The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has appointed Africa’s foremost ICT Magazine, IT & Telecom Digest, the Official Marketer and Event Manager for its upcoming 20th Anniversary celebration.
The letter of appointment, which was addressed to Belmang Ltd, publishers of the magazine, came after a thorough process of calling for bidders, shortlisting qualified companies and final selection after a of series of interviews and presentations, the association said in a statement.
The letter addressed to the company and signed by President of ATCON, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, read in part: “We are pleased to inform you that the National Executive Council of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has appointed Belmang Ltd. as the official marketer and event manager of ATCON’s 20thAnniversary.”
Speaking on the event, the ATCON President, Engr. Ajayi said the journey of the last 20 years had been so eventful for the Nigerian telecommunications industry with ATCON as the umbrella body of all telecommunications companies playing pivotal roles. ATCON, he said, is recognised for championing the growth of the ICT industry through advocacy and engagement of all stakeholders, including the government for better policies, the result of which is where the industry is today.
And for that, he said the Association has decided to take time out to evaluate its achievements, the industry and the association’s successes while also giving due recognition to those who have made the accomplishments for the association and its members in the period of the last 20 years and make projections for the future through the celebration.
On the appointment of IT & Telecom Digest through its publishing parent company, Belmang Limited as the event manager, Engr. Ajayi noted that after a thorough and transparent bid keenly participated in by many event managers in the industry, Belmang Limited emerged as the winner with robust presentation and required skills and expertise to market and manage the event.
He said ATCON will be leveraging on the expertise and experience of the company in event management to achieve a world-class Anniversary that will attract dignitaries from all parts of the world. “Belmang Limited has over the years demonstrated their capability and proficiency in event management, a trait which was profoundly exhibited by the company during the bid process that led to their emergence as the event manager. The National Executive Council of ATCON is confident that Belmang would deliver even beyond our expectations,” he said.
Engr. Ajayi added: “Of course we are all well aware of the excellent successes recorded by this company’s flagship magazine, which pioneered publishing in the telecom sector over 18 months before the GSM operations began in the country. We also noted with satisfaction the various events they organise, such as the West African ICT Congress, the NITTA awards, and its consulting activities in organising events for the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission.
“It is also interesting that Belmang Ltd and its magazine, IT & Telecom Digest, have become Nigerian representatives for organisers of the globally acclaimed CeBIT in Hannover, Deutsche Messe, and many other international events organisers. So, indeed, we look forward to a successful 20th anniversary,” Engr. Ajayi stated.
In his acceptance of the appointment, the Chief Executive Officer of Belmang Limited and Editor-in-Chief of IT & Telecom Digest Magazine, Mr Mkpe Abang, said the company is humbled by the recognition given it by ATCONand accepted the appointment with a deep sense of duty, adding that the company would do its utmost best in the marketing and management of the event to make it a pride for the industry and the Association.
“We are delighted at this appointment, which again underscores not just our glittering track record in this field, but also our commitment to the telecom sector and our relentless efforts to ensure that the industry attains to the highest possible heights as it is anywhere else in the world.”
He added: “we assure ATCON of our commitment to the assignment and our readiness at all times to work towards the success of this very worthy 20th Anniversary celebrations.”