Two prominent voices in African technology, Chris Uwaje and Gbenga Sesan, will share their perspectives at the upcoming eWorldForum, which marks the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s GSM revolution and the official launch of a new book authored by Aaron Ukodie.
The forum gathers policy experts, technology entrepreneurs, media leaders, and telecommunication stakeholders to reflect on the legacy of mobile telecommunications in Nigeria and discuss the future of the nation’s digital economy.
Historic insights on policy and national development
Chris Uwaje, frequently referred to as Nigeria’s IT Oracle, will provide a historical and policy-driven assessment during the session titled “GSM Revolution: 25 Years After.”
Uwaje played a central role in shaping the nation’s early tech framework during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Alongside the late Professor Gabriel Ajayi, he advocated for the initial National Information Technology Policy, an effort that directly led to the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Throughout his career, Uwaje has championed indigenous software development as a primary driver for national economic diversification away from crude oil dependence. He is also the author of Time Is Running Out, a book detailing the strategic imperative for rapid digital adaptation in developing economies. At the forum, he will evaluate the societal and structural impacts of the 2001 GSM rollout while addressing the strategic priorities required for future infrastructure growth.
Focus on digital rights and youth innovation
Complementing Uwaje’s historical approach, Gbenga Sesan will deliver a contemporary analysis focused on digital rights, youth inclusion, and tech entrepreneurship.
Sesan, a former Nigerian IT Youth Ambassador, serves as the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise advocating for digital inclusion and rights across Africa. His presentation will address how the mobile revolution opened pathways for young innovators, while examining ongoing challenges regarding digital access, privacy, and online freedoms facing the current generation of digital citizens.
Key objectives of the eWorldForum
The eWorldForum provides an industry platform to analyze past milestones alongside emerging technologies. Key areas of focus for the event include:
Retrospective Analysis: Assessing the economic impact, infrastructure growth, and societal changes sparked by the 2001 GSM introduction.
Book Presentation: The formal launch of Aaron Ukodie’s latest book documenting the nation’s telecommunications journey.
Future Technology Trends: Panel discussions examining artificial intelligence, broadband expansion, startup ecosystem policy, and indigenous capacity building.
The forum aims to bridge historical policy foundations with forward-looking strategies to help steer the next phase of digital expansion across Nigeria and the broader West African region.
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