WAKE UP! Understanding the Need to Rise to the Challenges of our Time ‘Gbenga Sesan Lagos Digital Village Abeokuta ICT Seminar. Adesba Hotel, Abeokuta, NIGERIA. Friday, June

Change Everywhere...  The world has changed! From stones and muscles, we’re moving to information and ideas  At work (Teleworking), home (Digitainment), school (eLearning) and even in government (eGovernment), things have changed – and are changing  This change has redefined your future. You will not meet the world the way you know it now by the time you leave school  Colour, age, background and course of study are no excuses within the frame of this change  The eFridge and Kike’s order are simple examples

Agent of Change  This change is driven by ICTs  Old ICTs exist, but the new ICTs follow: Information Technology { Computers; Data processing/number crunching} Telecommunications {Telephones, fax, satellite, TV; Plain Old Telephone System (POTS)} Networks {Internet, data, satellite, cell; Pretty Amazing New Services (PANS)}  ICTs: Convergence of Communications, Computers, Consumer electronics, Content  Convergence at the level of technology – all is in bits (binary digits); industry; policy & regulation; advocacy and multi-stakeholder participation

Where Were You?  Where were you when the world changed? While some were cramming lecture notes, ignoring the reality of inevitable shifts and engaging in pre-civilisation procedures, the world is changing fast…  Your present location and circumstances may dictate the phrase, “give me fish lest I die”… but those that learn to fish are the smarter guys!  Would you fit in when you graduate? Precision Agriculture, New Accounting and other evolving career paths are fast replacing the old texts that occupy space in our JAMB brochure

Do you Stand a Chance?  The New Economy brings competition – global competition!  Would you be offering an excuse when your peers are presenting proficiency?  There’s a strong shift from what you have (paper) to what you can do (proficiency) and who you know (networking)  The philosophy of the pyramid applies: The lower you are on the knowledge ladder, the worse the competition you will face  If you fail in the days of adversity, your …

Two Sides  Present realities point to two sides (or divides) in the world today: those that know, and those who pay/beg for what they don’t know  Birth, background and bureaucracy might have dictated which side you’re presently on, but you can decide which side you wish to occupy  Both sides require efforts – they’re just in different directions. Some spend time to improve themselves while others also spend time to devalue themselves  The Digital Divide is worst between people – not nations or the world’s regions

Wake Up…  You’re the only one who can determine how far you will go in this New Economy  You need to discover your direction in life. Those are the kind of people who will benefit most  Only graves are dug from the top. Start from where you are – and focus on where you’re going  Information and Communication Technologies will serve as ready tools when you choose to wake up to your responsibilities within the Information Society  Look to your right and left… his/her response to this call will determine their relevance in the days to come!

WAKE UP! Understanding the Need to Rise to the Challenges of our Time ‘Gbenga Sesan Lagos Digital Village Abeokuta ICT Seminar. Adesba Hotel, Abeokuta, NIGERIA. Friday, June Thank You. Got Questions?