By Kingsley Samuel
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, its Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, IXPN, and its Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Rudman, have thrown their weight behind the forthcoming eWorld Forum and the launch of two books by veteran journalist and technology writer, Aaron Ukodie.
The event is scheduled for September 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, and is expected to bring together key stakeholders from Nigeria’s telecommunications, Internet and technology sectors.
ALTON, the umbrella body representing Nigeria’s licensed telecommunications operators, has remained a major stakeholder in the development and growth of the nation’s telecoms industry.
The association, through sustained advocacy and engagement with government, regulators and other industry stakeholders, has consistently championed policies aimed at creating a more conducive, predictable and sustainable operating environment for telecommunications companies.
ALTON has also advocated fair, transparent and unfettered policies capable of enabling the telecommunications sector to attract investment, expand infrastructure and deliver improved services to millions of Nigerians.
Under the leadership of Adebayo, the association has continued to provide a strong voice for telecom operators on critical issues affecting the industry, including regulation, taxation, infrastructure deployment, quality of service, spectrum management and right-of-way charges.
Other issues include policies and operating conditions that directly affect the sustainability and growth of telecommunications businesses across the country.
The support of Adebayo for the eWorld Forum and Ukodie’s book launch is also significant, given his longstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry and his advocacy for policies that promote investment and sector growth.
Similarly, IXPN and Rudman have played notable roles in the development of Nigeria’s Internet ecosystem.
Rudman, a prominent industry stakeholder, has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure and digital ecosystem. He also served as President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), where he was involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s Internet presence and digital infrastructure.
The organisers said the support from ALTON, Adebayo, IXPN and Rudman underscores the importance of documenting Nigeria’s telecommunications and Internet journey, particularly as the country marks more than two decades of rapid digital transformation.
The eWorld Forum is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the evolution of Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy, while the book launch will spotlight Ukodie’s contribution to technology journalism and documentation of the industry.
According to the organisers, the event will also bring together industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, journalists, technology professionals and other stakeholders to celebrate the contributions of individuals and institutions to Nigeria’s digital development.
They said the backing of leading industry stakeholders further reinforces the significance of the forum and the book launch as platforms for examining the past, present and future of Nigeria’s telecommunications and Internet sectors.
The organisers expressed appreciation to ALTON, Adebayo, IXPN and Rudman for their support, describing it as a demonstration of the industry’s commitment to knowledge, professional journalism and the continued development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
