By Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Senior Correspondent, Lagos

Nigeria’s pioneer ICT journalist and chronicler, Aaron Ukodie, is set to unveil one of the most authoritative and comprehensive books on the industry.

The unveiling of the book, scheduled to hold on July 7, 2022, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Lagos, comes with a seminal discussion, under the eWorld Forum ’22,  on how to further push forward the frontiers of broadband connectivity and the consolidation of 4G and deployment of 5G networks across the country.

The eWorld Forum, which started in 2009, has contributed to the formulation of the policies and strategies that have helped the growth of the ICT industry.

Nigeria’s  minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ibrahim Pantami, is expected to chair the event.

Ukodie, who has written several books on the ICT industry, considers the new work, Nigeria’s Digital Drivers, his ICT industry star publication that captures the trajectories of the digital evolution, sector analysis, and players’ contributions.

Apart from select key industry players, the book also highlighted, in a section, the emergence and the work of some of the most vibrant Nigerian journalists and media entrepreneurs whose relentless advocacy gave birth to the various policy thrusts that gave rise to the developments in the ICT sector.

The 436-page book would serve as an important reference document and a coveted addition to personal and corporate libraries. It would be an exciting read for corporate Nigeria and the political class.

Ukodie began journalism at The Guardian in 1985, as a Communications Reporter and has spent  36 years reporting on the industry in various news media, where he witnessed and participated in the various developments, events, and discussions that have brought about the achievements  Nigeria has recorded in the ICT sector.

He has also organised several ICT advocacy conferences under the eWorld Forums since 2009. His ICT journalism career now spans 36 years.

Ukodie has written several books, the latest being the one launched on April 8, 2021, titled The Making of the Nigerian Flagship: A Story of The Guardian. The 596-page book was co-authored with O’seun Ogunseitan. Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo attended the event as Special Guest of Honour.

Other books written by Ukodie include Ndukwe & Telecom Regulation: A Walk in Tandem. The 204-page book was launched at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in 2008.  Another, titled Phones 4 All was published in 2003. The Privatisation of NITEL (The Story of NITEL) was published in 2015 and Olagunju: Strides of a Porter’s Son (2013) and The Lead Story: A Diary of an ICT Reporter ( 2015)