West Africa’s Top 50 Tech Titans Documentary Set for Unveiling

Emma Okonji

The Titans of Tech Gala Nite, scheduled to hold next weekend in Lagos, will provide a platform for the launch of the definitive documentary on West Africa Top 50 Tech Titans, the organisers have said.

The Executive Secretary of the Titans of Tech Awards Board, Don Pedro Aganbi, who made the disclosure in Lagos recently, revealed that the organisers are working in conjunction with Technology Africa and Nigeria ICT broadcast network to produce a pioneering documentary that provides an annotated timeline of the Nigerian telecommunication sector and its accomplishments.

According to him, “This documentary, “one of its kind” will use rare archival materials and pictures to provide a unique glimpse into the history of telecommunication in Nigeria, from the first computer in Nigeria to the first installation, in 1923, of the first computer in Nigeria to the first commercial trunk telephone service between Itu and Calabar to the first GSM call and today’s multimedia and online driven business environment.”

The documentary, he explained, is a bold attempt to capture the essential history of telecommunications in Nigeria. It will also x-ray the Nigeria Telecommunications history using stories; snapshots, stories of people; stories of institutions.

The ICT enthusiast noted that “The project, which includes the production of a coffee table style book, will feature the key players in the liberalization and subsequent mobile revolution with a special pride of place for “West Africa Top 50” innovators and connectors.”

He remarked that the premise for the mobile revolution is the transformation of the telecommunications space precipitated by the convergence of technology. So there is a need to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations directly involved in helping Nigeria leap-frog.

Aganbi also revealed that prominent players in Nigeria ICT space both in the public and private domain were already indicating their interests to participate in this first of its kind project.

The Titans of Tech Gala Nite is designed to celebrate hi-tech most important movers and shakers, the pioneers, innovators, men, women, organisations and institutions that are at the forefront of ICT adoption and usage. It is also an avenue to influence policy and networking.