCC said it remained committed to supporting initiatives that expand digital inclusion, strengthen innovation and develop the talent required to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The Commission said partnerships with state governments and other stakeholders were critical to creating an enabling environment for digital skills development and technology adoption across the country.
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