The 12th edition of the eWorld Forum will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s GSM revolution with a high-level industry dialogue and the launch of two landmark books by renowned ICT journalist and Publisher of eWorldnews, Aaron Ukodie.
Scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the forum will convene under the theme, “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On,” bringing together policymakers, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology innovators, investors, academics, and other key stakeholders to reflect on the remarkable transformation of Nigeria’s digital landscape.
A major attraction of this year’s forum will be the unveiling of two new books authored by Ukodie, whose decades-long career covering Nigeria’s ICT sector has earned him recognition as one of the industry’s foremost journalists and historians.
The first, Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, has been specially published to commemorate the silver jubilee of GSM services in Nigeria.
The book chronicles the evolution of the telecommunications industry since the commercial rollout of GSM in August 2001, documenting the visionary leadership, policy reforms, investments, innovations, and contributions of regulators, operators, institutions, companies, and individuals that transformed Nigeria into one of Africa’s largest telecommunications and digital economies.
The publication builds on Ukodie’s earlier work, Nigerian Drivers of Digital Prosperity: The Trajectory of the Digital Evolution, Sector Analysis and Players’ Contribution, further preserving the history of Nigeria’s digital transformation for future generations.
The second book, The Pilgrim Trail, is a deeply personal memoir that chronicles Ukodie’s life journey, professional experiences, Christian faith, and unwavering trust in God.
It also recounts his inspiring recovery following the stroke he suffered in 2023, detailing how, despite undergoing intensive physiotherapy and living with physical limitations affecting his right hand and right leg, he completed both books.
The memoir stands as a compelling testimony of resilience, perseverance, hope, and divine faithfulness.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ukodie expressed gratitude for the opportunity to document both a defining chapter in Nigeria’s technological history and his personal journey of faith.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to document both the history of Nigeria’s GSM revolution and my personal journey in The Pilgrim Trail. These books preserve important history while bearing testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness in my life. I look forward to sharing them with the public at the forum.”
While both books will be officially launched during the event, The Pilgrim Trail is already available for pre-launch orders.
Since its inauguration in 2010, the eWorld Forum has evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for policy dialogue and strategic engagement on information and communications technology.
Over the years, it has consistently attracted government officials, regulators, industry leaders, telecom operators, innovators, investors, development partners, and academics committed to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
This year’s edition comes as Nigeria marks 25 years since the advent of GSM services, a technological revolution that has fundamentally reshaped communication, commerce, banking, education, healthcare, governance, entertainment, and social interaction, while accelerating economic growth and expanding digital inclusion across the country.
Participants at the forum will review the sector’s achievements over the past quarter century, examine current challenges, and explore emerging opportunities in broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management, and the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to the organisers, eWorld Forum 2026 will not only celebrate one of Nigeria’s greatest technological success stories but also honour the pioneers and institutions whose vision and investments laid the foundation for the country’s digital transformation.
The gathering is also expected to inspire attendees through Ukodie’s remarkable story of resilience and faith while preserving an important chapter in Nigeria’s ICT history.
For sponsorship, partnership opportunities, pre-launch orders, or further enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact: Aaron Ukodie, Publisher, eWorldnews/ Convener, eWorld Forum, Ajomedia Limited.
