Nigerian CommunicationWeek

Atcon Gears Up for ComBIT 2008 Expo

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (Atcon) has geared up to host the world as ComBIT 2008 Expo – an annual international information and communications technology exhibition and conference kicks off this week in Lagos.

According to the draft programme released by the organizing committee of the event, there are indications that a high powered delegation from the presidency may represent president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who has indicated his inability to attend the event in person due to pressing state matters but there are high expectations that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the vice president may be the special guest of honour at the event.

Top public functionaries expected to be there include John Odey, honourable minister of information and communications; Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande, minister of state for information and communications; Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa, director general, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC); Prof. Cleopas Angaye, director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (Nitda).

Others include executive governors of Nigeria’s digital states which include His Excellencies Obong Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom; Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Otunba Gbenga Daniel of Ogun; Liyel Imoke of Cross River, and a host of others whose confirmations are being awaited. It may be interesting to note that the commissioners of science and technology from all the 36 states will be in attendance to acquaint themselves with the latest technologies which would help their respective states in equipping their science parks and digital centres.

Atcon has also received confirmation of attendance from the armed forces (army, navy, airforce, police, and state security) and paramilitary agencies – customs, immigration, road safety corps, etc; which would participate actively in the event. Other organizations in the education, maritime, aviation, industrial and manufacturing sectors will also attend.

So far, about 30 companies have registered for participation in the exhibition, including a trade delegation from Germany led by Skyway.Net and another from Singapore led by D-Link Corporation Inc.

Locally, a good number of leading ICT organizations have taken their stands to showcase their cutting-edge products and services to the high net-worth individuals that will gather at Muson centre for the event. Zoom Mobile, Zain Nigeria, Teledom International, Total Telecoms Solutions, Internet Solutions, First Bank of Nigeria, IT Mart Resources, EIL Telecoms, Disc Communications and PA Telecoms, Danisat Communications, Direct on PC, Emperion, Progenics, BCX Connections, Radial Circle Telecoms, Accat Nigeria, Foresight Solutions, TTC Mobile, Ittasalt Kano, GTS Infotel, Isocket, Tiny Calls, Fresh Mail; among others would all be part of the conference and exhibitions.

The plenary session will feature international experts including Engr. Chris Uwaje, CEO, Connect Technologies; Engr. Sunday Afolayan, CEO Skannet Technologies; Engr. Lanre Ajayi, chairman, Nigerian Internet Group; Mrs. Florence Seriki, CEO, Omatek Computers, Engr. Kalu Ndukwe, chairman, Nigerian Internet Registration Agency (Nira), Engr. Bayo Banjo, 1

st Vice President, Atcon; Basil Udotai, managing partner, Technology Advisors and Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telephone Operators (Alton); among other foreign speakers who are slated to make presentations at the event.

Special features will include products launch, promotions, bonanzas, networking meetings and private seminars focused on new technologies, business opportunities, job creation initiatives, human capacity building in ICT and investment opportunities in the Nigerian ICT space.

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