Ekuwem emerges ATCON president, promises all-inclusive leadership

Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Teledom Group of Companies, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, has emerged the new president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), which last for the next two years.

Ekuwem, who also is the immediate past president of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) who relinquished office after first term, which ended last November, promised to run an all-inclusive administration during his time in office.

The tenure of the new exco would last for two years but they have the right to contest or be elected for third term individually in a particular office, according to the constitution of the body.

Dr. Ekuwem's election came after a tie with major contender for that position, Chief Chima Onyekwere of Linkserve Limited, of which they initially scored 18 votes each.

But following a repeat, Dr. Ekuwem came top with three votes to make a difference over the 16 votes scored by Chief Onyekwere during the second voting exercise.

Also elected into the Ekuwem's team is Mr. Bayo Banjo of Discom as the first Vice President, Mr. Gerry Ekesinai as Second Vice President and Babajide Odekunle was returned unopposed as the national secretary.

Equally in the new executive of ATCON that emerged Friday, Mrs Adeyinka Adeyegbe was returned as Treasurer, while Messrs Sunday Gbenjo and Yinka Okoture, Akinbiyi Oloko were elected as sub-group co-ordinators for the Customer Equipment Dealers, Consulting and Manufacturing in that order, while Chief Ezekiel Fatoye of MultiLink retained his position in the Licensed Telephone Operator among others.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ekuwem lauded members of the organization for turning out for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which culminated into the election presided over by the Chief Executive, Telecom Answers Associates, Mr. Titi Omo-Ettu-led five-man electoral committee; namely Aliyu Odusu of General Telecom, Akinlabi Osugun of Siemens Nigeria, Chukwudi Ebere Nweke of Best Communications and Ms Ifeoma Nwokike of Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTel).

He also assured of running an open-door policies even as promising to co-opt his rival during the election, Chief Onyekwere, to ensure that progressive steps are taken in reformation of the group.

Established on December 10, 1993, ATCON has as its objectives to bring together under one umbrella, all companies in the field of telecommunications and auxiliary services for the purpose of achieving meaningful development in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

In addition, ATCON would strive to actively promote organized private sector participation in the expansion of the nation's telecommunications infrastructure, so as to encourage professionalism and evolve adequate training programmes for the personnel engaged in the industry.

As well it would speak formerly for the members of the group and co-operate with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in ensure effective and efficient co-ordination and regulation of telecommunications services in the country.