Organised by






ITelligence Foundation
© January 2004.



Which took place

At Conference Centre, University of Ibadan
Oyo State, Nigeria.
On the 30th January, 2004

1.0 Introduction:

The Nigeria Youth Information and Communication Empowerment Conference (e-youth 2004) was conceived by Oguntuase Olufemi Ayobami on the third of July 2003, during his National Youth Service Corps Year. He told Olukayode Akanni who also had a similar idea, therefore together with some other Nigerian youths; they came to establish the ITelligence Foundation in October 2003. The initial purpose for the e-youth 2004 conference was to empower the students of the University of Ibadan using ICT as a tool but the scope of this idea increased to other tertiary institution students in Oyo State. This was as a result of what the duo gained in the course of their National Service Year to the nation.

2.0 Goal:

The goal of the Conference was to empower the youth to be self-sustaining through the use of ICT and its related products and applications.

3.0 Objectives:

- Bringing ICT awareness to about fifty Nigerian youths by informing them about the opportunities that abounds in the ICT fields.

- Building and “re-tooling” (i.e. adopting today’s ICT tools which includes Open Source Technologies e.t.c.) the human resources capacity of the tertiary institutions through the hands on experience which will be administered by the resource persons for job creation and employment through ICT applications for self sustainability.

- Introduction and promotion of local, national, regional and International ICT Organisations that can be of benefit to the participants with special attention to World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process. We will update them on the role of young people through the Youth Caucus and the Youths Creating Digital Opportunities (YCDO) coalition, which is the formal representative for the youths in the United Nations based WSIS.

- Seek to inform participants on the role of tertiary institution students on the Integration of IT into Educational system and how their involvement in developing skills and sharing knowledge through projects can increase local content, entrepreneurship and therefore bridge the digital divide.

- Creation of opportunities for student projects exhibition and involvement in the award granting Nigerian tertiary Education virtual learning local content development contest.

4.0 Preparation and meeting with the event partners:

TIMELINE

Serial Number Period Purpose
1 4-20 Nov., 2003 Contacting event partners and speakers

2 6-12 Dec., 2003 First LOC meeting

3 20-21 Dec., 2003 Loc meeting in UI

4 22-27 Dec., 2003 Publicity and media strategies to participants and potential sponsors.

5 27 Dec., 2003 Creating time slot for paper presentations

6 27 Dec., 2003 – 8 Jan. 2004 Launching of the event’s website, collating the numbers of participants

7 9 – 16 Jan., 2004 Campus oriented publicity strategies. Invitation of University of Ibadan based speakers.

8 17-23 Jan. 2004 Collating the list of participants that indicated interest online from Taking IT Global (TIG) website with the offline registration record. Preparation of the second draft of time slot for speakers

9 23-30 Jan., 2004 Final time slot for speakers, sending out of the reminder letter to speakers and the media, Final meeting with the event partners and LOC members, other event logistic

Other specific meetings:

§ 14th Dec., 2003 ITelligence Foundation meeting with YEILD

§ 25th Jan., 2004 ITelligence Foundation meeting with LOC

§ 28th Jan., 2004 ITelligence Foundation meeting with NACOSS president and ANNUSA Secretary General

§ Informal ITelligence Foundation meetings with Paradigm Initiative Nigeria.

5.0 The e-youth 2004 event:

The e-youth events commenced by 10:45am with the Conference Coordinator Akingbile Thaddaeus giving the opening prayer for the commencement of the Plenary Session 1. He welcomed the participants and handed over to Oguntuase O.A, the moderator.

Oguntuase O.A informed the participants about the ITelligence Foundation. He highlighted the goals and objectives of the conference, after which he introduced the available guest speakers.

5.1 The Dean of Student's address

The Dean of Students of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ogunkunle declared the conference open by welcoming the participants to the memorable and land mark event. He commended the ITelligence Foundation for conceiving the initiative and encouraged them to come again to the University of Ibadan to organize such programme on a grander scale to a larger audience of students and lecturers. He noted the richness of the programme and pledged his moral support for another ICT conference.

He promised to intimate the University administration, dean of faculties and head of departments if the organizers decide to organize such again the University community.

5.2 Display of what young people are doing at the World Summit of Information Society and the ICT World.

Olukayode Akanni the co founder of ITelligence Foundation gave a presentation on ‘Display of what young people are doing at the World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) and the ICT World’. He gave detailed explanation on how youths can get involved in the WSIS .He talked about the Nigerian Youth consultation (NYC) process on the United Nation based WSIS, which was done with Nigerian youth in the North, West and South and major cities like Kano, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Ogbomosho and Ibadan .The Taking IT Global organization ( an officially WSIS accredited organization for Global youth) was promoted, students were encouraged to join by visiting the website (www.takingitglobal.org) in order to initiate local activities on the University of Ibadan campus. He also read out the Nigerian Youth Declaration which was summated at the just concluded WSIS in Geneva in December, 2003.

5.3 Preparing for the knowledge economy-‘Technopreneurship’

The Keynote Speaker for Plenary Session 1 was Professor Olufemi Bamiro of the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan.
He stated that entrepreneurship is not buying and selling- that’s just trading, for example people travel to Dubai, come back and sell the goods, make profit. This actually destroys the economy.

He mentioned that it is the innovative application of technical knowledge of an individual that produce profit. He added that the wealth of Nations is being managed by fewer and fewer people and company. There is loss of jobs and brain drain. He stated challenges of reclaiming and building local capacity, creating job with goods and services, and turning digital opportunities to business idea and create jobs. He mentioned that anyone who is too used to comfort cannot be an entrepreneur. Entrepreneur uses simple things to make business. “Money cannot stop you, what can stop you is if you don’t have an IDEA.” he said. He added that entrepreneur must discover a need or window of opportunity, must have the propensity to start, ready to assume risks, self confident and capable, bring professional experts, and know how to price. He mentioned that when pricing, do cost the value to the user. “You don’t need billions to carry out research that can meaningfully transform part of the economy. You can tap into the information super high way of the INTERNET. As your business grows you have to professionalise the management of your business- that’s what’s wrong with the family business mentality in Nigeria.” He noted.
He therefore suggested software entrepreneurs can develop. Softwares in human resource management, accounting, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Insurance, and educational software.

5.4 Youth Empowerment in Job Creation & Employment – Mrs. Omotunde Erewele

Mrs Erewele dreams of explorative, experienced, employable, enthusiastic, energetic, enigmatic Nigerian youths.

She explained what empowers every youth include the following:

§ Societal Values- our society that has certain biases towards certain Profession/Fields may encourage the individual into such fields

§ Educational Qualification- simply put as outcome of your educational career

§ Personal Quality-what you are made of as an individual what you are known for

§ Interest- a very important aspect which should be well thought of as if not considered could leave you going around in circles.

§ Ability-Financial, Educational, Physical

§ Physique-[what you can excel in for example stammerer would not go far in broadcasting or deaf and dumb might not excel in as a lawyer]

§ Awareness-Via the media (this we would seriously need)

§ Networking-exchange of information with the help of internet /phones and other means

§ Dressing-this speaks a lot about you more than you get to say about yourself

§ Sense of humor-this could save situations which may seem in favourable

§ Language-in a society where respect is valued

§ Find yourself ,present yourself properly and with utmost decency in your speech

§ Available facilities-the resources at your fingertips/available to you

§ Readiness to learn

§ Self concept-Complexes (inferiority/superiority)/ general perception of yourself

§ Good connection-who you know

§ Curriculum Vitae/Resume-a good one and well presented

§ God & Prayers

5.5 National Information Technology Development Agency.

Mr. Ben Ewah, the Training Consultant from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) based in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja also came to encourage and enlightened the participants.

He started by encouraging the participants and letting us know of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the ICT industry regardless of what career we may be into right now. He stated that there is enough room for everyone in the IT sector thereby using himself as an example whereby he graduated with a degree in accounting but is now actively thriving in the ICT sector. He advised that hard-work, consistency & determination must the watch- word if each participant must succeed in the IT sector.

He stated the NITDA is helping to build capacities for emerging markets/opportunities in the nation. Furthermore, NITDA is exploring legislative and policy point of view to allow more tax incentives to boost local PC production or allow more PCs to be brought so every home would have one. These will enable Nigerians to be empowered online in the world of electronic commerce, though this is still shortchanged by lack of constant power and adequate infrastructures in the country.

The issue of Microsoft donation of computers/software to bodies in Nigeria was brought up which he clarified as a medium to see that Microsoft puts back something into the society to improve the system in the land. Nevertheless he mentioned that Free and open source software technology would benefit a nation more than propriety software.

A question on .ng domain issue also rose which looks like there are still some loose ends to be patched together. He also said it really depends on the individual bodies meeting the requirement or capacity to register the domain.

NITDA working with the NYSC scheme is planning to educate the Primary & Secondary on ICT and also deploy computer systems via private sector participation.

He stressed that various policies on IT however few or inadequate they may seem are helping to bring about some form of improvement in IT sector in the country.

He commented that Public service should not spend too much on software and avoid copyright abuse.
He ended on awareness of the e-Nigeria 2004 conference.

Many questions were asked by the participants some of which, are documented below

Q: what is "emerging markets?"

A: It means basically new opportunities in an industry or a nation.

Q: Is there any NITDA policy for secondary school students?

A: NITDA is looking at the NYSC scheme towards equipping the corps members and using them to train secondary school students. Example was cited about India where tertiary students go back to Secondary schools to teach the student the art of computing.

Q: Is there any underlying factor concerning Microsoft donating software and Personal Computers to tertiary institutions?

A: Mutually beneficial atmosphere, not an attempt to create an exclusive niche for Microsoft

Q: Now that the federal government has assigned the responsibility of the .ng domain name registration to NITDA, what are the processes involved.

A: Series of enlightenment campaigns will be done to ensure that every Nigerian knows about the process involved.

5.6 Youth Empowerment in Free and Open Source Technology

This session was introduced by Oguntuase O.A, who gave a brief history on the emergence of free and open source movement. He then introduced the speakers who are Mr. Oluwaseyi Akindeinde and Mr. Taiwo Yussuf from the Datasphir and Nigeria Linux User Group.
He said that Open source license enables you to re use or re write and sell the software. He also mentioned that Open source is cheap, community based, promotes IT growth in developing economies and that Open source is not centrally controlled.

An overview of the emergence of Linux and how it started the desire to make source codes available to the community that contributed to developing the codes thereby giving room for changes to meet individual needs/ requirement this is leading to the break of monopoly enjoyed by certain organizations. With the open source the barrier/restrictions are broken giving the individual the opportunity to customize the software to his use.

He further noted that IT makes money, saves time and solves problems. Linux encourages the improvement the initial source code as long as it is left open whether you give it out free or sell it, it must be open to all. One of the advantages of Linux is that virus attack is next to zero. All Microsoft users have limitations to the computer and the Internet. The inclusion of Internet explorer in windows was to kill the emergence of other IE’s e.g. Netscape.

He suggested that intending Linux users who wish to dual booth, should install windows first then Linux. He concluded with final word was that empowerment comes from skill acquisition

He also encouraged the participants to check these sites- www.nglug.org.ng, www.nu-learning.com and join the Nigeria Linux user Group at 24B Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Many questions were asked by the participants some of which, are documented below.
Q How user friendly is Linux?

A Learning curve in Linux is steep

Q what programming languages are compatible with Linux

A A whole lot: PHP, SQL-web based application, C language, pearl, python,etc

Q About the Nigerian Linux user group?

A Meets at 24b, Muri Okunola Street Victoria Island, Lagos. Saturdays 1.30 pm



5.7 The Nigerian Information Technology Youth Ambassador, Edward Popoola presented the clickITnigeria.org.( www.clickITnigeria.org // info@clickITnigeria.org)

He started by noting the population advantage we have over other countries if we get as many youths educated about IT which is our major concern

Vision/Mission

§ To inform -The aim of ClickIT Nigeria to the young mind of the opportunities out there in Information society how we could develop the society (WSIS)

§ To educate- how IT is becoming a necessity

The people involved, the required procedure, facilities involved Computers, Data/Information & Communication

§ To empower- the youths and prepare them for challenges global market place& immediate environment

He mentioned how IT is impacting all fundamental aspects of human life, empower youths and encourage skill development.

It is a non- governmental organization which needs; partnership, sponsorship and participation.

5.8 Introduction To Digital Opportunities ‘Gbenga Sesan

Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, the first Nigeria Information Technology Youth Ambassador, gave an educational and motivational presentation. He mentioned that the world is now a multi disciplinary world and that the digitalization of global economies is not being lucky but prepared. He also made it known that digital opportunities thrive more with thinking than with muscles. He concluded by giving the participants links/ websites to visit.

6.0 Evaluation of e-youth 2004

Materials given to the Participants includes:

• A Conference Bag.

• An ITelligence Foundation

Resource toolkit CD.

• A Direqlearn CD.

• An Evaluation copy of Java

Desktop System CD by Sun

Microsystems and African Legend Indigo.
• Free and Open Source Foundation for Africa (FOSSFA) CD.

• A Registration pack for 14th World Congress on IT by WISTA in Italy.
• A Linux Smarts Card by Linux Professional Institute

• An official Visitor’s Guide 2004 to Cape Town, South Africa

33	Adeoba Tomilayo Faith	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan
34	Ogunrinde Mutiat Adebukola	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan	Your program is such a nice and educative one. Please I don’t mind joining you.	I gained more about IT.I want to know how to be a member of ITelligence foundation. Please try to improve on time.
35	Alabi-Hundeyin Tunde II	Communication and Language Arts University of Ibadan
36	Ogundele Olufunsho	Agric Economics University of Ibadan	Hope it’s going to be a wonderful experience it promised to be!	Great Conference! Sincerely, I’m impressed and have leant a lot within a few hours that will change my life for good. I would like to be part of this team i.e. ITelligence Foundation…..Thank you
37	Adegbite Seun O.	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan	I anticipate getting value for the time I am going to spend.
38	Abiodun Oluwafikayo Rilwan	Dept of Zoology University of Ibadan	How can I get initiative on how I can incorporate ICT into it?
39	Abiodun Olufolahan Idris	Electrical & Electronics Engineering, The Polytechnic Ibadan		This was highly informative and educational and has changed my life for the better.....   Fola
40	Akpokodje Andrew		It is an interesting idea to know that Nigerians are giving the youths this great opportunity to express their great minds.
41	Omorogbe Paul	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan		Very enlightening.
42	Adeoye Adenike	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan	I hope I will gain a lot of knowledge during the Seminar	It is a lovely event; the talk has changed my thinking. e-youth 2004 is cheap!
43	Ajayi Olaboye O.	Dept of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan		It’s a unique program and in reality it was free. A great and educative time for everybody. More power to your elbow
44	Oguntuase Adeola		When will the next one be?	Please, make it known to all.
45	Abitogun Ayodeji Rex	Dept of Computer Sc. The Polytechnic, Ibadan
46	Omojuyigbe Ayodeji	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan	Expecting greater benefits from your ends.
47	Adekunle Y. Samson	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan		Encouraging, Educative.. Keep it up.
48	Joseph Toba	Dept of Computer Sc University of Ibadan		It has really empowered me
49	Adeyanju O.O
50	Awe Olaitan Igbagbo			The conference is empowering and illuminates dark areas in the ICT world
51	Ayodele Oluwamayowa			Incisive, educative and interesting too. I would love to be involved in future events and I am available for any responsibilities
52	Nekpona Obehi			Challenging, I believe is a very positive way of moving the nation to greater heights. Today, e- youth has successively challenged a few but with more effort can challenge the whole Nation. I saw, it’s indeed a very good initiative to be kept going. Thank you e-youth for opening my eye to IT.
53	Adedoja ‘Debo			This is beyond imagination, it’s is terrific.
54	Ayo Olagunju			Creating and laying the building blocks for the digital future of Nigerian youths
55	Mar 18th, 2004 - 08:09:35 | OLUKAYODE AKANNI Application of information & communication tools in government, world over, is currently changing the way government business is implemented with emphasis on due diligence, transparency, efficiency & delivery The 1st Stakeholders' Conference on National eGovernment Strategies and Implementation Roadmap for Nigeria took place between the 7th-10th March, 2004 at the Congress Hall, Nicon Hilton Hotel Abuja, with the theme "Implementing eGovernment Strategies in Nigeria". The conference was declared open by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR and attracted a wide audience of Nigerian and Expatriate professionals from across the globe.( visit- http://www.nitda.org/events/egovenance/eGovernance.html) The conference was organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA –Federal Ministry of Science and Technology) in collaboration with National eGovernment Strategies Limited (NEGST). Several speeches were made at the conference. In a paper titled “ Strategies for the successful deployment of eGovernment solutions in Nigeria” presented by Dr. Olu Agunloye, consultant, NEGST. He presented NEGST as a tripartite joint venture comprising Government( 5%), consortium of banks(15%) and Strategic partner( 80%).He also mentioned the mission of NEGST as to build national Information Communication infrastructure to facilitate Government and other relevant activities which provide ICT facilitated deliveries for the benefit of the citizens and the vision as to implement eGovernment at multiple levels in such a way as to promote transparent efficient delivery of services with increasing Citizens – Government interaction while at the same time tapping into the economic viability of the venture. National eGovernment Strategies Limited is The Nigerian National eGovernment Project working Towards A Framework for Development ( for details visit http://www.negst.com/) In another occasion outside this conference, Director-General, NITDA, Prof. Gabriel Ajayi commented on the positive response from the government on ICT for development which was obvious with president Olusegun Obasanjo’s presence to deliver his speech in person at the stakeholder conference. This was the first time Mr. President will be doing that in any event organized by NITDA Prof. Ajayi noted. Coordinator, Joint Action Committee on ICT Awareness and Development ( JACITAD),Mr. Segun Aregbeyen as well as members of JACITAD were present to cover the stakeholder conference event for media. On Wednesday, a night Dinner took place by the pool side at the Hilton Hotel, where dignitaries within and outside the country came together to network, dine and wine in a scenic atmosphere. “Oh God of creation, Direct our noble course, Guide our leaders right, Help our youths the truth to know...” Reporting, Akanni Olukayode ITelligence Foundation Mar 17th, 2004 - 02:32:59 | Olutuase Oluwafemi Ayobami ICT 4 Rural Dwellers Organised by ITelligence Foundation The need to include to rural dweller in the information society and to help them harness the potential of ICT to improve lives is real in a developing country like Nigeria. For over one year now, The DesignIT project manager- Olukayode Akanni - has been interacting with different villagers in their various settlements and seeks for ways to bring to the rural dwellers the knowledge of ICT in the way they would understand. While doing this he shared about this with Oguntuase O.A and the present NCCF Lagos president- Mr. Femi Orekoya. Bringing into reality the idea of IT for Rural dwellers was rekindled by Oguntuase O.A and done by co-founders of ITelligence Foundation- Oguntuase O. A and Olukayode Akanni and some volunteers after discussing a collaborative effort with the Rural Community development outreach programme of NCCF (an organization of Christian graduates from different states of the federation undergoing a one year compulsory National Youth Service in Lagos State) Lagos State Chapter. 2.0 IT for Rural Dwellers: The days are gone by when the rural dwellers cannot participate in the on going information revolution. ITelligence Foundation, a non-profit Organization in collaboration with the Rural Community development outreach programme of NCCF Lagos State Chapter was at Gberigbe, Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State, Nigeria between 20th – 22nd February 2004. IT for Rural Dwellers is a pioneering innovation in the history of Rural Community development outreach programme of NCCF Nation wide. The ITelligence Foundation team was at Gberigbe, for the three days programme organized for the small rural community of about 500 settlers located between Sagamu, which is a major city of Ogun State and Lagos, the former Capital city of Nigeria. ITelligence Foundation seeks to enhance the untapped potential of the geographical location of the Village and empower the rural dweller with ICT for poverty reduction programme. In all, 38 teenagers were taught in a story like concept spiced with audio-visual material and video about the “Dawn of the Net” during the rural community development programme. The participants were introduced to basic computing and hands on experience on two operating systems namely, Windows and GNU/Linux (free UNIX based Open source software). The participants were also introduced to word processing application namely Microsoft Word, Open Office.org e.t.c. To understand how data traveled via the net, the teenagers were taught how to composed a letter they need to send across to a “brother” in USA and saved it to the hard disk ready to send it across the Internet. Though there was no Internet connection, so we just at played a Video titled “ The Dawn of the Net” that illustrates with good animations, the process of how data move in the information super highway- Internet. This video came in handing to help these young ones to understand beyond words how their letter would have reached their” brother” in USA. The participants were given gifts, materials to facilitate and motivate interest in education and learning computer skills. Success stories were shared on how people in some developing countries have improved their lives with ICTs. ITelligence Foundation crew also taught participants how determined rural youth in Gberigbe can start from scratch and make money in this knowledge economy with some good attitude and hard work. This money can used to train the teenager, whose parents could not afford sponsoring their secondary education to attend a high school. The participants were happy for the experience. One of the participants named Edwin Chinyere was already thinking of how she would be taught in the University! This gives us the feeling that these young ones might be poor financially but not in their dream and hope. Dummy keyboard was given to few female participants interested in gaining typing skills before approaching the nearest business centre for a short term mutually benefiting apprenticeship arrangement to further develop their typing and computer skill that can make them employable in order to finance their secondary school expenses. Despite the tough environment they found them selves we can see a ray of hope through their eye as they are determined to learn typing skill even without a ready access to typewriter or typing manual. 3.0 Research and survey: From this experience, the ITelligence Foundation team gathered that, 15 Participants out of 38 has seen computer before with only 3 have been opportune to touch computer. Out of those 3 participants there is only one participant that the level of computer usage got to the level of typing, the other two used computer to play games. Out of the 38 participants, there is only one that could afford to attend Private school; this particular participant is the lucky guy who could type with computer. This is owing to the fact that public school is more affordable for rural dwellers. Now that 38 participants have a fair feel of computer usage and what opportunities available in ICTs for poverty reduction, ITelligence Foundation team has efficiently contributed in a little way to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich using the digital opportunities that is presented in ICTs. There was a very inquisitive girl named Mary Olutayo who was very eager to improve her life using ICTs, ITelligence Foundation crew was able to convince her of the uniqueness of the village- It is within the network coverage area of major GSM Networks in Nigeria - and shared the success story of how a poor middle aged woman- Helena in a remote village of Bangladesh named Moukhara under Natore District (North-west side of India) changed her life with one mobile phone(that she named “magic touch”) from extreme poverty to being an entrepreneur. She is now living in a four-room building and she is with asset of 30 decimal adjacent to the highway and some money in her bank to build her own house! It is worth of note that there are 34 girls out of the 38 participants that benefited from the IT for rural dweller programme. Only one participant could identify CPU as the main computer while none could name the richest man in the World. Only three out of the 38 participants know something about Internet. According to these three participants the Internet is where computer is used to watch video, watch play and send messages. They knew nothing of e-learning, collaboration, getting information and knowledge for development, e-governance, e- health, e-commerce etc. 4.0 Result of Survey: The graphical representations of some realities extracted from our Research of the level of exposure and understanding of ICTs by these young rural dwellers is presented in the project documents page. 5.0 African Leaders’ perspective: From the African leader’s perspective in the recent Telecommunication Conference held in February 2004 hosted by Terrepinn Limited in Johannesburg, South Africa. Total African’s Population by 2003 was 807.7 million and the global population of 6.3 billion. Revenue projections directly from e-business by 2004 is $2.4 trillion While revenue projections directly from e-business from Africa is $200 million(less than 2 %). African’s 807.7 million is served by 40 million mobile telephone line, 25 million fixed lines and only 6.5 million people have access to the internet 6.0 Conclusion: As businesses are embracing the Internet as a means of increasing revenue, improving profit, penetrating new markets and reducing costs. How can we help rural dwellers to harness ICTs to improve their lives? We need collaborators and sponsors in order to provide more help to these young ones- the future of the most populous black Nation and the Future is NOW! Africa can drastically increase direct revenue from e- business from the present state of less than two percent. This can only be done when rural dwellers (that are about 70% of the population in developing countries) are given access to affordable ICTs (computers and internet). “Instead of building a bridge, let us become THE bridge across the digital divide” Oguntuase O. A joeayo@yahoo.com 234-1-4931535 Olukayode Akanni kayodeakanni@yahoo.com 234-8055068459 Mar 17th, 2004 - 02:32:28 | Olutuase Oluwafemi Ayobami ICT 4 Rural Dwellers Organised by ITelligence Foundation The need to include to rural dweller in the information society and to help them harness the potential of ICT to improve lives is real in a developing country like Nigeria. For over one year now, The DesignIT project manager- Olukayode Akanni - has been interacting with different villagers in their various settlements and seeks for ways to bring to the rural dwellers the knowledge of ICT in the way they would understand. While doing this he shared about this with Oguntuase O.A and the present NCCF Lagos president- Mr. Femi Orekoya. Bringing into reality the idea of IT for Rural dwellers was rekindled by Oguntuase O.A and done by co-founders of ITelligence Foundation- Oguntuase O. A and Olukayode Akanni and some volunteers after discussing a collaborative effort with the Rural Community development outreach programme of NCCF (an organization of Christian graduates from different states of the federation undergoing a one year compulsory National Youth Service in Lagos State) Lagos State Chapter. 2.0 IT for Rural Dwellers: The days are gone by when the rural dwellers cannot participate in the on going information revolution. ITelligence Foundation, a non-profit Organization in collaboration with the Rural Community development outreach programme of NCCF Lagos State Chapter was at Gberigbe, Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State, Nigeria between 20th – 22nd February 2004. IT for Rural Dwellers is a pioneering innovation in the history of Rural Community development outreach programme of NCCF Nation wide. The ITelligence Foundation team was at Gberigbe, for the three days programme organized for the small rural community of about 500 settlers located between Sagamu, which is a major city of Ogun State and Lagos, the former Capital city of Nigeria. ITelligence Foundation seeks to enhance the untapped potential of the geographical location of the Village and empower the rural dweller with ICT for poverty reduction programme. In all, 38 teenagers were taught in a story like concept spiced with audio-visual material and video about the “Dawn of the Net” during the rural community development programme. The participants were introduced to basic computing and hands on experience on two operating systems namely, Windows and GNU/Linux (free UNIX based Open source software). The participants were also introduced to word processing application namely Microsoft Word, Open Office.org e.t.c. To understand how data traveled via the net, the teenagers were taught how to composed a letter they need to send across to a “brother” in USA and saved it to the hard disk ready to send it across the Internet. Though there was no Internet connection, so we just at played a Video titled “ The Dawn of the Net” that illustrates with good animations, the process of how data move in the information super highway- Internet. This video came in handing to help these young ones to understand beyond words how their letter would have reached their” brother” in USA. The participants were given gifts, materials to facilitate and motivate interest in education and learning computer skills. Success stories were shared on how people in some developing countries have improved their lives with ICTs. ITelligence Foundation crew also taught participants how determined rural youth in Gberigbe can start from scratch and make money in this knowledge economy with some good attitude and hard work. This money can used to train the teenager, whose parents could not afford sponsoring their secondary education to attend a high school. The participants were happy for the experience. One of the participants named Edwin Chinyere was already thinking of how she would be taught in the University! This gives us the feeling that these young ones might be poor financially but not in their dream and hope. Dummy keyboard was given to few female participants interested in gaining typing skills before approaching the nearest business centre for a short term mutually benefiting apprenticeship arrangement to further develop their typing and computer skill that can make them employable in order to finance their secondary school expenses. Despite the tough environment they found them selves we can see a ray of hope through their eye as they are determined to learn typing skill even without a ready access to typewriter or typing manual. 3.0 Research and survey: From this experience, the ITelligence Foundation team gathered that, 15 Participants out of 38 has seen computer before with only 3 have been opportune to touch computer. Out of those 3 participants there is only one participant that the level of computer usage got to the level of typing, the other two used computer to play games. Out of the 38 participants, there is only one that could afford to attend Private school; this particular participant is the lucky guy who could type with computer. This is owing to the fact that public school is more affordable for rural dwellers. Now that 38 participants have a fair feel of computer usage and what opportunities available in ICTs for poverty reduction, ITelligence Foundation team has efficiently contributed in a little way to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich using the digital opportunities that is presented in ICTs. There was a very inquisitive girl named Mary Olutayo who was very eager to improve her life using ICTs, ITelligence Foundation crew was able to convince her of the uniqueness of the village- It is within the network coverage area of major GSM Networks in Nigeria - and shared the success story of how a poor middle aged woman- Helena in a remote village of Bangladesh named Moukhara under Natore District (North-west side of India) changed her life with one mobile phone(that she named “magic touch”) from extreme poverty to being an entrepreneur. She is now living in a four-room building and she is with asset of 30 decimal adjacent to the highway and some money in her bank to build her own house! It is worth of note that there are 34 girls out of the 38 participants that benefited from the IT for rural dweller programme. Only one participant could identify CPU as the main computer while none could name the richest man in the World. Only three out of the 38 participants know something about Internet. According to these three participants the Internet is where computer is used to watch video, watch play and send messages. They knew nothing of e-learning, collaboration, getting information and knowledge for development, e-governance, e- health, e-commerce etc. 4.0 Result of Survey: The graphical representations of some realities extracted from our Research of the level of exposure and understanding of ICTs by these young rural dwellers is presented in the project documents page. 5.0 African Leaders’ perspective: From the African leader’s perspective in the recent Telecommunication Conference held in February 2004 hosted by Terrepinn Limited in Johannesburg, South Africa. Total African’s Population by 2003 was 807.7 million and the global population of 6.3 billion. Revenue projections directly from e-business by 2004 is $2.4 trillion While revenue projections directly from e-business from Africa is $200 million(less than 2 %). African’s 807.7 million is served by 40 million mobile telephone line, 25 million fixed lines and only 6.5 million people have access to the internet 6.0 Conclusion: As businesses are embracing the Internet as a means of increasing revenue, improving profit, penetrating new markets and reducing costs. How can we help rural dwellers to harness ICTs to improve their lives? We need collaborators and sponsors in order to provide more help to these young ones- the future of the most populous black Nation and the Future is NOW! Africa can drastically increase direct revenue from e- business from the present state of less than two percent. This can only be done when rural dwellers (that are about 70% of the population in developing countries) are given access to affordable ICTs (computers and internet). “Instead of building a bridge, let us become THE bridge across the digital divide” Oguntuase O. A joeayo@yahoo.com 234-1-4931535 Olukayode Akanni kayodeakanni@yahoo.com 234-8055068459 Page: 1 2 3 4     (Total Blogs: 16)  feed