The publisher of eWorldnews, Aaron Ukodie, says stakeholders will assess the impact of GSM technology on Nigeria’s economy 25 years after its introduction.

Mr Ukodie, who is also the convener of the eWorld Forum, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said that the assessment would be carried out at the 12th edition of the eWorld Forum, scheduled for September 24.

“The forum will provide an opportunity to review the transformation that followed the commercial launch of GSM services in August 2001 and its impact on national development,” he said.

He said that mobile telecommunications had revolutionised communication, commerce, banking, education, healthcare, governance and entertainment, while broadening access to information across the country.

“Over the past quarter century, mobile telecommunications have transformed virtually every aspect of Nigeria’s life and have become a major driver of economic growth and digital inclusion,” Mr Ukodie said.

He said that stakeholders would examine the achievements of the last 25 years, assess current industry challenges and explore future opportunities in the telecommunications ecosystem.

According to him, discussions will focus on broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management and Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.

“The forum will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, telecommunications operators, technology innovators, investors and academics to shape the future of the sector,” he said.

Mr Ukodie said that a major highlight of the forum would be the launch of “Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players,” a book commemorating the silver jubilee of GSM services in Nigeria.

“The publication chronicles the evolution of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry and documents the vision, policies, investments and innovations that transformed the country into one of Africa’s largest digital markets,” he said.

He added that the publication captured the contributions of pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions and companies whose efforts reshaped Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.

He said the book is a follow-up to his earlier work, ‘Nigerian Drivers of Digital Prosperity: The Trajectory of the Digital Evolution, Sector Analysis and Players’ Contribution’.

“The forum will celebrate one of Nigeria’s greatest technological success stories while preserving the history of the country’s digital transformation for future generations,” Mr Ukodie said.

He added that the gathering would also honour individuals and institutions whose contributions made Nigeria’s GSM revolution possible.

(NAN)