The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens

Name: The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist's Lens
SKU: 94017
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Blending personal narratives with meticulous industry analyses, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’ by Dayo Oketola offers a profound exploration of Nigeria’s telecommunications evolution, which began with the introduction of GSM in 2001, to the vibrant and competitive industry we witness today. It also highlights the bold initiatives that opened the sector to private investment, leading to over $70 billion in capital inflow and the creation of over 500,000 jobs in over 20 years. This insightful work celebrates remarkable industry achievements while critically addressing the persistent gaps that hinder its full potential. It is a 352-page compendium structured into 14 chapters, each illuminating a different facet of Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape with impressive accuracy and engaging lucidity.

From emphasising how advancements in telecommunications, fintech, and infrastructure have catalysed Nigeria’s national development, the book delves into strategic planning and governance, showcasing successful projects that highlight the importance of foresight in harnessing technology for societal growth. Through real-life stories and case studies, readers will witness the transformative power of innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to education, among others.

In the chapters dedicated to inclusivity in technology, the author confronts the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and women. By exploring initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, the book advocates for equitable access to technological advancements, emphasising the need for diverse voices in shaping the digital future.

The work further examines the roles of regulatory agencies in shaping the telecoms and fintech sectors. It identified both the successes and failures of existing regulatory frameworks, shedding light on how these have influenced industry innovation and equipping readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities at play in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. The author investigates the operational challenges faced by NigComSat-1R, Nigeria’s multi-million dollar communication satellite.

The author pushes technology as a catalyst for economic empowerment, particularly among marginalised groups such as rural communities and women. He also illustrates how mobile technology, fintech solutions, and social media platforms have enabled economic inclusion and public health interventions, particularly in containing the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in 2014. Through powerful personal stories, the book documents the profound impact of technology on individuals’ lives and the broader implications for societal progress.

Finally, the book looks into the future by examining the government’s initiatives aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s digital economic potential through broadband expansion, infrastructure development, and the rise of 5G technology. The author accentuates the critical opportunities on the horizon, exploring how strategic investments and innovations can enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness. The narrative paints a picture of a vibrant digital economy poised for growth, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders.

It is a collector’s item for ICT sector stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, lecturers, STEM students, university libraries and those interested in understanding the dynamic intersection of technology, policy, and social impact in Nigeria.

10 in stock

About the Author

Dayo Oketola is a multiple award-winning journalist and an accomplished newspaper editor. He became Editor of The PUNCH, Nigeria’s most widely read newspaper, in 2022. He also served as the Editor of PUNCH Weekend Titles (Saturday PUNCH and Sunday PUNCH) for three years. That was the first time the 51-year-old media giant merged two titles under one editor. He was at some point the News Editor and Group Business Editor of The PUNCH.

With about two decades of dedicated service in the Nigerian media space, his distinguished reporting career left footprints in business and economy, ICT, energy, labour, general news, climate change, agriculture, and social inclusion.
His outstanding performance earned him several local and international awards, fellowships, and recognition. He is a five-time winner of the Nigeria Media Merit Award, including the MTN Prize for Telecoms Reporter of the Year in 2012 and Editor of the Year in 2023. Under him, the PUNCH also won Newspaper of the Year. He has also won the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence and the Continental Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards in South Africa and Kenya. He was a finalist at the CNN Multichoice African Journalist Awards in Johannesburg in 2016.

He is an alumnus of the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists -Research and Investigation under the US Government-sponsored International Visitors Leadership Programme and the Media in Conflict Seminar in Herzliya, Israel. In 2019, he attended the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. He has attended several international conferences in the US, UK, France, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Brazil, Rwanda, Morocco and South Africa.
He is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. He is currently the President of the International Visitors Leadership Programme Alumni Association of the United States Consulate.