WAKE UP!

1
WAKE UP!

• Understanding the Need to Rise to the Challenges
  of our Time

Gbenga Sesan
Lagos Digital Villageme_at_gbengasesan.comwww.gbeng
asesan.org.ng
Abeokuta ICT Seminar. Adesba Hotel, Abeokuta,
NIGERIA. Friday, June 9 2004
2
Change Everywhere...

• The world has changed! From stones and muscles,
  were 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 Kikes order are simple examples

3
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

4
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

5
Do you Stand a Chance?

• The New Economy brings competition global
  competition!
• Would you be offering an excuse when your peers
  are presenting proficiency?
• Theres 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

6
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 dont know
• Birth, background and bureaucracy might have
  dictated which side youre presently on, but you
  can decide which side you wish to occupy
• Both sides require efforts theyre 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 worlds regions

7
Wake Up

• Youre 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 youre 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!

8
WAKE UP!

• Understanding the Need to Rise to the Challenges
  of our Time

Thank You. Got Questions?
Gbenga Sesan
Lagos Digital Villageme_at_gbengasesan.comwww.gbeng
asesan.org.ng
Abeokuta ICT Seminar. Adesba Hotel, Abeokuta,
NIGERIA. Friday, June 9 2004