How Election of Nigeria’s Bosun Tijani as Vice Chair of ITU Council Will Boost Africa’s Digital Leadership

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The election of Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, as Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025 is said to be aimed at boosting Africa’s digital leadership.

Indeed, his election, held during the ongoing ITU conference in Geneva, Switzerland, marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and reflects the country’s dedication to digital transformation and inclusive innovation.

Founded in 1865, the ITU is the oldest specialized United Nations agency, tasked with advancing global information and communication technologies (ICTs).

The organisation plays a pivotal role in fostering connectivity, innovation, and sustainable digital solutions worldwide.

Tijani, in his acceptance speech, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the ITU’s mission, particularly in expanding resilient digital infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to connectivity, especially for underserved communities.

According to him, “Nigeria remains resolute in advancing the ITU’s collective goals, including the provision of sustainable digital infrastructure and meaningful connectivity for all.”

He said this leadership position strengthens Nigeria’s influence in shaping digital development across Africa and beyond, expressing gratitude to ITU Secretary-General, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, member states, and the management team for their trust, emphasizing the critical role of technology in driving societal progress.

“We are at a defining moment, witnessing the transformative power of digital technology—a force that enables us to be more inclusive, informed, and forward-thinking,” he said.

The Minister also congratulated the newly elected ITU Chair, Ms. Cristiana Flutur of Romania, pledging to collaborate closely to achieve shared objectives. He urged stakeholders to make the ITU “a beacon of inclusive innovation and trusted collaboration for present and future generations.”

Nigeria’s representation at the ITU conference underscores its growing role in global digital governance.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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