Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is glad to announce the call for Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPIN) “Ambassadors”.

The challenge of making the internet as safe as possible is often treated lightly by many individuals, corporations, governments and other establishments in developing economies like Nigeria; hence the need to raise awareness through a social campaign that involves sensitization workshops in selected schools, a one-day event and deliberate follow-up project. Through the support of Microsoft Nigeria and other partners, the social campaign will direct the spotlight to the issue of internet safety while also providing a platform for other stakeholders to work together. The expected outcomes for ISSPIN include sensitization workshops in 3 pre-selected schools across Nigeria (in Anambra, Ondo and Sokoto states); a one-day event that will draw attention to the issue of internet safety; and a follow up project that will help young people find alternative positive and lucrative use of their internet-related knowledge. More information about ISSPIN is available at www.pin.org.ng/isspin.

PIN will select twelve (12) youth to serve as 2008/9 ISSPIN “Ambassadors”. These “ambassadors” must have the following qualities:
– Strong visible interest in ICTs;
– History of committment to social good, as demonstrated by previous involvements; and
– Their association with the ISSPIN brand will add value to the nation-wide tour, event and project.

The selected ISSPIN “Ambassadors” will be expected to do the following:
– Support the initiative by spreading the word among their networks and volunteer at events held in/close to their community;
– Be available at the ISSPIN event on October 25, 2008 (IVs will be made available); and
– Willing to participate actively in the post-event project (including leading certain aspects of the project in their communities).

To qualify, applicants must send their current resume and a 200-word essay demonstrating their interest in ICTs, showcasing their work with young people and highlighting their role as a model to other young Nigerians. All essays must be received before 11:59pm on Friday, September 12 2008, and sent to info[at]pin.org.ng with the subject: “Application: ISSPIN Ambassador.” Selected ISSPIN “Ambassadors” will be announced on Thursday, September 18 2008 and (while their assignments begin immediately,) they will be decorated on the red carpet of the ISSPIN event at Planet One on October 25 2008.

“2007 was the year online criminals showed off how smart and dangerous they can be…” – Ryan Singel in Cybercrime Stormed the Net in 2007

The concern for internet safety is a global phenomenon, especially as those who never had access are increasingly being connected through their computers, mobile phones and other devices. While the prevalence of social networking websites, online communities and internet-enabled processes should be great news for individual, corporate and government users, the concern for safety remains a major source of concern. A 2007 Internet Crime report listed Nigeria as number three on the list of the world’s top ten online crime spots; and the prevalence of cybercrime among a sizeable number of young Nigerians goes to show the need for immediate concern, especially with the recent boom in mobile service provision and online payment platforms in Nigeria.

Between 1991 and 2008, the number of internet users around the world grew from 4.4 million to 1.4 billion. The collaborative survey conducted in April 2006 by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that 1.5 million Nigerians were internet users at the time, but there are reasons to believe that the present figures are astronomically higher because of the democratization of access through mobile service providers (whose services are used by about 88 million users). While this should be perceived as good news, it also shows the increased dependence on the internet for our work, life and play.

This dependence is daily exploited by those who make the internet unsafe for other users. Walking into most cybercafés in Nigeria today, one will notice clusters of young people gathering around public computers for the purpose of manipulating the powers of technology to defraud others and disturb the desired safety of the internet. With the phenomenal growth of mobile phone users and democratisation on access to the internet, the issue of internet safety then becomes a matter of global emergency because criminals then have a platform through which they can deploy their vices without the need to show up in person. Unfortunately, these online criminals get better at their vices each time we ignore the need to act fast by promoting internet safety.

The challenge of making the internet as safe as possible is often treated lightly by many individuals, corporations, governments and other establishments in developing economies like Nigeria; hence the need to raise awareness through a social campaign that involves sensitization workshops in selected schools, a one-day event and deliberate follow-up project. Through the support of Microsoft, the social campaign will direct the spotlight to the issue of internet safety while also providing a platform for other industry players to work together. The expected outcomes for the 12-month strategy include sensitization workshops in 3 pre-selected schools across Nigeria (in Anambra, Ondo and Sokoto states); a one-day event that will draw attention to the issue of internet safety while also providing a platform for stakeholders to work together and a follow up project.

The follow-up project will specifically focus on the need to reduce the number of youth that engage in activities that threaten the safety of the internet. This follow-up project will be built on lessons from best practice efforts that address social ills and it will include a 4-phase process: recruitment, training, internships and business innovation. The recruitment process will seek to idenify youth who are engaged in cyber-crime and they will then be trained to use software development tools before being attached to various software companies for 3- to 6-month internships. Based on these, the youth will then be encouraged to either seek employment within the software (or relevant) industry or work as independent software developers. The process will also include a mentorship component that allows the interns to benefit beyond technical skills.

At the centre of the 12-month strategy will be the one-day event that will be hosted in Nigeria’s month of independence, and the event will be staged to attract endless attention through partnerships and use of huge entertainment appeal. The first of its kind in Nigeria, the one-day awareness event will hold in Nigeria’s most celebrated month (October) and at the most popular events’ venue; will be hosted by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated event comperes and feature one of Nigeria’s top-rated musicians; will be on the lips of everyone because it will be consistently featured by Nigeria’s most visible TV entertainment company; among others. The huge mass appeal and goodwill that the one-day event will generate, along with the inspiring stories that will come from the follow-up project, will keep every stakeholder on their toes in relation to internet safety.

To support this initiative, please contact info[at]pin.org.ng

I promised to post this information, especially for those who’ve been asking to join a session I’m facilitating:

Since inception, NYSC InfoTech Corps – whose main focus is creating Information and Communications Technology (ICT) awareness among under served communities with a special focus on secondary schools in Lagos State – has carried out various ICT awareness programs in form of trainings and seminars.

As part of annual activities, and in commemoration of the International Youth Day, NYSC InfoTech Corps in conjunction with Paradigm Initiative Nigeria will be holding a one-day seminar with the theme: “Information and Communications Technology in Nigeria: Optimization Strategies for National Development”. A keynote speech will be delivered by ‘Gbenga Sesan, Nigeria’s first IT Youth Ambassador and currently the African representative on the United Nation’s eLeaders Committee.

The event is expected to bring together industry experts and trainers to brainstorm on current ICT trends as well bring to the fore, the various activities of this noble group. The event will feature representatives from Microsoft, Nigeria Internet Group, TTCmobile, Nigeria Computer Society, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, Korea Internet Volunteers, Nigerian Professionals’ Network, etc. The seminar will also have representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Youth Corps members, students and other youths.

Please see event details below:
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2008
Venue: Center for Information Technology and Systems, University of Lagos, Akoka
Time: 10am to 1pm (ICT Seminar); 2pm to 5pm (International Youth Day Networking Session)

NB:
If you’re in the following cities on the listed dates, there could be other opportunities:
August 17-20: Abuja [Register for event]
August 21-22: Ile-Ife
August 23: Ibadan
August 23-24: Ogbomoso
August 29: Ado-Ekiti

Fo more details, please contact Ugo: ugo.nwosu[at]ajegunle.org

This will interest you… I love it when people give back!

Hi, my name is Doyin Ijiwola. I am an IT consultant with Orange Computers Ltd, a company I started with a friend in 2005 and I would like to tell you about my passion for you. At a young age I had the opportunity to learn computer skills and I have worked on projects both in Nigeria and abroad. Though I do not have a formal computer education, I only spent 2 days at a computer school I have evolved into a professional over the years. I have the privilege of working with Companies like Heidelberg Nigeria Limited, Toyota Nigeria Limited, International Press Center, World University Chess Championship (I designed the logo for the 2006 edition held in Nigeria), Supermartine Nigeria , Freedom House, House5, Planet one entertainment and many more.

Recently, my friends and I came together to give back to the society what the society has given to us, we are bring you challenge IT. ChallengeIT is a project aimed at discovering and developing the next generation of IT professionals, with our limited resource we have put together a training camp to connect aspiring IT professionals with peers and mentors. I discovered over the year that two things made me the professional I am today; peers that challenge me to learn harder and mentors that point the way to go. It is my belief that this same process will develop the next generation of IT professionals.

What is ChallengeIT?
It is an information technology camp for senior secondary school students and post secondary students who are not above eighteen years old. At the camp trainers from Europe, Asia and Nigeria will teach various aspects of Information Technology. There are several distinguished IT professionals that have promise to be at the camp to give seminars and give mentorship to students.

How do you pay?
It is my dream that no student be denied the opportunity to be at the camp because of financial consideration, hence we have gone to a great length to secure funds from corporate sponsors to cover the expenses of the camp. For every student coming to camp the bill has been paid.

If I don’t make it to camp?
As much as we love to train every interested student we do not have the resources to training everybody at the camp but we have gone a length further to provide students with an interactive CD that contain.

Every registered student is an automatic member of our virtual online training portal that we will launch after the camp. I am looking forward to seeing you at the camp.

Yours,

Doyin Ijiwola
Executive Director

Office Line: 234-1-7926150
Mobile: 07030849309, 08034543639, 08064029595,08035195873
Website: www.challengeitng.com
Email: ask@challengeitng.com

It was 3:45pm on July 28, 2002. I was at my aunt’s place in Ibafo and all I had on my mind was just the word: waiting. It feels that way again; I’m waiting…

WAITING

Hurdles to cross
Limits to break
People to please?
One life to live.

A dark alley
Tempest in the head
Floods in the mind…
And the promise of a light.

Disappointed dependants
Excuse for expectation
One life to live…
And the promise of a light.

With hands clasped
And heads bowed
A mind shut from every noise
I listen for that little…

The dawn of a new day
Heralded by some great news
With enough potential
To clear the hurdles.

Waiting to have my head lifted
Hands spread in praise
And a clear mind…
Declaring the appearance of light.

One deed I desire
Of Him who sees the past
But knows the future…
Lead the way.

Light up my life
Let joy flow unlimited
Let expectations be brightened
And celebration unfold.

I wait to see
The day of the light
When darkness will fall
And the bubble will burst!