On Tuesday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated Dayo Oketola, the immediate past Editor of *The PUNCH*, at the launch of his book titled *The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens*.
The book was unveiled at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos, with numerous dignitaries and media stakeholders in attendance and pouring encomiums for the former *PUNCH* Editor.
Oketola bowed out as The PUNCH Editor in June this year after nearly two decades as an accomplished journalist with multiple awards nationally and internationally.
While speaking, Obasanjo, who unveiled the book, discussed the need for Nigeria to enable a conducive business environment for investors in order to attract revenue to the country.
The former President took the attendees through the history of telecommunication firms in Nigeria, especially during his time as President.
He explained how the government created a competitive environment for mobile telecommunication networks such as MTN, GLO, Airtel and 9Mobile, among others.
Obasanjo said his government achieved competition and attracted money to Nigeria.
“That opportunity can still be made available. The money to develop Nigeria is out there. That money will not come unless we create a conducive environment for that money to come.
“What we did, what Nigeria has done in the good days when things were going well are still there and can still be done today.
“When we show the character and the attribute, and we show the understanding and the knowledge to make this country a great country that God has created it to be – a land flowing with milk and honey – not a land of insecurity, not a land of lack of prosperity but a land where everybody can enough for himself or herself,” the former President said.
The event was also attended by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
In a brief speech, Amaechi congratulated Oketola on his achievement but expressed concern that the conditions journalists currently face in Nigeria are worse than during the military regime.
Oketola, while speaking, clarified that the exaugural event did not signify the end of his journalism career, but rather marked the conclusion of his role as Editor of *The PUNCH*.
In his introductory speech at the lecture titled ‘Print Journalism in Peril: Challenging Times for Newspaper Editors,’ Oketola said, “This occasion marks a significant milestone in my professional journey — a journey that has spanned about two decades of dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the ideals of journalism.”
Oketola said the media industry at this age faces critical challenges, especially with the advent of online journalism and social media, describing the moment as a time for industry players to re-strategise and harness the opportunities presented by the social realities.
He said, “As we gather here today, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in the history of print journalism. The industry faces unprecedented challenges — from the disruptive impact of social media to the evolving demands of our readership. Yet, in these challenges lie opportunities for innovation, reinvention and a reaffirmation of the core values that define our noble profession.”
Oketola emphasized that his appointment as Editor of Nigeria’s most widely read newspaper at a young age proves that extensive experience is not the sole requirement for leadership in the newsroom, as some media veterans believe.
He argued, “This belief that one must be older to lead is both flawed and harmful to the media industry’s dynamism.” He further explained that “age is just a number, and leadership ability isn’t determined by how long one has been in the industry. Instead, it’s shaped by dedication, creativity, hard work, and often the grace of God.”
Oketola added, “In Nigeria, we once had the ‘Not too young to rule’ movement. In the media, we also have the idea of ‘not too young to become a newspaper editor.'”
The event was attended by several prominent dignitaries and media stakeholders, including Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba; and Chairman of the Editorial Board at *The Nation*, Sam Omatseye.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was represented at the occasion.
Also in attendance was Revd. Esther Ajayi, founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church C&S (Worldwide), along with the family and friends of the former editor.
The event was chaired by Michael Ikpoti, former CEO of MTN Nigeria, with the book review conducted by Dr. Akin Olaniyan, Convener of the Centre for Social Media Research.
During his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, mentioned that the state government is working on new ICT innovations, aligning with the theme of Oketola’s book. These innovations include plans to provide public internet access in Lagos.
Past and present staff members, along with the management of *PUNCH Nigeria Limited*, were also in attendance.
