Internet @ Otta

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A New INFORMATION Society
Gbenga Sesanwww.gbengasesan.com
me_at_gbengasesan.com
Computer Science DepartmentBabcock University,
Ogun State, Nigeria. 20 February 2004.
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OVERVIEW
Introduction to the Information Society
ICT The Convergence Multistakeholder,
Multidisciplinary The New I.S. and the
Global Economy African Youth in the
Information Society What are you(th) doing?
Life in the 25th Century
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Introduction to the Information Society

• Human existence has gone through distinct phases
  from pre-civilisation through the Agricultural
  and Industrial Revolutions and to the Information
  Age
• The Information Age is revealing a complex
  convergence that seeks to create a new society
  driven by information, communication and
  (emerging) technologies
• This new society, the Information Society, is
  driven by ICTs, and an evident shrinking of space
  and dissolution of physical boundaries
  globalisation
• The Information Society embraces a
  multi-stakeholder approach, bringing governments,
  businesses, civil society, academia and SIGs
  (e.g. youth) together

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ICTs The Convergence

• ICTs Information and Communication Technologies
  (the means of generating, processing,
  transporting and presenting information)
• 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

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Multistakeholder, multidisciplinary

• The Information Society operates on a
  multi-stakeholder platform, and it also throws up
  the multidisciplinary concept different
  disciplines contribute their quota and at the
  end, a structured matrix of efforts produce a
  beautiful society for all
• Every profession is repositioning for improved
  relevance in the new Information Society from
  Accounting (New Accounting) to Agriculture
  (Precision Agriculture), and Computing
  (Information Sciences) too!
• This new paradigm is also shifting educational
  standards from what you have (certificate) to
  what you know (expertise)
• Nations are not left out. Natural resources no
  longer give directions to Human and Intellectual
  Capital

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The New Society the Global Economy

• The world has woken up to a change in economic
  standards and indices a New Economy is here
• The New Economy is driven by ICTs, and each
  nation or people groups response to this
  determines which side of the divide theyre on
• Africas response to the New Economy is
  responsible for our present situation, made worse
  by corruption and lack of adequate leadership
• In the New Economy, work styles are different!
  Familiarity with emerging technologies and
  appropriate use of existing technologies are not
  negotiable
• The New Economy holds respect for global
  citizens, not local champions

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African Youth in the Information Society

• Africa has a lot of catching up to do as far as
  the Information Society is concerned
• Young people are the most dynamic users of new
  ICTs and can help extend, maintain and improve
  information and communication flow and efficiency
• Present response of African nation states to the
  demand of this new society includes the
  development of ICT policies and establishment of
  structures
• The Nigerian National Policy on Information
  Technology, as an example, established NITDA and
  puts its vision as, To make Nigeria an IT
  capable country in Africa, and a key player in
  the Information Society by the year 2005, using
  IT as the engine for sustainable development and
  global competitiveness

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What are you(th) doing?

• ITU Africa 2001, Johannesburg
• 98 young people from almost all African countries
  invited by the ITU through an essay writing
  competition worked together and set the tone for
  the African Youth Initiative - www.ayinitiative.ne
  t
• WSIS PrepCom 1, Geneva
• Less than 10 young people representing different
  continents warm their way into hearts of
  delegates and established the now dynamic youth
  caucus of the WSIS and the YCDO framework
  www.ycdo.net
• Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
• 6 young Nigerian graduates who, along with their
  primary jobs, are committed to the empowerment
  and inclusion of Nigerias youth in national
  development and global participation
  www.pin.itgo.com

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Life in the 25th Century

• The only passport that will grant access to the
  future is todays preparations
• The need for personal development cannot be over
  emphasized - it provides a platform for nation
  building and global participation
• TIPS FOR TOMORROW
• You must settle the issue of career choice
  before you step into tomorrow
• If your goals in life only exist in your head,
  and they only come up during discussions, you are
  only day-dreaming. Get a pen and write down your
  goals
• Those who seek to make impact within their
  community always end up improving themselves
• Plan, review plan again if you falter. Be
  consistent

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A New INFORMATION Society
THANK YOU Questions?
Gbenga Sesanwww.gbengasesan.com
me_at_gbengasesan.com
Computer Science DepartmentBabcock University,
Ogun State, Nigeria. 20 February 2004.