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76 items tagged "ICT4D"

November 14, 2008
16:10
Great Ife Calling!!!
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The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU) through its Advancement Office is presently updating the institution’s Alumni Database. This initiative, as part of the University Strategic plan seeks to increase the database to 30,000 from the pool of about 66,000 graduates which the University has produced in the last 46 years of its existence.

We therefore appeal that you support this initiative by sending us the list of OAU Alumni that you know, stating their names in full (former names if married), course of study, year of graduation, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and current rank/status at work.

It would be appreciated if the information is sent to us through these addresses: advancement[at]oauife.edu.ng or alumnire[at]oauife.edu.ng.

We assure you that the information we receive will be treated confidentially.

Thank you.

Signed
‘Ronke Ajibola
Executive Director
University Advancement Office
Obafemi Awolowo University
Ile-Ife.
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October 31, 2008
6:25
Good News From Nigeria
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At 3:51am today, a strange eMail message arrived in my inbox. I call it strange because even though it was about a blog that focuses on News of Frauds Across the World, it featured a positive story about Nigeria this time. The good news is that it’s not the only eMail I’ve received over the last few days referring me to a local or global website telling the story of change — or at least the signs of it’s beginning. The major lesson here is that our decision to take that one step towards curbing cybercrime is arousing interests across the world and I’ll do what I can to keep you posted on developments.

Okay, The Alternative has come and gone but it’s pre-determined follow-up plans are in place. Stickers. Musical collaboration. More events across Nigeria. The rehabilitation project for 25 ex-yahoo boys. And many more. But let me share some updates with you while the hardwork needed is being poured into the post-event activities. I should start with the fact that Niger state lived up to its promise by honouring the two students who represented the state having emerged as winners of the quiz competition that held in Minna on October 24. On return, they were presented to the State Executive and rewarded with N 100,000 each. That comes as extra benefits in addition to the computer and cash prize already won in Lagos on October 25.

And now to the guys/ladies who inspire me each time I look at the plans they have laid out towards supporting the year-long Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria: the ISSPIN Ambassadors. The twenty-four dynamic young people are resident in 10 states (not counting the FCT as a state) across Nigeria; meet them:
1. Seyi Solanke (Abuja)
2. Olumide Idowu (Abuja)
3. Unyime Abasi Essien (Akwa Ibom State)
4. Robert Jimmy (Cross River State)
5. Ogaga E. Maxwell (Delta State)
6. Timothy Ogene (Delta State)
7. Khalifa Gurati (Gombe State)
8. Muktar Gadanya (Kano State)
9. Tunde David (Lagos State)
10. Ohimai Amaize (Lagos State)
11. Ubong Udoh (Lagos State)
12. Tosan Akapa (Lagos State)
13. Tokunbo Olowu (Lagos State)
14. Ayo Ojeniyi (Lagos State)
15. Afolabi Salaam (Lagos State)
16. Mobolaji Taiwo (Lagos State)
17. Durojaiye Joseph (Lagos State)
18. Ugochinyere Oluchi (Lagos State)
19. Korede Asunni (Niger State)
20. Akin Oyeyemi (Ogun State)
21. Femi Ajetumobi (Ondo State)
22. Sunkanmi Agbomeji (Oyo State)
23. Tayo Opatayo (Oyo State)
24. Bosun Olanrewaju (Oyo State)
Another major highlight of The Alternative was the announcement of the winners of the essay competition. The top 10 winners include:
1. Ajewole Ayotomiwa (UNILAG, Elect Elect.)
2. Alli Oluwamayowa (Covenant University, Elect./Elect.)
3. Akinwunmi Opeyemi Victor (O.A.U. Elect./ Elect)
4. Ogbonnaya Ibochukwu (University of Ibadan, Elect. Elect. )
5. Jekoyemi Olawale Victor (O.A.U. Computer Science and Engineering)
6. Majekolagbo Adebayo (University of Ado-Ekiti, Law)
7. Kufre Innocent Umoren (NOUN, B.A. English)
8. Funso Akinlade (College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Physiotheraphy)
9. Muizudeen Kusimo (UNIJOS, Mathematics)
10. Pekun Gabriel Adeogo (UNIPORT, Medicine and Surgery)
You can read Ayotomiwa’s essay here.
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October 30, 2008
7:29
The Alternative Stickers
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During my presentation at The Alternative, I unveiled the stickers that we will produce as part of the Microsoft-sponsored Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria. The concept (text) was created by Paradigm Initiative Nigeria while the designs were produced (in record time!) by Biola Akinyemi. Here’s a sneak preview (and I guess you know why PIN’s logo is embedded )…

Spread the message!
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October 26, 2008
1:28
why i STILL believe
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These are tough times! Discussions with friends, colleagues, mentors and family over the past few days gave me a reason to ask myself if I still believe in the dream we have so glowingly referred to as a New Nigeria. Even with my deliberate policy of never featuring bad news about Nigeria on this blog (isn’t there enough of that elsewhere on the web?) I cannot shy away from the things I see and hear.

Innocent calls with voices clad in concerned tones have followed our decision to host The Alternative (one of the activities of our Microsoft-sponsored Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria that seeks to redirect the energy of Nigerian youth from online criminal activities) and was held in Lagos yesterday, Saturday, October 25. From feedback, I think one of the highlights of the night was the display of campaign stickers, like the one above. Honestly, maga no need pay, I go work for ma dough! We had fun, thanks to Owen Gee, Rooftop MCs and Banky W! It was fun watching the campaign ambassadors and others on the red carpet. I have more ideas now about the documentary that will come out of this — and the projects (musical collaboration, the rehabilitation program, sticker campaign, decentralized campaign projects by ambassadors, etc).

I have spent much of the month speaking to various youth groups about the need for our generation to stand up to the task of nation building, including the day spent discussing The Audacity of Hope in Ibadan. Everyone’s got Obama’s name (and possible post-November 4 story) on their lips but how many young Nigerians have thought about daring to macth our hope with deserving action? One question that keeps coming my way in each meeting is: “With the way our youth want to hammer by all means, are we not in trouble?” Well, what with the fact that deferred gratification is almost synonymous with folly in our generation. This was at the centre of a meeting between Fela Durotoye, Dr. Seyi Adebayo-Olubi, Deolu Akinyemi and myself during PIN’s inaugural board meeting last week.

But… I still believe. I still believe because at the centre of this all is my choice to light a candle rather than spend so much time cursing the darkness. Listening to the icons of change around the table, my mind played a video of the various young Nigerians who are holding the forte in their respective areas of influence. Change needs few committed people who can continuosly remind themselves of why they believe in their dreams — regardless of obvious obstacles. I see the rot but I still believe that we can’t outsource the act of removing the rot — we have to do it ourselves. I feel the anger (and I should add cynism) but I still believe that change is often fuelled by anger and made irreversible by frustration at the status quo. I hear the stories but can’t fail to appreciate the fact that your positive story (and mine) may just be the catalyst for change among our peers.

As I made my way from the Akanu Ibiam Airport (Enugu) towards Awka to discuss with another group of young Nigerians last week, I was reminded of another reason why I still believe: there are countless others who still do too! I was in Minna the day after and then Jedi’s I’m Unique seminar on Friday. Then Planet One on Saturday just did it for me… not the main event itself but the silent whispers across the room, the few words spoken with hope in people’s faces. One social vice, or the many rots can not hold us back. Even though it’s dark, rather than curse the darkness, we will light a candle (at least). I still believe, and that’s why I’ll keep working hard for change.
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October 19, 2008
6:11
The Alternative (Visual)
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October 14, 2008
23:51
8 Years Ago
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Working on the ongoing social campaign to redirect the energy of young Nigerians – from cybercrime – towards positive engagements, I took a trip back to my earlier eMails on brining IT literacy to young Nigerians — at a time when internet access was plug and pray (you had to take a walk after entering the website address so it would have loaded by the time you returned to your seat). I came across an interesting eMail message…

At about this same time 8 years and 12 days ago (5:56am on Monday, October 2, 2000), I rose from deep thoughts to write to Dr. Philip Emeagwali. The eMail is reproduced below:

Good day sir,

I found out your site and address after so much search.

I do not need to tell you how I got to know about you because the whole world does.

I am a final year student at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Nigeria. I’m in the Electronic and Electrical Engineering department and I’m building an infotech career in Internet Technologies (with websitedesigns and eCommerce options). I am also presently the chairman of the electronic club of the department.

All that was necessary so that my purpose of sending the mail will be understood.

Sir, we have a dying need here in Ife and in Nigeria at large.

I HAVE A DREAM! I have a dream that despite the climate here, Nigerians would be able to see, harness and synergize the innate potentials to produce Global Impact. We have what it takes and I believe we can fly, taking advantage of the present democratic dispensation.

Sir, we need encouragement for the average Nigerian undergraduate because the system over the years has changed our paradigm to chasing after certificates rather than expertise.

We need someone like you, a Nigerian and a frontliner in Global Technological trends to salvage the situation.

Sir, I’m writing to find out how you can be of help to us. We have already held a seminar where we discussed NEXT GENERATION, taking the bulls by the horns to harness our potentials so as to make global impact. That was actually when someone gave me your website address.

Sir, I would eagerly await a response to your mail and thus continue with the correspondence. Thanks for believing in us. Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.

Yours,

‘Gbenga Sesan

About 24 hours later (at exactly 4:55am), he replied with a copy to Mr. Chris Uwaje who, at the time, was the president of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN). The events that followed that response have been chronicled in my forthcoming book.

We have come a long way since October 2, 2000. At the time, very few campuses had internet access. Today, the issue is not the access but what we do with it. Increasingly, internet access has become available but we need to treat the cancerous growth that appears to be attached to this rather good news. Cybercrime is a topic that may have many sides to it but I choose to look at the angle of providing alternative positive opportunities for the many young people who are daily attracted to the vice in the name of how for do. When we gather at Planet One on October 25 for The Alternative, it will not be a time to curse the crime or accuse the actor, it will be a time to discuss how we can provide an alternative that will create a much better scenario.

With the number of phone calls I have received (describing how each person has been a victim of an increasingly smarter group of online crime actors) since we announced the event on FaceBook, I am convinced that we need to act now. As we presently do with our Ajegunle.org model, we will work with partners to retrain at-risk youth and empower them to create an enviable career in IT (as they already invest their energy in this area, even though in a negative sense) so they can inspire positive peer pressure. Details will be unveiled next week Saturday at the event and , and I can’t wait to see how we can add another drop to this much-needed ocean of change.

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October 13, 2008
19:17
The Alternative
» ‎ Read entry @ Oro

If you’re looking for young talents, come to Nigeria. They’re everywhere – in technology, entertainment, the arts, fashion, sports… the list is endless. But one vice has brought us more shame than the fame we earned through our dignified labour. It’s cybercrime, aka Yahoo! Yahoo!

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and Microsoft Nigeria proudly present The Alternative, our opportunity to redirect the energy of young Nigerians – from Yahoo! Yahoo! – towards positive engagements, through the Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPIN) campaign and follow-up project.

There will be internet safety technology demonstrations by Microsoft; announcement of national essay and quiz competition winners; decoration of Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPIN) Ambassadors, public presentation of Microsoft/PIN’s technology capacity building program for young Nigerians, red carpet reception, music, and much more…

Featuring: Banky W, Rooftop MCs and Owen Gee…

The date is Saturday, October 25, 2008 and time is 3:00pm. Location? De Event Place, Planet One Entertainment, Lagos. For your invitations please write to thealternative@pinigeria.org, call 0702 830 72 05 or 0702 830 72 06.

This event is sponsored by Microsoft Nigeria and proudly supported by Planet One Entertainment, Soundcity, Teledom Group, New Nigeria Club, NairaHost, Blarque Brother Entertainment and Nigeria Computer Society!
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October 06, 2008
20:40
Powerful Coalition Moves Against Cybercrime in Nigeria
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What do Microsoft, Teledom Group, Nigeria Computer Society, New Nigeria Club, NairaHost, Empire Mates, Planet One, Temwangbon Entertainment, ISSPIN “Ambassadors” and Paradigm Initiative Nigeria have in common?

In what will go down in history as an urgent response to a clear need, various organizations have thrown their weight behind the ongoing Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria campaign (www.pinigeria.org/isspin). Let’s face it, we all wish for an end to the embarrassing situation that sees an odd number of cybercafe users employing a tool that has helped nations jumpstart their economy to slow ours down. TV shows, media debates and various discussions across the world have pointed accusing fingers in Nigeria’s direction — and some have even given a global vice a name that makes it sound Nigerian! Have you considered how much more trouble may be brewing with the unlimited number of “opportunities” that have now opened up for online criminal acts with the continuing democratisation of access?

This should not be! We can’t sit by and watch our youth waste the two opportunities that we have to compete in the New Economy — time and ICTs. They buy bulk time in cybercafes, own wireless cards and laptops, and are getting smarter by the day. Gone (well, not really) are the days when they only tried to work through eMail messages with obvious spelling errors — and why do they always leave Caps Lock on each time they send emotional lies our way? They don’t only waste time on these acts that have earned us an unenviable number 3 spot in relation to online crime, our inability to help them find better use of new technologies will only cloud the possible use of the same for socio-economic transformation.

Well, all hope is not lost! Various institutions are adding their voice to this campaign by the day. It began with Microsoft — the brain behind the Internet Safety, Secutiry and Privacy Initiative — for that much-needed support to help kick-start the process. Microsoft Nigeria’s commitment to a long-term partnership will help Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) add value to the lives of Nigeria’s youth through the many opportunities that Information and Communication Technologies provide. When PIN came up with the idea of an Essay Competition that will allow young Nigerians to add their voice to “Curbing Cybercrime in Nigeria,” Teledom Group didn’t waste time in expressing their unreserved support for the initiative — and that explains the first set of mouth-watering prizes for the competition. Teledom didn’t stop there, they have also announced prizes for the Quiz Competition that will see secondary school students across Nigeria battle it out and decide who’s boss when the issue is ICTs.

When you have Nigeria Computer Society’s blessing for an initiative (as we do for the Essay Competition), you can be sure of the professional touch that keeps the effort going. With New Nigeria Club (in collaboration with Generis Solutions) having announced their support for the essay competition and NairaHost also voicing their key support, we can only imagine how exciting this will be for those students who’re presently thinking through (and writing) their essays. Thanks to Empire Mates Entertainment, Planet One and Temwangbon Entertainment, Lagos will feel the vibes on October 25! Let me not say more than that for now… watch out! The ISSPIN “Ambassadors” spread across 11 states and I must thank each of them for the amazing plans they have put together for their own roles in the campaign — and for the work they are already doing.

While the campaign workshops are rolled out in Anambra, Delta, Niger and Ondo states over the next few days, there will be parallel events (led by ISSPIN Ambassadors) in Abuja, Lagos and other locations across Nigeria. We are not surprised at the keen interest shown by various institutions within and outside Nigeria (e.g. Germany, UK, USA) because the message is very clear: it’s time to redeem Nigeria’s lost Human Capital by redirecting the energy of our youth towards appropriate use of online resources. The Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPIN) is not just a Microsoft-sponsored or Paradigm Initiative Nigeria-driven project, it’s a nation’s response to a vice that has eaten too deep into the fine fabric of our nation and world.

Join us today… Please visit www.pinigeria.org/isspin, write to info[at]pinigeria.org or call (+234)-741-56-25 to discuss your role in this campaign.
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October 02, 2008
9:22
Curbing Cybercrime in Nigeria: Essay Competition for Students of Tertiary Institutions
» ‎ Read entry @ Oro

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.

With support from Microsoft Nigeria, Nigeria Computer Society and Teledom Group, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is proud to announce an essay competition as part of its ongoing social campaign against cybercrime. Essays may only be submitted by students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the theme to be explored is “Curbing Cybercrime in Nigeria,” with a focus on what must be done to redirect the energy of young Nigerians towards productive online engagements. Essays, which should not exceed 500 words, must be submitted as Microsoft Word attachments to essay@pinigeria.org by 11:59pm on October 19, 2008. The winning essay will be announced at the campaign event holding in Lagos on the 25th of October, 2008, so all those whose essays go past the first screening exercise will be invited to attend the event. Prizes to be won include Laptops, Multimedia Desktop PCs and GPRS-Enabled GSM Wristwatches.

For more details about the anti-cybercrime social campaign, please visit www.pinigeria.org/isspin or contact info@pinigeria.org
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September 21, 2008
12:12
Notes from the Nigerian Bloggers’ Conference (by Olumide Alabi and ‘Gbenga Sesan)
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We’re blogging live from the Nigerian Bloggers’ Conference…

The conference, which is holding at the Banquet Hall of Elomaz Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria started with a quick introduction by the host (one of Nigeria’s most popular bloggers), Adeolu Akinyemi. Others, who’re busy introducing themselves include the writers of this blog, a weapons engineer, soon-to-be bloggers, blog readers, blogger of the “Gbeborun of Lagos” fame, husbands and wives who blog together, an uncommissioned “Obama speech-writer”, I-must-now-ressurect-my-blog folks and others. From the introductions, it is quite clear that many bloggers started (and stopped, and then resumed again) after reading other blogs.

‘Gbenga is taking us through the definition of a blog or what I’d like to call Blogging 101 or Blogging for dummies. Hmm… his motivation for blogging was fuelled by what he’d like people to say about him at his funeral…lol. One of the reasons he started blogging was to have an outlet for articles he wrote that Newspapers were too scared to print because it didn’t fit their model of political correctness. He also made a personal choice not to blog about bad news because there’s enough bad news out there already. One of the beauties of blogging is the realness of the authors, the way they share the things they truly believe in. Like it or not, blogging can help you to influence things in society, because you have a circle of influence.

Now Olumide is talking and I’m blogging. He’s taking the audience through domain names — what they are and why you should own one. He’s just thrown in a new word — findability — and it says a lot about how owning a unique personalized domain name can help people identify you more easily. “It sets you apart from the crowd, keeps you in control, makes moving easy and helps you keep rakings with your search engines,” he said. I like the “keeps you in control” bit because it helps avoid having adverts that contradict the content of your blog because you’re using a secondary provider’s service. Owning your own domain also shows your seriousness about your idea or business — if only because you pay some money to get that in place each year.

Gbenga Aijotan, of NaijaBrains.com, is presently speaking about online media advertising. He’s discussing the possibility of attracting corporate adverts on blogs having built loyal traffic.
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September 20, 2008
5:06
Electronic Records Management (ERM) Certificate Program
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I have the honour to inform you that RIMA Foundation in collaboration with the Association for Information and Image management (AIIM) USA will organize the above captioned course from 14th – 17th October, 2008 leading to Master, Specialist and Practitioner qualification in the field of records and information management, recognised internationally.

RIMA Foundation, a not-for-profit NGO that seek to promote proper management and security of records and information in Nigeria.

Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM), a not-for-profit organization, represents the Information Management community as the global association for both users and suppliers of Enterprise Content Management solutions – the strategies, services and technologies which enable organizations to capture, manage, store, preserve and deliver information to support business processes. AIIM have existed for more then 60 years.

We would like to use this opportunity to request that you nominate some key management staff and other employees responsible for the management of records and information in your esteem organisation to attend the training programme.

We look forward to receiving your nomination within the next couple of days as we have got limited training slots.

Regards,

Oyedokun A. Oyewole
President
RIMA Foundation
3rd Floor
First Shedrach Building
8, Association Avenue
Ilupeju
Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: 01-8940451, 08023819008
www.rimaw.org
www.rimafoundation.org
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September 12, 2008
6:32
Putting MDGs into Action: The World Summit Youth Award 2009
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Media Release

Putting MDGs into Action: The World Summit Youth Award 2009 - Register now

Salzburg/New York, September, 2008 – The World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) invites young designers and e-Content creators to participate in an international competition. Sought-after are e-Contents that address in an inspiring manner the UN Millennium Development Goals, and use internet and mobile contents to create awareness of the MDGs.

An application form is now available online at www.youthaward.org/apply for all online platforms that are led by youth under the age of 30. Projects may be submitted in the following five categories:

1. Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease !
Rewards the most effective contents and applications addressing issues of extreme poverty and hunger, offers solutions for those whose income is less than $ 1 a day, supports the reduction of diseases and fights the spread of HIV/AIDS and the incidents of malaria.

2. Education for all !
Gives credit to the most innovative contents, platforms and solutions to give children everywhere, boys and girls alike, a full course of primary schooling, to advance in training for personal development and jobs, and to achieve a high level of understanding and knowledge of the global information society and its problems and promises, challenges and opportunities.

3. Power 2 Women !
Demonstrates the most inspiring contents and communities which promote gender equality and empower women, eliminate gender disparity in education and at work places, facilitate access of women to all levels of political decision making and that strengthen women’s contribution to peaceful resolution of conflicts.

4. Create your Culture !
Celebrates the most engaging online platforms and applications expressing young people’s aspirations, ideas and values, sharing their news, enabling their participation in decision-making processes, strengthening social justice, promoting the knowledge of many languages and cultures, supporting multilingualism, creating new contemporary forms of culture and preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions.

5. Go Green !
Showcases the ground-breaking applications and contents addressing the natural environment, ensuring sustainability, integrating the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes, reversing the loss of environmental resources including biodiversity, reducing the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and improving the lives of slum dwellers.

The application deadline is midnight, GMT on December 31st, 2008. Please note that the online platforms need not be youth-led so long as the specific project is.

An international jury of 12 experts will evaluate the projects, determining three winners for each category. Winners will be given the opportunity to showcase their platform to heads of state, business leaders and civil society at the World Summit Award (WSA) Gala and Winners Conference in June, 2009 in Monterrey, Mexico.

About WSYA
The WSYA selects and promotes best practice in e-Content and technological creativity, demonstrates young people’s potential to create outstanding digital contents and serves as a platform for people from all UN member states to work together in the efforts to reduce poverty and hunger, and to tackle ill-health, gender inequality, lack of education, lack of access to clean water and environmental degradation.

WSYA is therefore both, a showcase to the world for young designers, technologists and e-Content creators as well as a contribution on a global scale to addressing poverty, protecting the environment, sharing knowledge and empowering young people.

The WSYA will be organised 2008 to 2009 as a follow up activity of the World Summit on Information Society and its action plan towards the year 2015. The Youth Award is organised by the World Summit Award Network for the second time after 2005. The 2008/09 contest is organised in partnership with the Cyber Peace Initiative (CPI) launched by the Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement in 2007. The CPI has a mission to empower youth of any nation, through ICT, to become catalysts of change, to create safe and better futures for themselves and others, to address the root causes of conflict, to disseminate the culture of peace and to create international dialogues for a harmonious world. Founding partners of CPI are The Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the International Telecommunication Union, the Global Alliance for ICT and Development, Microsoft, Cisco and Intel. WSYA is also supported by the Internet Society (ISOC).

Get involved today at www.youthaward.org and showcase your project to the world!

Contact Information:
Angelika Spraider, WSYA Project Coordinator
ICNM – International Centre for New Media
Moosstrasse 43a
A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: +43 662 630408
Email: spraider@icnm.net
Web: http://www.youthaward.org

About the WORLD SUMMIT AWARD
“The World Summit Award (WSA) is the global flagship initiative within the United Nations to identify high-quality e-content products and to promote the most outstanding achievements of creatives worldwide in order to develop the Information Society, bridge digital divides and close the content gap. Started in 2003 in the framework of the United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society, WSA conducts biannually a global contest for the best e-content products and Internet applications. In 2008-09, 168 countries are actively participating. WSA is an invitation project and a global hub for everyone - be it business, government agency, professional association, educational institution or individual - who sees the crucial importance of e-content creation within the new Information Society. It is part of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development, held under the auspices of UNESCO and UNIDO and in collaboration with the Internet Society (ISOC) and private sponsors.” (www.wsis-award.org).
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September 09, 2008
22:22
MacArthur’s $2 Million Digital Media & Learning Competition Focuses on Participatory Learning, Goes International
» ‎ Read entry @ Oro

The Charles Bronfman Prize has launched its 2009 award cycle, marking the start of this year’s international quest for extraordinary, young humanitarians. The Prize celebrates the vision and talent of an individual or team under 50 years of age, whose humanitarian work has contributed significantly to the betterment of the world.

The Prize awards the recipient(s) $100,000. Nominations will be accepted between September 1 and November 30, 2008.

Since its inception, the international panel of judges has reviewed hundreds of applications detailing a diverse range of humanitarian efforts including ground-breaking applications of medicine and science, education, human rights, conflict resolution, community development and compassionate care. The Prize strives to bring public recognition to dynamic individuals whose Jewish values, which the Prize considers to be universal values, infuse their humanitarian accomplishments and provide inspiration to the next generations.

Past Prize recipients — Jay Feinberg, Dr. Alon Tal, Dr. Amitai Ziv, and Rachel Andres — are next generation leaders who have a vision for change that will better the world in a meaningful way, and who have created a mechanism within their chosen fields for acting on that vision in ways that deliver measurable results. They exhibit leadership, innovation, and impact and are the best indicator of the kinds of nominees we are seeking.

For more information on past recipients and for forms to nominate a deserving candidate, please visit www.TheCharlesBronfmanPrize.com, email info@TheCharlesBronfmanPrize.com, or call (212) 931-0127.

Past nominators have come from universities, scientific institutions, medical centers, community leaders, philanthropists, and the non-profit, private and public sectors. Will you be the next person to draw attention to the work of a young visionary?
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September 07, 2008
6:51
What If?
» ‎ Read entry @ Oro

What if…
FaceBook is the World Intelligence Agency’s way of listening in to our many conversations;
Mobile phones carry embedded chips that track our movements;
Cash cards help the Big One monitor our spending habits;
Every move on the internet is blind-copied to the Central Database;
All blog posts are scrutinized to confirm our writing patterns.

What if…
One day soon,
We will all wake up,
To find all our privacy gone,
And our secrets exploited by the WIA.

What if…
Your last eMail about that country affected your visa application;
The last call from an “unknown” number was to re-establish connection with your “servers”;
A silly comment on your wall was placed there by a special agent to confirm your anticipated reaction.

What if…
That car you saw behind you those two different times was carrying a cross-atlantic transmitter;
Your passwords, PIN numbers and access codes make up your Global Unique Identification Number for citizens under surveillance.

What if…
Your favourite movies’ list has just been discussed by the experts on neuropsychoanalysis.

What if this happens to be a true warning?
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September 03, 2008
18:24
Digitest seeks govt support, hosts 430 kids
» ‎ Read entry @ ITREALMS

National Coordinator, Digital Peers International (DPI), the organizers of Digitest, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, has solicited for more support from government at all levels for the programme as a way of investing in the future of the youths. Just as about 430 children from across the country took part in this year’s edition which ended last weekend. DPI annually organizes Information and

August 31, 2008
10:43
Call for Applications: Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPIN) “Ambassadors”
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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.
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August 23, 2008
21:08
Microsoft Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria
» ‎ Read entry @ Oro

“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 soft

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