http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cmd0SGdnT2RLLUc2Qkx1Y3JpZHJiSlE6MA..

"Arise, O Compatriots" (1978-present)

Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

O God of creation,
Direct our noble cause;
Guide our Leaders right:
Help our Youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace and justice reign.


"Nigeria We Hail Thee" (1960-1978)

Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour'd,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.

It is for real. It is happening. Away from facebook

More than 6500 members in less the 2 weeks from launch

This is incredible, inspiring and uplifting. New members are joining us every day. And they are filling the iPeace space with hundreds of blogs, new groups, their poetry, songs and videos.

We are now more than 6500 Peace People from over 160 countries, and we start to look like a peace force.

Please visit iPeace to see what's new http://ipeace.ning.com/


But if you are one of those who don't believe that there is life outside facebook, please join our facebook cause:

http://apps.new.facebook.com/causes/113444?m=91e6b&recruiter_id=11735356

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?"he asked. "We saw your smoke signal!"


Gbenga Sesn deserves an OON or more, what do you think ? Lets celebrate ourself today and hold us responsible for the future...celebrating Gbenga Sesan !!!

http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27383757828

...and i strongly feel that they need to hear me (and others) out. ow much publicity for the need to resell numbers not used ? What of Nigerians in the dispora that will not have access to call with such numbers ? When they did they agree such and how many survey was carried out to authenticate thier decision ?

It is not only unwise, but FRAUDULENT. Have we achieved SIM Identification ? Is it not through some of their customers that we get fraudulent calls ? Some even allow the numbers look foreign ? Same with text messages from a fake INTERSWITCH.

The last promo of loading free credit had a message from MTN directing people to call a Celtel number for enquiries. Some scratch Cards still carry expired promo adverts that misled the general public. Why ? NCC had to correct them mildly to correct the supposed bonus to a directive. They should have been fined. MTN Nigeria is fast becoming a nightmare.

Thus, i have decided that except the tarffis drop and adverts are not misdirecting the customers, except thier system that ensures you press "0" to speak to customer care stops dropping your call, except the begin to think of a stress free connection, MTN Nigerian staffs would know no-peace.

If we claim we have a satellite in orbit, how much would it take you to assist the Government make it work ? If the fall or failure is not on your side, spit it out.

NCC Should also start spitting fire...don't worry the media will be soothed with flame deflectors. Just fire up the ommunication section to help the average honest Nigerian.

1.0 Young people in all countries are both a major human resource for development and key agent for social change, economic development and technological innovation but these ability of youths cannot be discovered if they are not streamlined onto decision making processes of government at all levels.

In Nigeria, youths account for about 48 percent of the population and because they comprise the most virile and articulate members of the populace the Federal government promulgated the 1983 National youth policy with a revised edition in 1989 with the aim of developing and empowering the Nigerian youth. Four years after the General Assembly adopted a World Programme of Action for Youth to the year 2000 and beyond in 1995 and exactly 10 years after it revised the National youth policy in 1983, Nigerian Government through its Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs, Youth and Special Duties launched its National policy on youth Development in the year 1999 which was developed in participatory for a with youth across the country.

2.0 Based on the Proposals for action under paragraphs 104-107 of the World program of Action for youth to the year 2000 and beyond, the Nigerian government, Civil Societies, youth NGOs etc have over the last 10 years contributed to seeing that youth voices are streamlined into decision making processes. While there was little done in the early part of the decade due to political instability, the advent of Democracy in the last 5 years has brought about tremendous changes in the system.

This report will try to identify the various contributions of various Government agencies, Civil Society and Youth Focused NGOs while finally will measure progress against the proposals for Action to ascertain , what has be done and what still needs to be improved upon.

Focus Review of various Government agencies, Civil Society and Youth Focused NGOs initiative in the areas of Youth and participation in the Decision making processes.This focus review includes a description of the programmes of these Government agencies, Civil Societies and Youth Focused NGOs. Although different in their approach, all have shown a significant interest on this theme.

Focus 1: Nassarawa State in Nigeria is a sprawling state situated in the North Central part of the country. Like all other infant states when compared to other states in Nigeria, Nassarawa government attention has always being towards the development of an economically strong and sound state.

The effort of the government to enable youths to contribute immensely to its development is reflected highly in the education sector where atleast 28 percent of its total budget over the years has been committed to the sector. This is in addition to the three skills acquisition center available in the state in partnership with a German organization.

Quoting the words of the State Governor, he said “The centers will train young school leavers to acquire basic skills to support our economic development efforts”.

In 2003, the state further included young people into its rank and files of decision making bodies by employing a total of One thousand seven hundred and Forty Youths (based on 60 youths from each of the 29 local Governments).
The Governor in his words added that “we believe the best way we can equip our youth for National Development and self fulfillment is through the provision of adequate opportunities for sound education”.

Focus 2: In the South – South part of Nigeria is situated Akwa Ibom state. It is of the States in Nigeria blessed with Natural resources in abundance. Since inception of Democratic governance in the state, youth inclusion in decision making structures of the state have been reinforced where new opportunities are also being created.

In 2003, the state government upgraded the existing Bureau of youth and culture to a full fledged Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Consequent upon this, the state government facilitated the establishment of a vibrant Youth Council in the state which has a consultative status with the State Government on issues relating to youth development.

The government also holds an interactive forum with representatives of youth groups in Uyo (the state capital) to further fashion out issues relating to youth development in the state. The Ministry of Youths and Sports realizing the enthusiasm of youths about sporting activities is encouraging sporting activities in the state and its contingent to major events excel at such outings.

The government understands that youths abilities have been under-utilized, under developed and marginalized in a way but Akwa Ibom State is taking the issue of youth empowerment seriously having realized the need to integrate youth in the affairs of the state and make him relevant in its development.


Reviewing the activities of the Federal Government.

Target Ministry: Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs, Youth and Special Duties and other Line Ministries.

The Federal government in its bid to streamline youth voices into decision making processes saw the emergence of youthful Frank Nweke Jnr. has the Minister in the Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs, Youth and Special Duties.

In his capacity as Minister, the Federal government launched the National policy on Youth development, a document developed in consultation with youths in the country through different fora. The government went further to strengthen the National Youth Council of Nigeria while also offering support to the increasing Youth Focused and Youth led Non-Governmental Organisations.

Corpers under the National Youth Service Corps scheme are currently going through series of training on issues relating to entrepreneurial abilities, Wealth creation and Self Reliance. The training is also built on the premise to further increase the faith of youths in the country and contributing to its development as major stakeholders.

The government further encourages youth employment through its National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) which has seen to the employment of over 5,000 youths into the different sectors of the economy and private organizations. Furthermore the government is planning to launch its Youth Development Fund which is under the youth empowerment programme. This fund is to provide financing for the young people who have bright entrepreneurial ideas and initiative so that their involvement in both the public and private sector will further boost the economic development of the country.

The Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs, Youth and Special Duties is furthermore becoming more youth friendly and responsive to the needs of young people. The support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is also ensuring that youths are consulted in issues that affect them. This could further be seen when he held an interactive session with leaders of the Niger Delta Youth on how to further bring peace to the incessant restiveness in the area. It is worthy of month to say here that the interactive session was a major impetus for the peaceful atmosphere existing in the Niger Delta presently. The President furthermore encourages other line ministries to involve youths in planning and implementation of their programmes that affect them. Manifestation of this call can be seen in the Ministry of Communications which would be hosting the Africa Regional Conference of the World Telecoms Development Conference in 2005.Youths were consulted to come up with the proposals for the youth forum of the conference. In addition to this the Government has also shown support to funding a number of youths to the conference in full in other to translate their words into actions. The ministry also maintains a discussion rapport with youths on an online forum with officials of the ministry also as members.


Progress Measurement.

Paragraphs 107 of the World program of Action for youth to the year 2000 and beyond states clearly the following Proposals for Action in respective member states,

(a) Improving access to information in order to enable young people to
make better use of their opportunities to participate in decision-making;
(b) Developing and/or strengthening opportunities for young people to
learn their rights and responsibilities, promoting their social, political,
developmental and environmental participation, removing obstacles that affect their full contribution to society and respecting, inter alia, freedom of
association;
(c) Encouraging and promoting youth associations through financial Educational and technical support and promotion of their activities;
(d) Taking into account the contribution of youth in designing,
implementing and evaluating national policies and plans affecting their
concerns;
(e) Encouraging increased national, regional and international
cooperation and exchange between youth organizations;
(f) Inviting Governments to strengthen the involvement of young people
in international forums, inter alia, by considering the inclusion of youth
representatives in their national delegations to the General Assembly.

The Nigerian Government can be said to have achieved 25 percent of these proposals while another 15 percent is being worked on.


Achievement

1.0 The Nigerian Government has been able to achieve a greater success in the areas of: Taking into account the contribution of youth in designing, implementing and evaluating national policies and plans affecting their concerns; and it is hoped that this will be improved upon to further include out-of-school youths. The existing structures are not perfect, but it can still be improved upon. Youth Community Associations should also be integrated into the system to further increase access and better understanding of rural youth.
2.0 The proposed Youth Development Fund is a welcome idea by youths as it will further encourage and promote youth organizations fitting into SS(C) of the Proposals for Action : Encouraging and promoting youth associations through financial, Educational and technical support and promotion of their activities.




Improvement
3.0 The Government should also try to reinforce the existing National Youth Congress to further accommodate youths in under privileged areas to be able to achieve a greater measure of: Developing and/or strengthening opportunities for young people to learn their rights and responsibilities, promoting their social, political, developmental and environmental participation, removing obstacles that affect their full contribution to society and respecting, inter alia, freedom of association.
4.0 The government needs to fashion out in consultation with youths how information can be more disseminated to get youths all across the country informed on initiatives, projects and opportunities. While the effort of the government is commended, the present structure has to be improved upon.
This will fall inline with: Improving access to information in order to enable young people to make better use of their opportunities to participate in decision-making.
Defect Areas
5.0 The government needs to evolve a plan of action to encourage Nigerian youth interaction with other youths from all other world as this will help to bring about more interaction and appreciation of culture thereby achieving SS (E) of the proposal for Action. Encouraging increased national, regional and international cooperation and exchange between youth organizations. This we believe if rightly pursued will even bring about Tourism patronage for the country and also boost the Nigeria: Heart of Africa project.
6.0 The Nigerian Government finally needs to involve youths in its delegation to UN meetings as this we identify as a major reason why most youths don’t have access to information firsthand like their counterpart in the rest of the World. Youths who intend to participate on their own most time are always cut short due to financial and Visa constraint they go through most times.If this is done we are sure will have achieved SS (F) of the Proposals for Action: Inviting Governments to strengthen the involvement of young people in international forums, inter alia, by considering the inclusion of youth representatives in their national delegations to the General Assembly.


Conclusion
Finally the Nigerian Government has tried and has to be commended but needs to do better to further secure the future after the present crop of Leaders.

Letter of Invitation British Council/Young Stars Foundation Youth Works Step Down Project Lagos May 5th to 7th 2008


Youth Works project is a unique youth focused and youth owned project specifically designed to equip young people with basic skills to be able to implement change projects in their local communities and to also celebrate and showcase the 12 most impacting community youth led activities / projects in Nigeria; Supported by the British Council Nigeria and Youngstars Foundation


Expectations
Afterwards, each participant is expected to develop a project based on an idea you have in order to address a community or social problem you feel strongly about. It could be a project on HIV/AIDS, conflict, drug abuse, school dropout, poverty reduction, democracy, leadership, maternal health, ICT, recreation, music, sports, or even construction of a space shuttle! Just ensure that your project would meet a pressing need in your community or State.

Participants would develop their personal leadership development
· Build your self worth in your community and state
· Earn a reputation for contributing positively to your community and nation building
· Become member of a wide network of young change makers within and outside Nigeria
· Test your capacity as an emerging leader ready to impact the world of the next generation!

This project is a Step Down after the Youth Works and hopes to attract 60 Selected Youths all over the Lagos State that meet this Criteria’s


* Young Person with the Passion for Community Development
* Young Creative person that can use his/her Creativity to make a Change.
* Young person that have Dynamic Leadership Spirit
* Young person that can Use Idea to make things happen
* Young person that is a truly a Niaja for Sure
* Young person with High distinct Profile of community development.


Sessions at this Event.

· Act of Leadership
· The Power of Creative Ideas
· Spirit of Volunteerism among Youths
· Peace and Conflict Management
· Peace Work
· MDGs
· Youth and Social Media, Blogging, Online Freelance Journalism

· Group Works
· Trainings
· Break Out session
· Media Roundtable

Featuring Live Projection View of THE SECRET

This Sessions would be handled by Young Facilitators with Great Records in Developmental.

Where? Universal Centre for Children and Youth Development: 3 Montgomery Road Yaba Lagos State Nigeria

Time? 9 am -3pm Daily

Date? May 5th to 7th 2008

Note: pls note that we have a limited Seat for participants, pls call or Mail or either Text to confirm your participation
Mr.Dolapo -07025356112 or 08026614028
Or Mail: consultdolapo@ yahoo.com

Powered by:

British Council
Young Stars Foundation Jos

Posted by Umair Haque on March 12, 2008 11:14 AM

Last week, I promised to discuss another source of advantage in decay. We're going to zoom out instead, in response to a flurry of announcements from Apple, Google, and would-be competitors – to have a richer discussion in the weeks going forward.

It's funny how flatfooted - how almost inept - everyone else in media, marketing, consumer electronics, mobile, a long and dangerously growing list of industries, seems compared to Apple and Google.

What gives? Why is that everyone that Google and Apple decide to take to the cleaners, well, gets taken to the cleaners?

After all, Apple and Google are radically different companies. Who, it appears, have already divided the next-gen media pie very neatly between them. Google, software. Apple, hardware. Google, search. Apple, conduit. Google, algorithm. Apple, human. Google, geeky, self-effacing ad-quants. Apple, a reality distortion field wearing jeans and a turtleneck.

That's a product market level view - the view from the core. When we invert our traditional vision, and look at them from the edge, Google and Apple are strikingly similar: less like a power couple for whom opposites attract, and more like long-lost siblings.

Much of their DNA is - at least superficially - different. Jobs runs a totalitarian state with equal amounts of fear and love. Sergey and Larry tune - not manage - an organization poised forever on the edge of chaos and anarchy, while Eric Schmidt (who does sit on Apple's board) keeps the gears of the business grinding away.

But many of the most vital components of their DNA are strikingly similar, and that's where the lines between them begin to blur.

The ends they're working towards are similar: Goople aspires to - with laserlike intensity - change the world for the better. And where most of their competitors will sell out everything they believe in for a few bucks and a latte, Goople is deeply, radically purposive: they won't compromise much, if anything, to achieve the goal of changing the world for the better. (One can argue that Google's policy of following local content-filtering policies in China is a notable exception.) You'll never see an ad on Google's homepage, or a Mac that's not a joy to use, even if Bill Gates, Gordon Gekko, and Lucifer held a fire sale, and mortgaged the world to Goople.

And that DNA opens new paths to strategy and advantage. Goople finds value chains and industries in deep strategy decay - where innovation and choice are stale, and consumers are besieged by lameness - like marketing, consumer electronics, TV, and perhaps the most troubled of all, mobile and music. Then Goople utterly eviscerates them: it reconstructs radical new ones - where friction has been vaporized, where complexity and variety explode - and so everyone really is better off. When Steve Jobs makes the iPhone carrier-neutral, kiss the traditional mobile value chain goodbye.

On the flipside, where would-be competitors release a handful of predictable, often crippled products and services a few times a year - hi Nokia, bye Yahoo - Goople floods market space with radical new value propositions, overloading the very circuitry of the industry - still driven by fear of cannibalization - and so short-circuiting the traditional dynamics of competition.

Think the Macbook Air's a crippled, compromised pile of junk? If the early numbers are anything to go by, Apple listened hard enough to understand exactly those features road warriors really need and use, ditched the rest - letting it craft a radical new value proposition, just like that. Funny - that's exactly the story of Google Search, AdWords, and increasingly, Google ads across media; a story competitors just can't seem to get right.

Media isn't just "content" and "pipes". Media is the stuff that stitches together the fabric of production and consumption: it's how producers and consumers interact. So it's likely, that as newspapers, radio stations, and TV networks did yesterday, whoever holds sway over media tomorrow will enjoy supernormal profits for decades, and be able to shape and influence the course of the rest of the economy.

What will that influence look like?

The key components of DNA Google and Apple share let them overthrow yesterday's stale approaches to strategy and advantage, and pursue entirely new ones with a vengeance. Goople does exactly the opposite of what orthodox strategy counsels: it makes peace where there was war, conquers through love instead of hate, listens to instead of shouts at consumers, perhaps most critically, takes huge risks to make the world better instead of avoiding risk to make it worse.

Goople is rewriting the rules of a very stale game: industrial-era strategy itself, which is really the prime mover behind the gathering economic storm on the horizon – but that’s another post.

That was a dense post – so let's kick-start some discussion.

Do you see some of the differences between core and edge more clearly? Can you see some of the similarities between Apple and Google’s DNA? The way the global economy is going, which do you think makes more sense -- core strategy, or edge strategy? How do you think the rest of the media industry can respond to Goople?

The IFIP World IT Forum (WITFOR) contributes to taking the World Summit on the Information Society's (WSIS) Plan of Action a step forward and to helping developing countries to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

WITFOR investigates successful, sustainable ICT strategies in developing countries and examines different initiatives and projects on effective, context sensitive development and use of ICT applications. This work is conducted in eight thematic commissions and the result of this preparatory work is presented as policies, initiatives and best practices every second year in the WITFOR conference, organized by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) in co-operation with its member societies and local governments in developing countries.

For more information on WITFOR, go to: http://www.witfor. org/

++++++++++++ +++++++++ ++
African Regional Youth Initiative
www.africaninitiati ve.org/af
E-mail: info@africaninitiat ive.org

Community Name Digital Divide Nigeria !
Public Link http://www.digitaldivide.net/community/ddng

Message sent to: development_ analysis@ africaninitiativ e.org. Feel free to respond to this commentary.

Topic: Comment on Education Initiatives

It is sad that our quality of education on the African is on the decline largely due to influences beyond the specific educational systems themselves. Partly it is because of the advice by the Bretton Wood institutions to lessen spending on public education in African schools. The University of Malawi where I was has kept on struggling year after year as lower and lower funding is coming through because government can no longer support it as it used to be. So the university was challenged to generate incomes by itself to educate citizens for the good of the country. Fewer resources are a burden to academic and administrative staff and while they do their best, most of them decide to go elsewhere for greener pasture. After all, they think, their children will certainly have better education with their support from new places of work.

Then comes the lack of political will towards education. In countries where education is not linked to politics, there is danger. I mean, whose voice matters? That of an academician or a politician? With due respect, many politicians don't seem to enter the game to change things but to serve themselves. And if it comes to politics like in Malawi, then all you see is that children to politicians go to private schools in and outside the country and the dilapidated educational system does not really affect them. It is even worse where the same politician looks down on advice from experts on education.

While the educational situation in Africa is sickening, I think it has a very strong heart. European nations for instance are inundated with many applications for place of study and scholarships from Africans. I am just encouraged by the resolve of many Africans who are determined to study even if it costs heavily and the results though slowly coming, are many.


--
Victor Kaonga

Posted by: "Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi" oyebisius@gmail.com
Fri Nov 9, 2007 5:29 am (PST)
2008 Budget Speech

By

His Excellency, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, GCFR

At the Joint Session of the National Assembly

Abuja, Thursday, November 8, 2007

PROTOCOL

The dawn of a new millennium is a once in a lifetime experience. The
conventional resolve that accompanies the fleeting of each New Year
and the emanation of another one is amplified by the momentous feeling
that we are witnessing a spectacle of history in the making. The dawn
of a new centenary also reflects on the past.

Undoubtedly, Nigeria has experienced tremendous progress since the
turn of the century. This was made possible by our commitment and
resolve for progress, sound macroeconomic policies, a plethora of
reforms within the context of the National Economic Empowerment and
Development Strategic Initiative (NEEDS), the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs), the Seven-Point Agenda and the implementation of the
Policy Support Instrument (PSI) framework.

The sustained rise in international oil prices was also a significant
contributory factor.

In delivering our Administration' s first budget to this august
Assembly, I am delighted to report that our economy has been one of
the fastest growing, not only in Africa but also in the world. This
growth rate is forecast to continue into 2008 and 2009. In particular,
the last five years have indicated even brighter prospects for
sustained growth. Based on current trends, real GDP growth for 2007 –
2008 is set to average 7.0% per annum, much better than the
performance of the previous two decades when GDP growth averaged 3.0%
per annum. Significantly, this rate of growth has been much higher
than our population growth rate. This has resulted in a sharp increase
in GDP per capita after a prolonged period of stagnation, from about
US$400 at the turn of the century to well over US$1000 by the end of
2007. However, in order to meet our growth and development targets by
the year 2020 it is imperative that our economy grows at an even
faster rate.

Our collective challenge today is to translate these macro-economic
gains into tangible improvements in the living standards of our
people. Despite the rapid growth of the economy, about 50% of our
population still live below the poverty line. Oil still accounts for
about 40% of GDP, 90% of exports and 80% of government revenue. The
challenge therefore is to reverse these ratios.

It is against this backdrop that I consider it a great honour to
present to this Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2008
Budget proposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In our continued efforts at fiscal reforms, this budget has been
prepared within the context of a Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, which
takes account of the forecast revenue and expenditure for the period
2008 - 2010.

Mr. Senate President,

Mr. Speaker,

Distinguished Members of the National Assembly,

The preparation of this budget has been informed by the need to be
disciplined, focussed and strategic. We placed emphasis on containing
costs so as to enhance value for money. We followed a well-defined
participatory process aimed at ensuring that spending proposals are
properly linked to our Seven-Point Agenda. All the major line
Ministries were requested to reappraise in detail their initial
proposals, keeping in view the need to strengthen public expenditure
management and ensure transparency, accountability and value for
money, with emphasis on completing on-going projects. This has helped
us to make significant spending efficiency gains. It is our intention
that this level of attention to detail will continue to underlie all
future Budget preparation and implementation.

The 2008 budget builds upon and consolidates past macroeconomic and
budgetary reforms. It gives priority to, and makes ample provision for
improving physical infrastructure, particularly power and
transportation, human capital development, the Niger Delta, and social
safety nets. These are all encapsulated in the Seven-Point Agenda of
this Administration.

Broadly, the 2008 budget provides:

• N444.6 billion for Security and the Niger Delta, which is 20% of the
total Federal Government Budget, up 6.5% from 2007 allocation;

• N210 billion for Education or 13% of the total MDA spending;

• N139.78 billion for the Energy sector, excluding National Integrated
Power Projects which will be implemented through alternative funding;
and

• N121.1 billion, that is 7% of total budget, for Agriculture and
Water Resources.

Consistent with our commitments under the Paris Club Debt settlement,
and in pursuit of the attainment of the MDGs, the 2008 budget will
devote the entire debt relief gains, amounting to N110 billion, to
carefully selected poverty reduction initiatives and programmes in
Education, Agriculture, Water Resources, Power and Social Safety Nets.

The Budget is basically about the ordinary Nigerian. It is about
accelerating the provision of basic infrastructure to improve the
quality of life of our people. It is about creating jobs and the
enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

REVIEW OF BUDGET 2007

The 2007 Budget was predicated on a production volume of 2.5 million
barrels per day and a benchmark price of US$40 per barrel. Based on
these assumptions and a projected N100 billion from Independent
revenue sources, projected total revenue available to fund the federal
budget was N1.73 trillion. This represented a 20% growth relative to
2006. The 2007 Appropriation Act authorised aggregate spending of N2.3
trillion, made up of Statutory Transfers of N102 billion, Debt Service
of N326 billion and N1.88 trillion for MDAs. The projected deficit was
therefore N570 billion or 2.5% of GDP.

The performance of the 2007 Budget in the first half of 2007 has been
mixed. While oil prices remained well above the benchmark price of
$US40 per barrel on which the 2007 Budget was predicated, adverse
production variances, due principally to disruptions in the Niger
Delta, resulted in weak revenue performance.

The projected revenue for 2007 was estimated to be about N796 billion
short of budget expectations, of which N 339 billion would be the
impact on the Federal Budget. The implementation of the expenditure
plans for 2007 was however insulated from the effects of the revenue
underperformance through monthly releases, totalling N454 billion
which were drawn from the Excess Crude Account in the first half of
the year.

To further enhance the implementation of the 2007 Budget, we sought
your approval, after a review of the 2007 Appropriation, to redirect
available funds to the implementation of a number of key public
service reforms, including the implementation of the Consolidated
Salary Structure, on-going right-sizing of the MDAs and clearance of
local debt arrears. A sum of N170 billion in efficiency savings was
identified from within the existing Appropriation to fund these
reforms. An additional N86 billion, principally made up of independent
revenue already received was also appropriated.

At this juncture, I must put on record my appreciation and that of the
nation as a whole for the efficient and timely manner in which the
National Assembly approved the 2007 Revised Budget proposals. This has
encouraged me to believe that the budget I am presenting to you today
will be considered with similar sense patriotism. I would like to
seize this opportunity to confirm to you that, in the same spirit, I
have signed the 2007 Supplementary Appropriation Bill passed to me
after approval by the National Assembly.

THE 2008 BUDGET

We are inexorably committed to pursuing the goal of making our economy
one of the twenty biggest economies in the world by the year 2020. To
this end, we will endeavour to fast track the key parameters of our
development paradigm as outlined in our Seven-Point Agenda.

Key to our developmental aspirations is the need to maintain
macroeconomic stability and fiscal responsibility.

While our overall strategy is to focus on the completion of on-going
projects, we have also taken onboard a few new projects targeted at
improving infrastructural deficiencies.

KEY ASSUMPTIONS AND TARGETS

The 2008 Budget is based on a number of assumptions and it is driven
by the need to meet certain targets. These are:

• Oil price of $53.83 per barrel

• Crude oil production of 2.45 million barrels per day

• Joint Venture Cash Calls of US$4.97billlion

• GDP growth rate of 11%

• Inflation rate of 8.5% and

• Exchange rate of N 117 to US$1

The budget is based on a prudent benchmark price US$53.83 per barrel
to ensure that we fund the budget with predictable revenues, whilst
ensuring that the benchmark price remains realistic.

REVENUE PROJECTIONS:

Federation Account

Based on these assumptions, we expect the sum of N4.539 trillion to
accrue to the Federation Account. This represents an increase of 5.5%
over 2007. Oil Revenue is estimated at N3.629 trillion after taking
account of existing commitments to Joint Venture Cash Calls of N0.581
trillion, while Non-Oil Revenue is estimated at N0.91 trillion. Oil
Revenue represents 80% of the total estimated revenue, while Non-Oil
Revenue represents 20%.

We will continue to diversify our revenue base by further development
of the non-oil sectors of our economy which are estimated to grow by
10% in 2008.

Oil Revenue

Of the total N4.210 trillion that we estimate will accrue from Oil
Revenue, Crude Oil Sales are expected to contribute N2.345 trillion,
as against N1.6 trillion in 2007; Petroleum Profits Tax is estimated
at N1.282 trillion compared to N1.78 trillion in 2007; while Royalties
and Rents should account for N 0.583 billion as against N0.532 billion
in 2007.

Non-Oil Revenue

This is made up of Companies' Income Tax, Value Added Tax and Customs
& Excise Duties. Of the sum of N0.91 trillion expected to accrue to
the Federation Account from Non-Oil Revenue; Companies' Income Tax is
expected to account for N349 billion, as against N299 billion in 2007;
Value Added Tax should contribute N310 billion, as against N265
billion in 2007; while Customs & Excise Duties should account for N251
billion, as against N230 billion in 2007.

Federal Government Revenue

The revenue accruable to the Federal Government from the Federation
Account for 2008 is estimated at N2.026 trillion. Of this sum, the
actual amount accruable to the Federal Budget will be N1.866 trillion
as against N1.7 trillion in 2007. This is arrived at after deducting
amounts that should go to the Derivation and Ecology Fund (
N38billion), Stabilization Fund (N19billion) , Development of Natural
Resources ( N63billion), and the FCT (N41billion) .

Independent Revenue

Independent Revenue, made up of revenues that accrue exclusively to
the Federal Government from the operating surpluses and dividends of
commercial enterprises, is expected to be N120 billion.

Our estimate of total revenue available to fund the 2008 Budget is
therefore N1.986 trillion.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE

The proposed aggregate expenditure is made up of the following:

• Statutory Transfers: N187.6 billion

• Debt Service: N372.2 billion

• Spending by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs): N1.89 trillion

Given the estimated total revenue available to fund the federal
budget, we plan a deficit of N0.56 trillion or 2.5% of GDP which will
be financed from the proceeds of the sale of government properties,
Oil Blocks Signature Bonus, privatization proceeds and domestic
borrowings.

The details of the expenditure heads are as follows.

STATUTORY TRANSFERS

In complying with the law, we will fully provide for the following
statutory transfers:

• National Judicial Council (NJC), N78 billion as against N43 billion in 2007.

• Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), N69.9 billion as against
N24 billion in 2007.

• Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), N39.7 billion as
against N35.3 billion in 2007.

DEBT SERVICE

We propose a Debt Service of N372.3 billion for 2008, representing an
increase of 25.3%, relative to 2007. This is made up of domestic,
long-term debt service of N306.2 billion and foreign debt service of
N66 billion.

DOMESTIC DEBT

The overall increase in debt service requirement for 2008 relative to
2007 is reflective of the increase in the domestic debt stock in 2006
– 2007.

These include N86 billion of pension arrears and N105 billion of
arrears owed to local contractors. In addition, N200 billion of
domestic borrowing was required to finance the 2007 Budget. The
domestic debt stock is expected to reach N1.9 trillion by the end of
this year. This figure represents an increase of N285 billion due
principally to the clearance of contractor and pension arrears,
amounting to N105 billion and N86 billion, respectively. The cost of
servicing domestic public debt is estimated at N306.2 billion in 2008.
Based on our strong fiscal position, government intends to remain
active in the debt market.

EXTERNAL DEBTS

Since our successful exit from the Paris Club debts, the structure of
our external debts has changed significantly. Our total foreign debt
stock now stands at US$3 billion, down from about US$32 billion in
2005.

I am glad to add that we have successfully exited the London Club debt
stock. Nigeria is now one of the few countries outside the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with a
debt to GDP ratio below 20%.

This manageable debt level continues to allow us to redirect
expenditure away from debt service payments to capital spending.

Our intention is to continue to service multilateral debts as and when
due, until maturity. Our analysis indicates that there will be no
financial benefit from undertaking any restructuring or otherwise
prepaying these debts. We therefore have earmarked the sum of N66
billion for servicing our external debts in 2008.

SPENDING BY MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

We propose a total of N1.89 trillion for spending by Ministries,
Departments and Agencies. This represents a 0.1% increase relative to
2007 made up of –

• Payroll of N779.3 billion;

• Overheads of N267.6 billion

• Capital Expenditure of N634.2 billion

• Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges excluding Debt Charges of N212.5 billion

Payroll and Overheads, which together constitute Recurrent Non-Debt
Expenditure, account for 55.2% of total spending, while Capital
Expenditure accounts for 33%. Within recurrent expenditure, payroll
has increased minimally to N779.3 billion, following Government
reforms in that area. Overheads have been kept in check with a
proposal of N267.6 billion, a reduction from the 2007 level. The
relatively low utilization of the 2007 capital budget accounts for the
reduction to N634.2 billion in 2008.

I will now give highlights of some key projects.

Transportation

We propose capital expenditure of N94.36 billion for the
Transportation Sector. Specifically, we have set aside the sum of
N73.1billion for Highway Construction and Rehabilitation; N6.02
billion for Survey, Mapping and Geo-Information activities; N6 billion
for Water Transportation development, including the dredging of the
River Niger from Lokoja to Warri, (including the construction of
jetties); and N9 billion for the development of Air Transportation.

To augment government spending on the provision of roads we shall
invite private investments into the sector. We have already reached
agreements with interested private sector investors for the
construction of the second Niger Bridge at Onitsha/Asaba and a Bridge
across River Benue at Bagana on the basis of a public-private
partnership.

Agriculture and Water Resources

A total of N89.95 billion is proposed for the Agriculture and Water
Resources sector.

The sum of N 31.2 billion is proposed for the construction of dams and
irrigation projects nationwide. Other key projects and initiatives
include:

• N7.2 billion for the Gurara Water Transfer project, to supply water
to the FCT and its environs

• N3.4 billion for cooperative and community tractor service in 200
centers nationwide

• Procurement of tractors and implements supplied at subsidized rates

• N0.9 billion for Buyer of Last Resort Programmes

• N4 billion for Agricultural Credits and Subsidies, including the
Fertilizer Subsidy Programme

• N 0.3 billion for the Chinese South-South Cooperation Programme

Education

We propose an allocation of N210.45 billion for the education sector,
up 12% from the N188 billion allocated in 2007. The capital component
of the allocation is N47.8billion, targeted at human resource capacity
building, upgrading of facilities in our educational institutions and
reforms to improve the quality of, and access to education. This
excludes our intervention through the Universal Basic Education
Commission, through which we are providing additional resources of
N39.7 billion to the States and Local Governments to support basic
education.

These additional resources are to upgrade infrastructure and teaching
facilities in primary schools across the nation.

Health

For the Health Sector, we propose an allocation of N138.17 billion for
2008, a 12.57% increase over the 2007 allocation of N120.8 billion.
The capital component of this amount is N49.37 billion, out of which
funds have been provided for, among others, the following projects:

• Refurbishing and equipping all Federal Tertiary Health Institutions

• National AIDS/STI Control Programme, including the procurement and
distribution of ARVs and test kits

• Rollback Malaria Programme, including the procurement of new drugs
for malaria case management and insecticide treated nets

• National Programme on Immunisation for routine immunisation

• Capacity building and training for 5,000 health workers on
integrated management of childhood illnesses.

Energy

We have allocated N139.78 billion to the Energy sector. This
represents an increase of 15.6% over the 2007 allocation of N118
billion. The capital component of this is 114.4 billion, out of which
funds have been provided for the completion of 32 on-going Power
Transmission Projects and the rehabilitation of key power stations
nationwide.

Alternative funding will be sourced for ongoing work on the National
Integrated Power Project in the Niger Delta region with expected
output of 2,555MW.

Security

We intend to enhance the capacity and preparedness of our security
services. We have therefore proposed a total allocation of N444.60
billion for the military and the Police. We are providing our security
services with all requisite force enablers and multipliers, including
arms and ammunition, improved information and telecommunications
equipment and facilities, riot control equipment, training and
retraining, and sundry logistics support. We are also rehabilitating
the residential and office accommodation of the security services.

MDGs

Included in these allocations, as outlined earlier, are the debt
relief savings for 2008 totalling N110 billion. As earlier stated,
these savings will be used exclusively to support and scale up
spending on MDG-related initiatives and programmes. In this respect,
we shall increase investments in areas that performed well in the 2007
budget. Of the N110 billion debt relief savings, we propose to
allocate N59.3 billion to the States and FCT as Conditional Grants,
for targeted, result-oriented expenditures. This is a safety net
programme targeted at ensuring that the rural poor have access to
markets and credit, as MDGs are better attained through the States and
Local Governments. The role of the Federal Government is to ensure the
judicious application of these grants and to support the efforts of
the States and Local Governments that have demonstrated commitment to
reform, good governance and the socio-economic development of their
people.

The detailed budget contains a list of the priority projects earmarked
for completion this fiscal year in each sector.

Pensions

We are providing N99.7 billion for pensions under the Pay-As-You-Go
System for the 2008 fiscal year, to ensure that our pensioners are
paid as and when due.

Public Service Reforms

To ensure that our Public Service Reforms continue, we have set aside
the sum of N22.5billion in 2008 to support this programme. Our aim is
to continue to improve service delivery in the Public Service.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Senate President,

Mr. Speaker,

Distinguished Senators,

Honourable Members of the House of Representatives,

We have a historic opportunity to build a strong and resilient economy
which will result in tangible benefits for the generality of our
people. We do not under-estimate the challenge.

However, with your continuing support, I am confident that we can,
together, lay the solid foundation of a bright and prosperous future
for our nation.

We must have the courage to do all that is right, decent and
compassionate; all that needs to be done for our nation's restoration.
We must do this always with strict adherence to the rule of law and
due process, however inconvenient sometimes. We must not shy away from
the path of fiscal responsibility and prudence.

Before I end this address, it is apposite that I inform this august
Assembly that I have assented to the Fiscal Responsibility Bill after
due consultation with the State Governments whose support and
concurrence is critical to the successful nationwide implementation of
the provisions of the law. It is hoped that this will help to
institutionalise and formalise the observance of fiscal discipline.

I must restate our Administration' s appreciation of the thorough and
expeditious manner in which the National Assembly has consistently
considered matters brought before it by the Executive.

I am reassured by this very cooperative relationship, founded on
mutual respect and a mutual recognition of our shared responsibility
to rebuild our nation and reposition her for democratic good
governance, peace, security, sustained growth and development.

Mr. Senate President,

Mr. Speaker,

Distinguished Members of the National Assembly,

It is with utmost regard and respect that I lay before you the 2008
Budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria for your consideration. I
pray that God in his infinite grace and mercy will guide all of us to
provide selfless and sincere service to our people.

I thank you most sincerely for listening. May God bless the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.

--
Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi
Coordinator: Membership, Advocacy and Campaigns
Nigeria Network of NGOs
No 25 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere
Lagos
Tel: +234 802 836 7748, 703 968 6500
E: seyi@nnngo.org, oyebisius@gmail. com
U: www.nnngo.org

Posted by: "Raphael CHUKWUJEKWU" ralphgoldenace@yahoo.com ralphgoldenace
Tue Oct 23, 2007 2:31 am (PST)
Dear et al,

As you may be aware, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is holding its annual Infotech conference tagged "e-Nigeria 2007" from the 30th October to 1st November 2007 at the ECOWAS Commission, Asokoro, Abuja.

The conference fee is N30,000 per person and N50,000 for two persons from the same organization. Organizations are requested to sponsor at least two staff to the 2007 edition of e-Nigeria.

For further questions or clarifications please contact Mr. Olukoju Dele at the e-Nigeria Secretariat, NITDA, No. 28 Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki - Abuja. You can also reach him by phone no. 234 - 9 - 3142923 & 5 or 0803 701 9617, and by email: bolukoju@nitda. gov.ng or dele@olukoju. com or by fax: 234 - 9 - 3142924


e-Nigeria Youth Forum 2007

Date: 31st October 2007
Venue: ECOWAS Commission, Asokoro, Abuja
Time: 8:30am


Please note that the conference fee has been WAIVED for participants at the e-Nigeria Youth Forum and eligibility are young people age 18 - 30 years, also know that intending participants are responsible for their travel expenses and only tea break and lunch will be provided.

You need to confirm this before we can send you invitation letter because we have limited space.

You are hereby invited to participate in the Youth Forum by sending in your application which closes on the 26th October 2007 by 6:00pm.

S/N
TOPIC
SPEAKER
1.
Virtual Offices & iTeams in Open Source Software and Open Space Technology
Raphael Chukwujekwu: Director Corporate Affairs, CHREDAC

2.
What Microsoft has for Youths
Hajiya Jummai Umar: Citizenship Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation Nigeria
3.
Bringing wireless Internet access
to Remote Location with Waste Materials & Home Converted Tools, Building Free WI-FI Internet Network
Engr. Sven AERTS: Brussels , Belgium
4.
The need for developing domestic Cyber Security Software Tools
Abdulhakeem Ajijola: Chief Knowledge Officer & Empowerer, Consulting Support Services
5.
Curbing the Menace of Cyber crime: Prospects & Challenges
Chido Enomah: The Coordinator, Fix Nigeria Initiatives
6.
How to make Mesh – Internet Antennae
Engr. Sven AERTS: Brussels , Belgium
7.
OLPC Initiatives: The Foray for Childhood Computing
Tomi Davies: Chief Operating Officer, ALTEQ.ict

The forum is meant to showcase young people with innovative ideas and best practices. Do you have any presentation, software etc, this is a lifetime opportunity.

For further inquiries or clarification please contact the undersigned @ the e-Nigeria Secretariat, NITDA, No 28, Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki - Abuja. You can also reach him by phone on 080 30 90 84 00 or ralphgoldenace@ yahoo.com

Thank you,

Raphael

The Theme for the 20th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in 2007 is "People Living in Poverty as Agents of Change".

The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17 October 1987. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. They proclaimed that poverty is a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected. These convictions are inscribed in a commemorative stone unveiled on this day. Since then, people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins have gathered every year on October 17 th to renew their commitment and show their solidarity with the poor.

Through resolution 47/196 adopted on 22 December 1992, the General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and invited all States to devote the Day to presenting and promoting, as appropriate in the national context, concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution. The resolution further invites intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to assist States, at their request, in organizing national activities for the observance of the Day, and requests the Secretary-General to take, within existing resources, the measures necessary to ensure the success of the Day's observance by the United Nations.

October 17th presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. Participation of the poor themselves has been at the center of the Day's celebration since its very beginning. The commemoration of October 17th also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.

Texts and Image: Courtesy of U.N. Web Site

Read this highlight at:
http://topics. developmentgatew ay.org/poverty/ highlights/ viewHighlight. do~activeHighlig htId=114318? intcmp=923



Neema Mgana
Founder
African Regional Youth Initiative
www.africaninitiati ve.org/af
E-mail: nmgana@africaniniti ative.org

issues…
Deadline: 1 October 2007

The Staying Alive Foundation (SAF) is calling for entries from young people
aged from 12-24 working in the area of HIV/AIDS. Staying Alive Awards are
for young individuals who are focused on stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS
and have demonstrated the potential to become future leaders. The award
comes with a financial grant to assist them in the continuation of their
commitment and provides public recognition to inspire others to get
involved. The awards are for youth and youth-focused programmes affiliated
with community-based organisations, institutions, schools, or
internationally registered tax-exempt groups.

The grants will be made to young people or youth-led initiatives that:
educate and/or disseminate responsible and accurate information about HIV
and AIDS focused on youth.
identify, support, and mentor individual youth leaders responding to HIV and
AIDS in their communities.
eliminate or alleviate the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and
AIDS.
encourage young people to take concrete action to protect themselves from
HIV infection.
demonstrate innovation and creativity.
reflect and honour the culture in which the project operates.
provide compelling stories that can be promoted and publicised.
In 3 pages or less typed in 12-point font, applicants must submit: name of
organisation (and contact person) or individual, address, telephone/fax,
email, website, type of programme, programme description and how it fits the
Staying Alive goals and guidelines, project objectives and its goal, how it
will be evaluated, and current and past donors and donation amounts
expressed in US$. As attachments to this application document, please send a
line item budget in US$, references or accreditation, and resumes or
biographies of the project leaders.

Contact Information:
Staying Alive Foundation
1515 Broadway, 47th Floor
New York, NY 10036
United States
Fax: 1 212 258 8515
foundation@staying- alive.org
Website:
http://www.staying- alive.org/ en/foundation/ foundation_ home

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

-www.youthaidscoali tion.org-
Overwhelmed by all the information? To receive the condensed version (instead of multiple individual emails), visit
www.groups.takingIT global.org/ GYCA and choose "Daily." You must be logged in. Posts go out Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

ADD YOUR ORGANIZATION AND YOUR MEMBER PROFILE TO OUR GLOBAL DIRECTORY! www.youthaidscoalit ion.org/join. html

Hello Guys,


Once again we are soliciting for your support in nominating young people for the upcoming Youth Leadership Programme, coming up in Awka by October 5 th -9th 2007. We need 70 participants to benefit from ths programme in Awka.

Attached is an application form send to all your nominees to fill and submit back to this e-mail address aasuquo (at) leapafrica.org as attached document, but because of the time which is short, we will need you applicants to send in their/your details (Full name, correct emails and telephone numbers) to this e-mail address gozzle2002 (at) yahoo.com . This will enable us contact them before their application form gets to us. Individually contact your networks, mosque, churches, youth groups, friends, family etc.

We are aware the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka will be on session, so we have to think around it, reach out to your networks they may have to be students of the school or residents who can make themselves available for the programme.

About payment, application form is (N2, 000) and can be paid in installment over one year and they can put in for the programme even if they don't have the money now; all we need now is their commitment for change and Leadership. The money is flexible and can be discussed later. We believe you know the criteria for the programme; age, literacy, commitment for change and leadership etc. We will accept them based on your recommendations.

Completed form should be sent to,

Asuquo Asuquo
LEAP Africa Ltd/Gte
13 Omorinre Johnson Street
Off Admiralty Way Lekki Phase 1
P.O.Box 75247 Victoria Island
Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: 234 - 1 - 2706541/2
aasuquo (at) leapafrica.org
www.leapafrica.org

Oro: 'Gbenga Sesan lets out the words...


NIGERIAN BY CHOICE (NBC) Conference

“…Young Nigerians in the United Kingdom Discuss the Nation’s Future”

The role of any nation’s Diaspora in its development does not need any debate. For Nigeria, the role of its citizens in other nations cannot be ignored, especially when consideration is given to their size and the inspiring roles that they play (or will eventually play) in those countries where they presently reside. The size of the Nigerian Diaspora in the United Kingdom — from students to professionals — places additional responsibility on the shoulders of both the Nigerian nation and her people in the United Kingdom. While the citizens can use their various platforms of influence to engage government (and contribute their own quota) towards improving living conditions, they can also benefit from the emerging opportunities that are increasingly available in Nigeria.

The Nigerian by Choice conference is an opportunity for young Nigerians in the United Kingdom to discuss the future of Nigeria. This conference does not seek to discuss the problems, but will serve as a forum where solutions, opportunities and networking will be the action guides. We believe that it is time for Nigerians living in the United Kingdom and are below the age of 40 (who can appreciate the need to take action in order to move from where we are to where we should be) to take action in order to create the nation we can be proud to call home. The September 2007 conference will focus on the following objectives:

* Encouraging the need to take advantage of ICT-enabled Entrepreneurship to help meet Nigeria’s employment needs;

* Organizing Socio-Economic Missions that will enable Nigerian professionals in Diaspora to use their expertise to support relevant efforts;

* Networking the expertise of the participants to influence policy and demonstrate how Nigeria can take practical steps towards development;

* Celebration of “What’s Great About Nigeria” because if we don’t, the world won’t have an example to follow!

Featuring brief keynotes, break-out groups, panel discussions and quality question-and-answer time, the conference will deliver on its promise of kick-starting a process of networking ongoing efforts towards addressing the need to place Nigeria on its path of becoming one of the best places to call home during the first quarter of the 21st century!

Date: Saturday, September 15 2007

Time: 11am to 4pm

Venue: Women’s Library Centre, London Metropolitan University, 25 Old Castle Street London E1 7NT [See directions at www.pin.org.ng/nbc/logistics.php]

Entry: FREE [Register at www.pin.org.ng/nbc]

Programme of Events

1000 - 1114: Arrivals, Networking and Registration

1115 - 1120: National Anthem

1121 - 1130: Opening Remarks

1131 - 1150: Keynote 1 (”Investment Opportunities in Nigeria”)

1151 - 1210: Keynote 2 (”ICTs and Entrepreneurship”)

1211 - 1225: Tea Break

1231 - 1250: Keynote 3 (”Socio-Economic Missions”)

1251 - 1320: Break-out Groups

1321 - 1350: Report-back from Groups

1351 - 1410: Light Lunch Break

1411 - 1440: Panel Discussions

1441 - 1525: Interactive Session (Questions and Discussions)

1526 - 1545: Wrap Up

The conference will be delivered through the joint efforts of Netwox Limited, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, and other partners. Netwox Limited will serve as the coordinating institution for the conference, and Paradigm Initiative Nigeria will be responsible for the post-conference coordination — including the publication of conference proceedings and management of the post-conference process as decided by the participants.

Contact:

Kayode Afolabi

nbc[at]netwoxltd.com

+44 1 375 483 822

+44 78 779 03 05 6

Statement by Mr.Muhammed Rudman, MD/CEO of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (NIXP) released in Lagos on July 10, 2007.
==============================================================

Today, the Internet in Africa has been growing steadily over the past several years and is beginning to play a significant role in Africa's development, creating employment, providing opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as acting as an enabler in the digital delivery of government services, education, radio, and healthcare, among others.



The new possibilities provided by Internet technologies present African countries with an opportunity to leapfrog phases of development and make use of the most recent innovations to establish a strong information society and increase the distribution of wealth among the populace, thereby addressing the poverty that has plagued the continent from time immemorial till date.



Unfortunately, the overall impact of the Internet as an enabler of development in Africa has been severely curtailed by a number of elements. Topping the list is the lack of efficient paths to carry growing local and regional traffic among Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Africa.



This problem occurs both on a national as well as regional or inter-country scale. For example, when an African Internet user sends a message to a friend in the same city or a nearby country, the data travels first to Europe or the United States before getting back to the African city or nearby country. It has been estimated that this use of international bandwidth for national or regional data costs Africa over US$400 million annually.



The vision of a connected Africa begins with the building blocks of the Internet. At the national level, Internet traffic between ISPs has been optimized in a number of countries with the introduction of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), which allow ISPs to interconnect and offload correspondent traffic.



Today, Nigeria is one of only 11 of the 53 countries in Africa that have IXPs. However, this marginal IXP connectivity results in an inefficient exchange of African inter-country traffic through hubs located overseas mainly in the US and Europe. This means that Africa is paying overseas carriers to exchange "local" (continental) traffic on its behalf. This is costly and inefficient.



It is in the interest of all countries in Africa to find ways of optimizing Internet traffic through building better and more robust networks to support intra-continental traffic flows. This will create opportunities for private sector investment.



All over the world, IXPs are deployed to leverage on cutting-edge technologies to optimize the information super-highway. In Europe, America and Asia the Internet exchange phenomenon has been around for quite a while, hence, we have the London Internet Exchange, the Amsterdam Internet Exchange, and the Hong Kong Internet Exchange, among others. Coming home to Africa, there are IXPs that have gone live in Egypt and South Africa and even in Kenya.



Following the conclusion of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) in Tunis , the need for Internet Exchange Point/Gateway for Nigeria became clearer. Accordingly, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo issued a directive to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) through the Ministry of Communications to urgently establish an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) for Nigeria.



The Federal Government through NCC registered a company by the name Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria Ltd (IXPN) by guarantee to handle the operations of the exchange. IXPN is a Public-Private Partnership where all ISPs and content providers are stakeholders while the company is a neutral, not-for-profit organization.



I would also acknowledge the immense support and encouragement we have received from the NCC under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe in realizing the overall vision of promoting efficient delivery of Internet services to complement development in Nigeria.



To drive this innovation in Nigeria, NCC constituted an interim Board of Directors of IXPN comprising of selected individuals from the industry (stakeholders) in order to draw from their experience and expertise.

The board was inaugurated on the 13th May, 2007 at the NCC headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Chima Onyekwere, MD/CEO Linkserve Ltd was appointed the chairman of the board, while my humble self, Mr. Muhammed Rudman was appointed the MD/CEO.



I am happy to inform you today that the Lagos IXP branch is 100% complete with and has some ISPs already connected while the interim Board includes the following members:



Interim Board Members

Name Organisation

1. Mr. Chima Onyekwere Linkserve

2. Mrs. Zubaida M. Rasheed Transcorp

3. Dr. Sylvanus A. Ehikioya NCC

4. Engr Sam Adeleke Digitek Teevee Cunsulting

5. Prof. K.R. Adeboye FUT Minna

6. Mr. Aminu Tijjani Multilinks

7. Mr. Yen Choi Netcom

8. Mr. Chioke Ogugua Celtel

9. Mr. Sunday Folayan Skannet

10. Mr.Akinwale Goodluck MTN

11 Mr. Muhammed Rudman (MD/CEO)





You will recall that Internet transit cost is the major bottleneck for affordable Internet service in Nigeria. That is why NIXP has negotiated a landmark agreement with NITEL to provide SAT-3 transit traffic at the rate of $2,800 per Megabit duplex connection to all NIXP members marking a major reduction from the previous price of $6,300. We are also using this opportunity to invite all the major players in the industry to become transit providers for NIXP if they can provide same or lower rates than that provided by NITEL.



In an effort to lower the cost of internet service delivery in Nigeria, telecom operator, Starcomms, the latest entrant has joined other ISPs at the exchange point making it the first PTO to connect. By peering with other ISPs at the exchange point, it means all local internet traffic will remain local within those ISPs and Starcomms'.



Hitherto, all ISPs within Nigeria were connected at foreign countries which meant that the data of say a JAMB (Joint Admission and Matriculations Board) student within Lagos browsing the JAMB website located within an ISP in Lagos will travels first to Europe or the United States before getting back to the Nigeria.



The scenario is just like going to Ibadan from Lagos via U.K. and U.S.A. It has been estimated that this use of international bandwidth for national data costs Nigeria over US$100 million each year.



The management of Starcomms must be commended for joining the NIXP which proves their leadership in pioneering development in the ICT industry.



But we will not stop until all Nigerian ISPs, PTOs, telecom operators and content providers and allied providers are connected to the exchange point which will ensure that all local internet traffic remains local in Nigeria. We do not need to pay foreign countries huge sums of money just to communicate within ourselves here in Nigeria



I would like to call on all ICT providers to join the team of the already connected members like Tara Systems, Linkserve, Netcom Africa, Cyberspace, 21 Century, MTS First Wireless and Medallion Communications in catapulting national ICT to the next level.



NIXP reduces transit cost to all our members by keeping local traffic local. That means no need to have traffic to go overseas only to come back. Therefore each domestically-exchanged transaction effectively frees up an equal amount of international bandwidth.



Another benefit is that direct interconnection with peers lowers latency in traffic between peering ISPs. It also ensures high speed, low latency access to sites for end-users, in essence better quality of service to all.



Also, continued success of the Internet depends on increasing bandwidth. That is why the minimum bandwidth capacity for joining NIXP is 10/100 Mbps while 1000 Mbps is available. High bandwidth capacity will provide reliable web-enabled applications, ranging in scope from e-government, e-commerce and multicast services for Government and private sector.



I would also like to note that spam filtering, content filtering and IP tracking (fraud detection) can easily be implemented because all members will have their own ASN and IP address before they can connect to us. To this end NIXP will implement fast track desk for any member requiring ASN and IP from AfriNIC.



Our mission is to provide a reliable exchange in Nigeria. That is why NIX will be implementing IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems) with BGP filter community so that our members can have a safer exchange.



Traffic going overseas means transit charges paid to your upstream ISPs which are not located in Nigeria. By keeping local traffic local, we save foreign exchange for the country and money is saved for the local economy.



The NIXP also ensures cheaper Internet access for all consumers, which in turn provide wider access to the entire populace.







Contact Details

Mr. Muhammed Rudman

Phone: 234 -1-7625118

E-mail: info(a)nixp.net

On Behalf of Choosen Generation World Youth Foundation,an International Youth Non-Govermental Organization setup to empower
Youths in Nation Building.

To this Regards CGWYF Is hosting a Youth Lucheon,a program to attract over 200 Youths allover Nigeria together to delibrate
about issues that confront them and how they can involve in the Change process.
the program hopes to be interactive and Educative.

Thematic Issues to be Delibrated-
Youth and Leadership Development
Career Development
Capacity Building
Role of Youths Towards Nation Building
HIV/AIDS

Date-2nd December 2006
Venue-SOS Children Village ,Ile-Iwe Metta Bus-Stop By Lagos State Polytechnic Isolo Lagos State
Time 12 Noon-4pm

Participant would given some Materails to Read and alot of Free Gifts.
Intending participant should pls send in a Text or Call to book a Seat -
Send as soon as possible
Name-
Organization -
Phone-
08022871326, 08026198139
Ms.Vanessa Thoseahead
08022871326

Building Partnership for the 2007 General Elections and Beyond.


The Nigerian Police in collaboration with Government / civil society partnership wishes to have you at the above workshop. Your attention is much needed to contribute to the Interactive Session in establishing a framework for partnership towards the 2007 General Election.

The workshop will commemce by 0800hrs on December 1st, 2006. Please, attend to make immesurable contribution as youths. All the best.



Akinbo A. A. Cornerstone
President, CNY.

I intend to have a joint event with NAYA Lagos, Ogun and Osun. I have started talks with the University Joint Christian Movement (UJCM) and Muslim Student Society (MSS) on an HIV/AIDS Walk in Osun State. This will mean a lot of movemet for most people who wish to join us...a mock meeting will hold on December 1st, 2007, while the Walk will come up December 20th, 2006.


Join us to make it areality....and i will be here to say Eureka !


Akinbo A. A. Cornerstone

• empowering youths through leadership training, workshops, seminars e.t.c

• identifying and affiliating bodies necessary for partnership and other purpose driven organization

• partnering with the media to bridge the information gap between the youth and the governance

• reaching out to the youth through ICT, public awareness’ campaign e.t.c

• engaging in an intensive research

FRAMEWORK
• Establishing CNY offices in every state of the federation;

• Reaching across and affecting every youth in the federation;

• Achievement of full interaction between government and the youth bodies;

• Participating and implementing the national youth policy.

Table:

Purpose Target Duration Subject
Workshop, seminar, leadership training youth(10-35)yrs of age 4 years primary, secondary and tertiary institutions
Affiliated, purpose driven organizations youth- led organization Occasionally NGO’s, CBO’s, FBO’s, etc.
Communication Government 4 years Ministries, NASS, Federal, State and Local Authorities
Expansion youth- led organization 4 years NGO’s, CBO’s, FBO’s, etc.
Research economic, political and social networks 4 years Partners





PLANS FOR ACTION
• CNY will have a dozier that will embed all partner organization names on it.

• CNY will build a website for every partner organization, which doesn’t have one.

• CNY will provide full sponsored internship program for partner individual and organization.

• The youth and MDGs appendix C (goal 8) as been adopted as the Article Of Action (AoA) towards phase 1 of the memorandum of understanding at the Nigeria Youth Summit held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

• There shall be joint council meetings on occasion based on Working Group’s proposal, as it may concern other sectors from time to time.


Signed this day, October 22nd, 2006.


Alfred N. V. (Miss)
For: Central Working Group.

In a bid to develop our networks and structure for our country, Nigeria, by co-developing strategies to empower young people to enshrine the success of the MDGs and its unique integration into NEEDS, SEEDS and LEEDS, agree to the following terms of partnership, hereby defined forthwith, that:

1. All registered bodies or non governmental organizations affiliated to CNY will act as Liaison Offices for CNY in their respective jurisdiction.

2. Promote the Nigerian dream by imbibing positive cultural traits, habits and customs to improve a National Identity, at home and in the Diaspora;

3. Improve the database and maintain a focus on all adopted, approved desirous projects, from to time;

4. Moderate, participate, collate, research and implement all delegated or democratically approved Action Plan for Implementation;

5. CNY will not act at anytime demand for an or accept funding from any of it’s affiliated bodies except when given voluntarily;

6. Identify means to sustain network and the onward transition to new leaderships as time begets it;

7. Carryout Monitoring and Evaluation Research from time to time to determine status of progress.

That I, …………………………………………………………………………………….……….., duly acknowledge this document on behalf of my organization,
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….., this day, ………………………………………...., ……….., ……………………..
To ally with the Council of Nigerian Youths (CNY) for the growth and development f the Youth, the Nation in particular.





Stamp and signature (Affiliating Body) Stamp and signature (Management)

INTRODUCTION
Through the years Nigeria has undergone a process of experimentation with several governmental systems, but “good governance” that would ensure a sustainable and desirable urban development have been elusive through the years. As a consequence Urban centers. They include environmental pollution, traffic disorder, and incessant building collapse, social and political problems. These problems are also attributable to lack of physical planning.

The paper advocates for a reappraisal of constitutional legislative and operational mechanisms of development control at all levels of governance particularly in urban centers. This, the paper argues will make them mover efficient in the performance of their social and political functions. It suggests a healthy balance between planning, politics and adequate involvement of citizens in the development and political process of urban centers.

THE NIGERIAN STATE.
The Nigerian state had a long history of transition to various types of governmental of transition from one form of governmental system to the other. Nigeria became a Federation of three regions and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations following her independence on October 1, 1960. In 1963, she became a republic with the first designated president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who was the Governor General between 1960 and 1963. The Federal structure in 1963 became four regions with Mid-West region having been created from the western region. The four regions were; Northern, Eastern, Western and Mid-Western regions.

From independence till today, Nigeria has experimented with deferent types of government. Beginning from October 1 1960 to September 30, 1963 Nigeria operated the parliamentary system, the Westminster type of government, with the British Monarch as constitutional Head of state. The Governor- General represented her majesty, the Queen. The Prime Minister presided over a council of ministers which comprised mainly members of the Federal House of Representatives. There was a senate, made up of selected representatives from the three regions at the time, with equal member of representation. The senate President was the Head of the Senate, while the speaker of the House of Representatives was the head of the body.

The Republican system (First Republic) was embraced between October 1, 1963 and January 15, 1966. In this system, the office of Governor-General was changed to that of president (a non-executive position). The President was not an elected official. He remained the Head of State, Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of the country as he was under the Parliamentary system. The Prime Minister remained the Head of Government, and members of the council of Ministers were still essentially members of the House of Representatives.

Two years after adopting the Republic system of government, on January 14 to 15, 1966, a section of the Nigerian Military struck. This marked the beginning of an era of Military dictatorship which lasted till September 30, 1979 in the first instance while General Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State. He handed over power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a civilian President on October 1, 1979. After series of coups, attempted coups and counter coups, over a period of 13 years, elections were held to usher, in an American type, Presidential style of government, with an Executive President of the center and Executive Governors in the State. Three arms of government were operative: The Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary. Unfortunately however, through these years of transition till date “good governance” has been elusive but still a quest.

There has been laudable attempts under a democratic leadership since 1999, to reconstruct the social and political structures that should bring about urban development by addressing some fundamental problems such as: Human right abuses, Corruption and Poverty. However, the present political climate shows we still have a long way to go. Nigeria is still experiencing increased cases of human rights abuses, corruption in high places, poverty, insecurity of lives and property, ethnic and religions dashes, political violence and killings, environmental degradation, civil unrest and sustainable.

A desirable and sustainable urban development can be achieved through:
i. Effective physical planning and
ii. Good governance.


THE STATE OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources. However due to lack of good governance the resources have been mis-managed. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. Thus, making the poor, poorer and the rich richer. Urban development is important in the growth of the Nigerian state which planning is concerned with.

The Urban society is characterized by a sharp economic disparity between a small member of wealth families and a large member of poor families. This is making living conditions within cities so bad.

There is also increasing level of disparity between Urban and rural areas. The problems of the urban areas are as a result of the influx of people from the rural areas, traffic congestion, and pollution amongst others. Some problems arise due to the pressure of people using the facilities compared to the member of people it was designed for.
Nigeria’s urban infrastructure is crumbing. Water supply, sewage, sanitation, drainage, roads, electricity and waster disposal all suffer from years of serious neglect. Periodic and routine maintenance, by far the most cost-effective infrastructure spending, is almost zero.

It has become the norm in Nigeria to wait for a capital infusion to rehabilitate, replacing instead of maintaining the infrastructure. But declining financing resources is making this less feasible and deterioration is accelerating, compounding the situation is rapid urbanization caused by migration from rural areas. The number of people living in Nigeria’s towns and cities is expected to double to 80 million in the next 13 years and reach 100 million by 2010.
Urbanization is a positive force in development. Cities and towns are home to most industry, commerce, and services, all of which can be highly productive.

Nigeria’s urban population, over the period 1980-1993, grew at an astonishing 5.5 percent a year, compared with 2.9 percent nationwide. Many urban Nigerians, however, do not earn enough to cover even basic needs. An estimated 21 percent or so (8.5 million persons ) were below the poverty lines in 1992-93. They, more than anybody, suffer from the breakdown in urban infrastructure, especially through poor health. Most of the burden falls on women and children.

Urban pollution and poor management of municipal waste (sewage and refuse) add to the health hazards. Numerous industries dump untreated and often toxic liquids in open gutters, streams, rivers and lagoon. And, as elsewhere fumes from vehicles contaminate the air and water.
In recent years, Nigeria’s leadership, institutions, and policies have been subject to abrupt and unpredictable change, making any planning difficult. A starting point for action can be found in the National Urban Development Policy, prepared in 1992. This, however, has not been adopted officially.

Other government policies have hampered urban productivity and welfare. Fiscal deficits have fueled inflation. Big subsidies for fertilizer, petrol and loss-making state enterprises drain revenues away from more productive use. It has been observed that inadequate control on public spending, massive extra budgetary allocations, and lack of accountability and transparency hinder allocation of resources for infrastructure and social services.
The same situation obtains with urban real estate. The state owns much of the land that could be used for housing, factories, offices, or as collateral for credit. But bureaucratic procedure make it difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to acquire real estate. Moreover, the private sector is excluded from aspects of infrastructure and services (electricity, water and telecommunications, for instance).

With scarce financial resources and too few trained people, local governments (774 of them) are unable to carry out their assigned functions. As usual, the poor suffer most.
Reliving and reducing poverty must be the main aim of urban development. Even modest investment can make a big improvement in the lives of the urban poor. Better basic services in low-income urban areas can have a major impact on the welfare and productivity of the poor. But such investments must be part of broader programs fro primary healthcare, education, and employment.
Another problem transportation and traffic congestion due bad roads, lack of street lights and street signs and little or no building set backs.

Statistics show that the increasing number of accidents is due to the inability of the government to function properly in the area of transportation among others. There is the problem of road bandits who parade long distance routes adding to the number of accidents that occur on Nigerian roads. Another problem I the issue of poor maintenance of road. It can scarcely be taken that Nigeria is enriched with oil resources but lacked the ability to use the bitumen obtained from petroleum to make her roads functional.

There has been the issue of night workers known as prostitutes, armed robbers and even pen thieves in offices especially at high places. In the country it is found that corrupt police officers who are meant to be defending the rights of the citizens abuse these citizens physically.
In the construction industry, corruption has eaten deep into the system that fake plans, building more than the number of floors approved, political influence of building plan approvals, encroaching on government land as a result of these issues there have been incessant building collapse and bridges in various states, with Lagos having the highest number, followed by Port Harcourt, River State capital.
Some of the challenges faced by the construction industry are listed below.
• Planlessness of towns and cities in the country
• Incessant collapse of buildings.
• Fire in buildings.
• Environmental abuse and other disasters.
• Dearth of referenced design standards for professionals.
• Use of non=professionals.
• Use of untested products and materials.
• Lack of adequate regulations and sanctions.
• Lack of maintenance culture.


GOOD GOVERNANCE
Governance can be defined as the science of government behavior and performance, including the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels (UNDP, 1997; Detheir, 1999). It provides the framework through which citizens and groups exercise their rights, meet their obligations and articulate their interests.

Governance is about people and the environment in which they live. It is about people as citizens of their respective states. It is about the relationship between the state and its citizens of their respective states. It is about the relationship between the state and its citizens. It is about the relationship between the state and its citizens, either in their individual capacity or as a group.

It is a process by which governments and people together identify shared values, needs and challenges and jointly manage the implementation of those programs and the available resources, through a transparent and accountable process with shared responsibility for outcomes that are responsive, gender-sensitive and broad-based. This requires a climate of respect for human rights, with the expressed objectives of maximizing benefits to men and women for the common good (Bardhan 1997).

A government encompasses
I. An effective state i.e. one that possesses an enabling political and legal environment for economic growth and equitable distribution of wealth and social welfare
II. Civil societies and communities that are represented in the policy making process, with the state facilitating political and social interaction, and fostering societal cohesion and stability.
III. A private sector that is allowed to pay an independent and productive e role in the economy (Hamdol, 2000).

All three elements singularly and in combination, together with sound economic management are essential for sustained development as emphasized in recent assessments by the African Development Bank (ADB, 1998 and 1999), to achieve many of the precepts of good governance, such as increased public sector efficiency or reduced poverty, necessarily implies a loss to some groups. For example, increased efficiency in public service delivery implies that the activities of rent seekers have to be minimized. On the other hand, reducing poverty might call for income redistribution measures, which could hurt the interests of richer groups.

UNDP identifies nine core characteristics covering eight key urban issues, which measure good governance.
a) Participation-all men and women should have a voice decision-making either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions that represent their interest. Such broad participation is built on freedom of association and speech, as well as capacities to participate constructively
b) Rule of law – legal frameworks should be fair and enforced impartially, particularly the laws on human rights.
c) Transparency – this is built on the free flow of information. Processes, institution and information is provided to understand and monitor them.
d) Responsiveness –institutions and process try to serve all stakeholders.
e) Consensus orientation – good governance mediates differing interests to reach a broad consensus on what is in the best interest of the group and where possible, on policies and procedures.
f) Equity – all men and women have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-bring.
g) Effectiveness and efficiency – processes and institutions produce results that meet needs while making the best use of resources.
h) Accountability Decision – makers in government, the private sector and civil society organizations are accountable to the public, as well.
i) Strategic vision – leaders and public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development, along with a sense of what is needed for such development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded (UNDP, 1997).


THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
According to Davey (1993), the role of government in urban management and development can be summarized as follows:
i) Is concerned with the policies, plans programs and practices that seek to ensure that population growth is matched by access to basic infrastructure, shelter and employment. While such access will depend as much, if not more, on private initiatives and enterprise, they are critically affected by public sector policies and functions that only government can perform.
ii). The performance of government is critical to the effective management of urban growth. Government should partner with international agencies who show interest in improving the structure, process, and resources of urban government institutions. Policies of decentralization which delegates functional responsibilities and resources to lower levels of government and new financial flows should be created to stimulate public investment. Development project should include technical assistance to improve the planning and operational of processes of urban agencies
iii) The effectiveness of urban government is clearly dependent on a range of contextual factors: political stability, social cohesion and economic buoyancy, to name only the most obvious. It also depends on the skills and motivations of it’s policy makes and the staff who serve them. But the widespread concern to change and improve the management arrangements suggests a belief that the structures, processes and resources base are themselves factors that contribute to effectiveness. To illustrate, the performance of a car owes much both to it’s driver and to the driving conditions- that is, the state of the road, the traffic, the weather. But its inherent characteristics engine power, road hold, fuel efficiency, and soon constitute a third element to the equation. Just so, the institutional characteristics of urban government play a part in determining its effectiveness, along with the people who run it and the environment within which is operates.

THE ROLE OF THE CIVIL SOCIETY
Against the backdrop of the failure of centralized states in the developmental project, civil society was gradually conceived as alternative delivered of social services and welfare, thus providing solution to the in capacities of the state as well as the inequalities of the capitalist development (Olayode, 2005).
The United State Agency for International Development (USAID expresses this view thus: The components of civil society, the broad-based groups, the networks and communication among these groups, are at the heart of what USAID and may development agencies are trying to achieve (USAID, 1994) also Olayode (2005 reported that the liberation of civil society from the suffocating grip of the state has become the hegemonic ideological project of one time.
In democratic theory, civil society is expected to play a major representative role in the process of transition to democracy.
There are four main areas of civil society involvement in the democratization project:

i) Altering the balance of power between a state and society.
ii) Improving the accountability of both politicians and administrators;
iii) Legitimating the political systems by promoting the values of liberal democracy (Luckham and White 1997).


CONCLUSION
Good governance in Nigeria so far has been a dilemma. Infact it has become elusive despite the various systems of government operated from independence on October 1, 1960 till date. This had led to negative impacts on the social, political economic and physical environment of the country. Hence problems of corruption, poverty, insecurity of lives and property, human rights abuses, political thuggery, environmental degradation, inequitable distribution of resources and development lack of proper physical planning, improper management of urban growth to mention but a few ha made urban development in the country to meet with a brick wall.

In Nigeria, addressing the problem of urban development means addressing the issue of good governance. The solution should reach deep into the very fabric of the Nation where the problem lies. Therefore, a reappraisal of the mechanisms of development control at all levels of government, particularly in urban centers. The civil society also has a vital role in selecting complementary and checking the government.

WAY FORWARD
There are two basic strategies for achieving a sustainable or good urban development in Nigeria. They are good governance and an effective physical planning.

Should there be a reappraisal of the constitutional, legislative and operational mechanisms of development controls, at all levels of governance, particularly only in urban centers. This would make them more efficient in the performance of their social and political functions.

There should be participation of the civil society including communities and the private sector. The government should decentralize authority and the local government strengthened more precisely, their responsibility should be clearly defined; make revenue transfers to them more predictable, give assistance to increase their internal revenue and give them real involvement in planning and implementation.

Relieving and reducing poverty towards a pro-poor strategy must be the aim of urban development. Better basic services in low income urban areas can have a major impact on the welfare and productivity of the poor. But such investments must be part of broader programs for primary healthcare, education and employment. A new Nigeria is possible, when we begin to look and act with deep insight and decisive action.




REFERENCES
African Developing Bank (1998) African Developing Report, Oxford Univeristy Press.
African Development Bank (1999) Country Policy and Institutional Assessment 3. Unpublished Report, African Developing Bank Abidjan Akinnade, Sola and Amadu, Sesay (eds) Africa) in the Post Cold War International System (London Printer, 1998).
Ayeyemi, Dayo Nigerian Tribune (2005) ‘Mixed Reaction Tail building Stakeholders Registration ‘ August 8
Bardhan, P. (1997) ‘The Role of Governance in Economic Development: A Political Economy Approach’. Paper for the OECD Development Centre Paris.
Belleh, T.R (2006 ‘Nigerian Police force’, Belleh@yahoo.com, Tuesday August 8
Detheir, J.J. (1999) ‘Governance and Economic Performance: A Survey’, Discussion Papers on Developing Policy No5, Centre for Developing Research, university Bonn: Bonn.
Davey, K.J (1993). Elements of Urban Management. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development /World Bank, Washington USA pp ix-x
Hamso, A. (2000) ‘Good governance and the Police Challenge: The African Development Bank Perspective’, Presented at the workshop On Evaluation Capacity Development in Africa, Johannesburg.
Luckman R.and White, G. (1997) Democratization in the South: The Jagged Wave. Manchester University Press pp. 185-189.
Olayode, K.O (2005) Concern for Good Governance: the Role of Civil Society Leaven Club International pp. 10-27 Ile-Ife.
USAID, (1994) Civil Society, Democracy and Development in Africa. Proceeding of a workshop for Development practitioners, Washington D.C. pp20
United Nations Development Program (1997)’ governance for Sustainable human Development’. UNDP: governance Papers: New york.
World Bank (2006) A strategy for Restroring Urban Infrastructure and Services in Nigeria’
Nigeria, Federal Government (1992) National Urban Development Policy. Lagos Government Printer.

Dear Young Nigerian Professionals,

We are happy to inform you that we have

registered a new domain name for NiPRO Nigeria

(www.nipro-ng. com). However, the old domain

name www.nipro-ng. org remains valid. We also

wish to thank Mr. Timothy Odedina, an active

member of NiPRO and Manager of www.dozenhost.

com for the free registeration and 100MG space.

Dozen host will also be hosting and managing the

website.

Right now we are looking for professionals

within the network to help build the website so

that we can manage all information from here

while we still remain connected to the NiPRO

International website (www.niproinc. com). There

is so much going on right now. As a matter of

fact, we have begun the Courage professionalism

integrity promotion which is being championed by

A ray of Hope, Unesco Youth Ambassador for the

culture of Peace (www.unesco.co. uk). You can

view the promotion revolving around the national

flag... So, the positive image of Nigeria is

being championed by us through our UK partner.

Soon we shall hit the London times.. NiPRO is

moving at a pace we all cannot imagine now. The

network is ours because it is Nigerian and it

means well for our beloved country... we

strongly believe the labour of our heroes past

shall never be in vain.

Hopefully before the end of the month we shall

send you a document (highlighting the

contribution that Africa and African's have made

and continue to make to British Society) written

by the Development Education Association (DEA)

to support UNESCO aim of promoting recognition.

Reading the document will probably make you have

a sense of pride being Nigerian or African... We

would send the abridged version in due course

(just about 17 pages) for your perusal and

comments. NiPRO was priviledged to receive the

document from the London Secretariat of UNESCO

UK courtesy of A Ray of Hope.

Have a great day as we continue to impact our

world. We are the change Nigeria is waiting

for...







Victor Gotevbe, General Manager
------------ --------- --------- ---------

--------- --------- --------- -
NiPRO International
t. 08033057677( Nigeria)
e. gotebs@niproinc.com
www.niproinc. com
Send instant messages to your online friends

http://uk.messenger .yahoo.com

Dear Comrades,

First in our heart is your desire to be in attendance. We would regard you as a scarce group of mind that would seat throughout the three day event to ensure we formulate a resolution that would affect the Nigerian Policymakers in the area of ICT growth and development. Be informed that the Global Digital Conference comes up in Nigeria soon.

Kindly peruse the entire attached document and print out after filling the necessary items. Send filled forms to the same address, using your full name as subject.

You can invite the intellectual few that will make a difference in this event. Our total budget is for 200 or more. Accommodation is free. Discussion will be based on all the issues laid out below:

http://events.takingitglobal.org/OF_youthnationbuilding

Lodging will be done for those who can prove payment of fees on or before the October 10th, 2006. Lodgers should come along with just bedding materials, a picture gallery outfit and a training piece (or a casual). The package already includes a jotter and a pen.
However, you can come along with booklets to share for friends and new networks.

Feel free to pass a message using this medium. Also take advantage of the Information Technology provided by TIG:

http://orgs.takingitglobal.org/11847

You will be sent some of the CNY Packets on joining the yahoo group. Time is not our friend. All working sheet concerning the Option for Action developed at the Nigerian Youth Leadership Summit is ready for perusal and would be posted soon in pdf.

This particular summit will also be an opportunity to be educated on the role of youths in policy formation and action statement. It will also be seen to setup a strategic team to handle implementation working groups on all the MDG's outlined from our last meeting.


You are welcome.



MANAGEMENT TEAM.
COUNCIL OF NIGERIAN YOUTHS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proudlynigeria

SUMMIT
DATE:
Friday, October 20th to Sunday, October 22nd , 2006.

TIME:
9.00am to 7.00pm

VENUE:
Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

GUEST (s) OF HONOR
• Prof. C. O. Angaye
Director General,
National Information Technology
Development Agency (NITDA)

• Tony Iredia
Director General,
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)


CHIEF SPEAKER GUEST SPEAKER
Prof. I. S. Disu Dr. Issac Adeola Odeyemi
Vice-Chancellor, Chairman, BOT - NIRA
Kano State University of Science Nigeria Computer Society
and Technology


HOST
Prof. M. O. Faborede
Vice-Chancellor,
Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife.

AWARDEES
To be announced from online submission and vote.


THE SUMMIT
Students and young professionals who have shown credible interest and supported the growth and development of the ICT Sector in Nigeria, and also had the privileged and knowledge of the NASS ICT Policy are cordially invited to participate in this summit. Through discussions and workshops with top policy makers, representatives from dozens of major NGOs, and thousands of young leaders, conference participants will be equipped with the skills to promote a national attitude and effect change in their communities towards achieving the MDG’s cum the NEEDS Agenda.

Youth leaders will discuss the progress they have made in meeting up the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in their various organizations and jurisdiction. The Goals are a set of development promises that the 191 member countries of the United Nations have pledged to meet by the year 2015, such as eradicating poverty to developing a global partnership for development, which can be related to the Gleneagles Package for Africa.

The Nigerian Youth Summit aims to encourage today’s young people to view the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals as the special mission of their generation. At the summit, conference participants will engage in workshops and discussions aimed at equipping them with the tools to effectively campaign and raise support for the MDGs on their campuses, various organizations, local government, states and in their respective district.

Applications will be considered on a selection platform without bias through midnight on Friday, October 8th, 2006 by 10.00 pm and applicants will be notified within 48 hours of submission if they have been selected to attend the conference. Payment can then be done to the accredited banks for the event. Nigerians-in-Diaspora are also invited.

You will be sent another form to cover accommodation and transportation if qualified for CNY SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE. If you have any questions, please write (subject: enquirers) to councilofnigerianyouths@yahoo.com


OUR SPONSORS
The Summit is sponsored by the Nigerian Polity. These are well meaning Nigerians who have the interest of the youth at heart with the need to empower the less privileged youth.

The conference is being co-sponsored by Ace Consult, Inc. The Incorporation has launched and supported several major student-driven campaigns, such as the HIV/AIDS Walk campaigns, the Student Campaign for Child Survival with PACT-OAU, and with Student Union of various institutions in Nigeria.

West African Youth Leadership Association (WAYLA), a leadership franchise of the Statesmen Foundation, Inc. is an outfit with the advanced cutting edge in Leadership Training. In the world of classic “training the trainer”, WAYLA stands out unique. They will co-ordinate the CNY till the congress decide otherwise.

Emerald Emmy Productions Company is involved in organizing programs and events and a related organization trained in Budget and Fundraising Protocols.

Yomm Kinboss Limited is a consultancy agency that deals in engineering and social strategizing. With a long track record of adequate utilization of printing, managing records and employment of youths, they are certified in Large Scale management sourcing.

The African Youth Voice (AYV), Statesmen Foundation, Inc. (SFI), amongst others is also co-sponsoring the event.

All financially committed outfits will be published in good time.

TAKE ACTION NOW
Students are to get involved in the struggle to end the poverty of inclusion in the National decision making by participating in the online forum of the Nigerian Youth on the TIG Blog. Youth and student group’s leaders are asked to spread the word about the MDGs by encouraging peers to participate in online discussions.

Log on to http://www.tigblog.org/group/cny and make your voice count.

The Council wants to address the Nigerian problem politically, economically and socially. Taking a look at other Nigerian organizations, most of them are geared toward cultural awareness and, or concerned about promoting their own individual ethnic groups. Some other groups, directed towards dialogue - dialogue about the problems in Nigeria and plausible solutions. The Council differs from them because primarily, it wants to comprise of all Nigerians - representative of the plurality that exists there within, to advocate for the success of Nigeria as a whole, not catering to specific ethnic groups. It is concerned with the overall future of Nigeria and wants to move beyond just dialogue (which is necessary), supplying actions to words; bringing peoples words, ideas, plans to life to benefit the future of Nigeria. The Council, focused toward uniting Nigerian youths toward the above-mentioned ideals, sees the human force – you, as the set goal to actualizing a better, brighter tomorrow.

All suggestions are duly appreciated by the Council with the view that the Board would consider all within the time limit, for the interest of the Nigerian Youth. All Applications considered and applicants accepted will be sent notification if they have been selected to attend the conference by Sunday, October 10th, 2006.

Thanks for the perusal.




Akinbo A. A. Cornerstone
Protem President / Executive Director
Council of Nigerian Youth (CNY)
ICT / Research / Publicity Director
West African Youth Leadership Association (WAYLA)

akinbo@savechildrennow.org akinboadebunmiadeola@yahoo.com
(+234) 805 668 1661, (+234) 803 860 4060, (+234) 802 440 9100.
URL: http//www.savechildrennow.org http//www.wayla.org



Bankers:

In favour of CNY to: Yomm Kinboss Limited
First Bank of Nigeria
a/¬c no. 2030000930

In favour of CNY to: Yomm Kinboss Limited
Intercontinental Bank
a/¬c no. 0035-343056-001

In favour of CNY to: West African Youth Leadership Association.
Oceanic Bank Plc.
a/¬c no. 1381701700010


NOTA BENE
Request for forms and other details can be gotten by request from cny@msn.com or councilofnigerianyouths@yahoo.com

Dear Sir/Ma

REQUEST YOU BE OUR GUEST

this is to invite the general public to the formal launching of youth developmet dicussion forum in nigeria.

In line with our vision as a non governmental organization of young people to EMPOWER young people intellectually for mental exploits and social development in Nigeria,

We will like to request that you be our guest at the formal public introduction and launching of a new concept in youth development and empowerment in Nigeria called Youth Development Discussion Forum (YDDF) in grand style.

The forum is a concept of Niche Foundations, a Christian non governmental organization of young people from different works of life, to bring young people of dynamic concept and mentally resourceful together for a synergy of knowledge and vision for a global revolution in leadership and mental exploits.

Our aim is to create an avenue for young people to meet and discuss issues affecting youths of this nation.

The program is scheduled to hold as follows:

Date: 24th September 2006

Venue: Ken Row Multipurpose Hall
125A Apapa Road, Ebute Meta West
(opp Redeemers international school)

Time: 3pm prompt

Please note that Niche Foundation is not a church but a Christian organization of young people whose passion is to bring sanity back to Nigeria youths by empowering youths for the desired future and we are open for membership.

this is the first of its kind in nigeria,more about yddf is as attact to this document

We will be very glad if you can grace this occasion with your presence

Thank you

Yours truly,

Signed: Akinyemi Akinpelu
Coordinator
Niche Foundation

WiW 2007 Edition.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW …

QUESTIONS
• Name in Full;
• Date of Birth;
• Place of Birth;
• Educational qualification;
• Hobbies;
• Organizations / Association and status;
• Achievements (at least two {2}), individually or collectively;
• Contact Details.

QUALIFICATION: ACHIEVEMENTS VETTING
This implies a project or program of action that must have affected your community or vicinity. It may also imply that you started a group or organization that is making impact. Another reference point is your ability to have held some offices co-jointedly within a period of time and at a tender age in respect to normal form. All outstanding facts are expected to be verified before publication. You are advised to send name, residential and office address of referees (at most two {2}, between the age of 39 - 65).

CHARGES
All payments should be made once. Rejected applicants will get their refunds for Acceptance and Registration Fees Only. The Organizing Committee will expect all applicants to print out all needed sheets as evidence of payment.

BENEFITS
• This event would generate revenues that would be utilized in the following manner:
• 25% goes to the motherless baby home and the needy foundations in Nigeria and beyond the face of other treat to children and youths across the nation;
• 15% goes to the Ministry of Youth Affairs on commencement of duty, by vote. This will state our support for the layout and the need for cross cultural exchange in our multi-ethnic values;
• 15% goes to providing the product to all Libraries in Nigerian post-primary and tertiary institutions to enable mentorship values, readership tendencies and patriotic mindset;
• 20% will be set aside to facilitate a National Youth Portal to educate, empower and encourage a suitable and sustainable growth and development across the state;
• The percentage left would be used to finalize registration and serve as assistant to credible sister organization who needs support.

CODE OF INFORMATION
• That all data given is true to details and would be verified;
• That any form of falsehood would mean outright disqualification before publication;
• That all applicant can lay claim to have two major outstanding breakthrough, either individually or collectively;
• That applicant falls between the ages of 18 – 35 years of age only;
• That applicant is a Nigerian by birth.


Oluseyi ‘Kunbi A. Dorgbaa Emmanuel
CHAIPERSON PROTOCOLS / ACCOUNTS
Vice-President (West), President,
Council of Nigerian Youths (CNY) Emerald Emmy Productions Company
oluseykunbi@yahoo.com wayla_ngr@yahoo.com
0805 158 9470 0805 625 0225

SUMMIT
DATE:
Friday, October 20th to Sunday, October 22nd , 2006.

TIME:
9.00am to 7.00pm

VENUE:
Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

GUEST (s) OF HONOR
• Prof. C. O. Angaye
Director General,
National Information Technology
Development Agency (NITDA)

• Tony Iredia
Director General,
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
Development Agency (NITDA)

CHIEF SPEAKER GUEST SPEAKER
Prof. I. S. Disu Dr. Issac Adeola Odeyemi
Vice-Chancellor, Chairman, BOT - NIRA
Kano State University of Science Nigeria Computer Society
and Technology


HOST
Prof. M. O. Faborede
Vice-Chancellor,
Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife.

AWARDEES
To be announced from online submission and vote.


THE SUMMIT
Students and young professionals who have shown credible interest and supported the growth and development of the ICT Sector in Nigeria, and also had the privileged and knowledge of the NASS ICT Policy are cordially invited to participate in this summit. Through discussions and workshops with top policy makers, representatives from dozens of major NGOs, and thousands of young leaders, conference participants will be equipped with the skills to promote a national attitude and effect change in their communities towards achieving the MDG’s cum the NEEDS Agenda.

Youth leaders will discuss the progress they have made in meeting up the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in their various organizations and jurisdiction. The Goals are a set of development promises that the 191 member countries of the United Nations have pledged to meet by the year 2015, such as eradicating poverty to developing a global partnership for development, which can be related to the Gleneagles Package for Africa.

The Nigerian Youth Summit aims to encourage today’s young people to view the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals as the special mission of their generation. At the summit, conference participants will engage in workshops and discussions aimed at equipping them with the tools to effectively campaign and raise support for the MDGs on their campuses, various organizations, local government, states and in their respective district.

Applications will be considered on a selection platform without bias through midnight on Friday, October 8th, 2006 by 10.00 pm and applicants will be notified within 48 hours of submission if they have been selected to attend the conference. Payment can then be done to the accredited banks for the event. Nigerians-in-Diaspora are also invited.

You will be sent another form to cover accommodation and transportation if qualified for CNY SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE. If you have any questions, please write (subject: enquirers) to councilofnigerianyouths@yahoo.com



STAYING IN ABEOKUTA

ABIOLA SPORTS STADIUM
(ABEOKUTA)





ALAKE'S PALACE (ABEOKUTA)


OGUN STATE GOVERNORS OFFICE (ABEOKUTA)




CENTENARY HALL
AKE
(ABEOKUTA)



CENTRAL BANK
(ABEOKUTA)



ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL
OLDEST CHURCH IN NIGERIA
(ABEOKUTA)



LISABI ELITE CLUB
(ABEOKUTA)


OGUN RIVER FLOWS THROUGH ABEOKUTA TOWNSHIP


SIMEON ADEBO LIBRARY
(ABEOKUTA)


For those conference participants who wish to spend the night of Tuesday, October 16th, 2006 in the city of Abeokuta before moving to Ile-Ife, inexpensive housing options are readily available. Additionally, the city is hospitable, as well as the indigene. Feel free to inform us ahead of time if you would like to take a tour of the historical centres in both cities.




OUR SPONSORS
The Summit is sponsored by the Nigerian Polity. These are well meaning Nigerians who have the interest of the youth at heart with the need to empower the less privileged youth.

The conference is being co-sponsored by Ace Consult, Inc. The Incorporation has launched and supported several major student-driven campaigns, such as the HIV/AIDS Walk campaigns, the Student Campaign for Child Survival with PACT-OAU, and with Student Union of various institutions in Nigeria.

Emerald Emmy Productions Company is involved in organizing programs and events and a related organization trained in Budget and Fundraising Protocols.

Yomm Kinboss Limited is a consultancy agency that deals in engineering and social strategizing. With a long track record of adequate utilization of printing, managing records and employment of youths, they are certified in Large Scale management sourcing.

The African Youth Voice (AYV), Statesmen Foundation, Inc. (SFI), West African Youth Leadership Association (WAYLA), amongst others is also co-sponsoring the event.

All financially committed outfits will be published in good time.

TAKE ACTION NOW
Students are to get involved in the struggle to end the poverty of inclusion in the National decision making by participating in the online forum of the Nigerian Youth on the TIG Blog. Youth and student group’s leaders are asked to spread the word about the MDGs by encouraging peers to participate in online discussions.

Log on to http://www.tigblog.org/group/cny and make your voice count.

The Council wants to address the Nigerian problem politically, economically and socially. Taking a look at other Nigerian organizations, most of them are geared toward cultural awareness and, or concerned about promoting their own individual ethnic groups. Some other groups, directed towards dialogue - dialogue about the problems in Nigeria and plausible solutions. The Council differs from them because primarily, it wants to comprise of all Nigerians - representative of the plurality that exists there within, to advocate for the success of Nigeria as a whole, not catering to specific ethnic groups. It is concerned with the overall future of Nigeria and wants to move beyond just dialogue (which is necessary), supplying actions to words; bringing peoples words, ideas, plans to life to benefit the future of Nigeria. The Council, focused toward uniting Nigerian youths toward the above-mentioned ideals, sees the human force – you, as the set goal to actualizing a better, brighter tomorrow.

All suggestions are duly appreciated by the Council with the view that the Board would consider all within the time limit, for the interest of the Nigerian Youth. All Applications considered and applicants accepted will be sent notification if they have been selected to attend the conference by Sunday, October 10th, 2006.

Thanks for the perusal.






Akinbo A. A. Cornerstone
Protem President / Executive Director
Council of Nigerian Youth (CNY)

akinbo@savechildrennow.org akinboadebunmiadeola@yahoo.com
(+234) 805 668 1661, (+234) 803 860 4060, (+234) 802 440 9100.
URL: http//www.savechildrennow.org http//www.wayla.org


Bankers:

In favour of CNY to: Yomm Kinboss Limited
First Bank of Nigeria
a/¬c no. 2030000930

In favour of CNY to: Yomm Kinboss Limited
Intercontinental Bank
a/¬c no. 0035-343056-001

In favour of CNY to: Emerald Emmy Productions.
Oceanic Bank Plc.
a/¬c no. 0161701700268

Summer is here again and if you are reading this, chances are you may
be interested in maximizing this major holiday season… If you are
currently an undergraduate (based in Lagos,) seeking to earn some legitimate
money, then read on…Are you looking to gain practical work experience
even before you graduate? Wonder what your CV would look like when you
do graduate and looking to improve upon its contents? Want to find a job
and build a potentially life-long relationship with your boss who will
guide you
along your career path? Looking to enter into a mentoring relationship
with your boss?

Positive Impact Network (PIN) presents a unique opportunity for
undergraduates to gain practical work experience, to make good use of their
summer holiday, and to learn and earn, in its Summer Youth Internship
Connect (SYNC)
Programme

The SYNC Programme: The Summer Youth Internship Connect Programme is an
8-week long youth employment initiative, conceptualized to enable young
undergraduates acquire valuable practical work experience and mentored
on-the-job training while earning an income. During the summer
vacation, PIN connects youth to partner companies, firms or organizations and
attaches them to mentors within the partner organization, under whose
supervision and tutelage, the youth are expected to sharpen their skills,
and increase their knowledge in their chosen career paths and pursuits.
The SYNC experience introduces youth to the workplace, imparts valuable
employment skills, and provides youth with a summer income, while the
educational activities enhance this exposure to the world of work,
allowing youth to gain the self-confidence, career awareness, financial
literacy, and interpersonal competencies needed to succeed over the long
term. In simple terms, this
programme will give youth the opportunity to EARN and LEARN…

What are the objectives of this programme? The primary objectives of
this programme are:
1. To augment the theoretical knowledge gained by students in
their institutions of
learning, while at the same time providing them with guidance and
leadership training, and equip them for life after school
2. To provide an employment experience that stresses the
development & practice of real world labour expectations
3. To provide opportunities for financial responsibility and
economic independence
4. To smoothen the school-to-work transition for youth.
5. To provide positive role models and mentoring opportunities

How will the programme run? The SYNC Programme is neither a leadership
training workshop nor a job placement programme. Twenty young people
will be selected for the second edition of this programme based on the
strength of their application only. Interviews would be conducted where
necessary, and only selected applicants will be notified. Upon
selection, students would be attached to partner organizations and mentors. A
two-day orientation course will then be held. During this course, two
representatives of top HR Consulting firms would be on-hand to put youth
through the process of job application, career development, writing
winning CV’s and employment application letters, office etiquette and
other basic office skills.

The program will include:
a) On the job mentoring
b) Opportunities for networking
c) Stimulating tasks on the job to fast-track learning
d) Capacity and skills-building sessions during orientation
e) Certificates of participation at the end of the programme
f) Fortnightly evaluations and assessment of students
performance on the job

In return, students are expected to perform their duties and
obligations with utmost dedication, and must put in their very best to ensure
productivity of their temporary employers. Positive Impact Network will
carry out fortnightly evaluations of the programme and at the end of four
weeks, determine if any young person is to be dropped from the
programme, replaced and/ or cautioned. Although there is room for only 20 young
people this
year, 10 outstanding applicants will be kept on the waiting list, and
will participate in the orientation programme.

What kind of job will I be doing? There really are no predetermined
positions youth will fill. In other words, many participating companies
have only the development of the young people at heart and will create
openings for them within their companies/ organizations. Youths
responsibilities will thus vary significantly.

Positive Impact Network will however make matches based on the youth’s
field of study, interests, ambitions, passion etc. The programme aims
for entrepreneurial development so youth would be encouraged to apply
for jobs they are passionate about. If you are studying law therefore,
and really have a passion for writing, you may apply for the kind of job
that will build on your inherent strengths, or grant you the
opportunity to refine
your skills. Programme partners include corporate bodies,
non-governmental organizations, law firms, furniture making firms, print and
electronic media, graphic/ web design studios, health & fitness centres,
institutions, events and marketing firms, and one-man businesses.


The Mentoring Component: Mentoring is a key component of this
programme. Youth will be attached to mentors within the organization who will
act as positive role models, and guide youth through their first job
experience. The relationship is expected to last a lifetime, and
mentors/mentees will be matched based on similar interests, beliefs and
career choices.

Who can participate? Vibrant, positive, ambitious young persons seeking
an opportunity for personal development, and who are within ages 17-25
can apply. They must be in some recognizable institution of learning,
be on holiday for the duration of the
programme, and possess exemplary character and leadership qualities.
Members of youth organizations/ associations are especially invited to
apply. A selection committee will select 20 participants, and place 10 on
the waiting list.

Any Fees? There are NO hidden or apparent costs to participate in this
programme. There are NO entry fees, application fees, course
orientation fees, or attachment fees. Instead, we urge our partners to pay a
minimum remuneration of at least 8,000 naira (monthly) to all participants.
Note that depending on the nature of the job, and the skills of the
youth, this figure can be (much) higher!

Great Deal…But how do I apply? A web-based application form is
available with this announcement. Otherwise, please see contact information
below to request an application. The deadline for application is 15th of
July 2006. ALL entries must be received online. For more information,
please contact info@positiveimpactnetwork.org, or call 234-1 762 2048

For more information:Positive Impact Network (PIN)Contact: Funmilola ,
info@positiveimpactnetwork.orgCall: + 234 1 762 2048Fax: +234 1 461
9878Website: www.positiveimpactnetwork.org

…….
Mutiu Okediran
http://www.mutiuokediran.com

Blog: http://www.mutiuokediran.com/blog


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“ A mans intense desire to succeed is shown forth not only in what he
sees or hears, nor how he acts, but by the nature and quality of his
dreams.”

Announcing 3rd Edition of International Youth Forum (IYF) June 8th –
10th, 2006.

Preamble:
For 3 exciting days, great young minds passionate about moving youth
development forward shall converge in Jos for the 3rd edition of IYF
2006. In 2004 during the maiden edition, about 70 youths from 13 states
attended, in 2005, about 60 youths from 18 states attended, in 2006, we
are expecting over 60 youths and youth leaders to attend this 2006
youth program of record! Impact Report: During IYF 2005, after a session on
how youths can participate in nation building, a participant confessed
that he has been involved in examination malpractices for years and has
over 100 clients annually, but after the session, he just quit and will
begin to engage in more patriotic and productive activities towards
nation building. Today he is pioneering a growing youth organization in
his state!

Youth Background: A glance through the World Youth Report (WYR) 2005
affirms that young people under the age of 30 constitute over a third
of the worlds population, in some countries, these age bracket
constitute over half of the population, the biggest new generation ever! Data
available from the report further states that 200 million youths are
living in poverty, 130 million illiterate, 88 million unemployed and 10
million living with HIV/AIDS. We affirm the global consensus that led to
the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) all of which are
directly or indirectly related to the well being of young people.

· While we must join to continue to call on leaders at all
level to continue to commit more to the development of the well being of
this next generation, which is today’s youths. We as young people must
decisively put pressure on ourselves to act and contribute to processes
that improves our states as young citizens.
· As governments initiate policies, we as youths must work to
be part of the process. As governments make policies that affect
education, health, employment etc, it is our duty to examine the policies
and push for either review or full implementation.
· As government announces budgets, it is our duty to monitor
and to ensure prudent use of funds geared towards the youth sub sector
and development in general.
· Where there are no structures that represent youths
democratically in a sustainable way or where there is no youth minister, it is
young people who need to lobby and advocate creatively to have
credible structures.
· Where society is yet to recognize our voice as young
people, it is our duty to keep adding volume to our voice on issues we feel
strongly about until change happens.
· As young people, we must begin to better demonstrate our
ability to add value to society as potential partners in development
progress.
· For these and much more, we shall be organizing IYF 2006!


Theme “Improving the state of the Youths” Over the next 5
years, beginning from 2006 to 2010, IYF shall focus on mobilizing and
educating young people on how to productively engage and compliment social
development processes that are practically improving the state of the
youths. IYF seeks to explore how youths can build their competences in
development programmes and how to build strategic partnership with
stakeholders in improving the youth sector.

Thematic Areas of Focus:
a) The state of the youths in contemporary Nigeria,
mitigating trends and the MDGs

b) Youth organizations and social development work
in developing societies.

c) Fostering active participation and effective
partnership with adults towards sustainable development.

d) Youths, entrepreneurship and ICT.

e) Reflections on leadership, followership and good
governance.

IYF 2006 Strategy:
A. IYF 2006 is expected to hold in Jos, Plateau state, the middle
belt region of Nigeria, known for its beauty, natural tourist sites,
cool weather and tranquility. For those visiting Jos for the first time,
get ready for an interesting time of your life.

B. Participants shall be drawn from different ethnic, national
and socio-religious backgrounds united on a common ground of improving
the state of young people. It promises to be a celebration of our
diversities, unity and youth!

C. There shall be paper presentation by powerful resource
persons, work groups and plenary sessions. After presentations, there shall be
panel discussions to allow participants further deliberate on topical
areas with facilitators.

D. The group works sessions provide small units to encourage
individual thinking and inputs, shared understanding on issues to be
harmonized as collective recommendations for action committees. Action
committees shall fine tune recommendations and present to the house at the
end of the event for ratification and for post conference activities.

E. Reflections on leadership will include film shows, reviews of
leadership impact and pledge to extol good leadership in daily life and
endeavors as young people.

Highlights:
· Tour of selected sites on the Plateau.
· Launching of Youngstars Foundation Monthly Magazine.
· Commemoration and cutting 10th Year Anniversary cake of
Youngstars Foundation.
· Social Night and Special Awards.


Participation & Registration:

Over 60 young people below the age of are expected to attend IYF 2006
in Jos city!

Registration:
Nigeria participants:
N5,000 per participant, covering only lunch, tea breaks and
conference materials.

Foreign delegates:
$200 per participant.

Registration payment:
All selected participants shall pay their registration fees on or
before June 4th, 2006. Registration on arrival shall attract extra N500.

Accommodation Support:
Courtesy of Friends of Youngstars Foundation, there is free hostel
accommodation for 40 IYF participants residing outside Jos city. To
qualify for this facility, please indicate your need in your application
form.


How to register for IYF 2006.
You can complete a downloadable application form and send to us on or
before May 27th, 2006. Successful applicants shall be duly informed on
June 1st, 2006. Completed applications should be sent with a CV, 1
passport photograph and an essay on the topic “Improving the state of the
youths, my area of interest and what I can do” Incomplete applications
shall not be considered.


For more inquiries:
Contact us through
info@youngstarsfoundation.org


To support, sponsor or donate to IYF, 2006,
Please call this line +(234) 0803 58 68 58 6
Or email info@youngstarsfoundation.org
www.youngstarsfoundation.org

register today for:
IYF 2006, ………..improving the state of the youths!

Try not to be a person of success. But rather a person of value.
- unknown
Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.
- Norman R. Augustine



Unless a man undertakes more
than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can.
- Henry Drummond

They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you make them feel.
- Carol Buchner
Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.
- Norman R. Augustine Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down.
- unknown



Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.
- Henry Ward Beecher



A mind troubled by doubt
cannot focus on the course to victory.
- Arthur Golden



Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.
- Samuel Johnson



Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you are.
- Theodore Roosevelt



Prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.
- Francis Bacon



The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation...The hand is the cutting edge of the mind.
- Jacob Bronowski



It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer,
the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge
and does something about it.
- Vince Lombardi

One never notices
what has been done;
one can only see
what remains to be done.
- Marie Currie



Any coward can fight a battle when he's sure of winning; but give me the man who has the pluck to fight when he's sure of losing.
- George Eliot



Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
- Thomas Edison



A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
- John C. Maxwell



The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.
- William James



Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.
- Henry Ford



After the game,
the king and the pawn
go into the same box.
- Italian Proverb


Character is like a tree
and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
- Abraham Lincoln



What would you attempt to do
if you knew you would not fail?
- Robert Schuller



We never know how far reaching something we may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.
- B.J. Palmer



The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
- Confucius



What comes out of you when you are squeezed is what is inside you.
- Wayne Dyer



Empowerment is all about letting go so that others can get going.
- Kenneth Blanchard



Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.
- Malcolm Forbes



Anger makes you smaller,
while forgiveness forces you
to grow beyond what you were.
- Cherie Carter-Scott



Not every successful man is a good father.
But every good father is a successful man.
- R. Duvall



I talk and talk and talk, and I haven't taught people in 50 years what my father taught by example in one week.
- Mario Cuomo



The tragedy in life doesn't lie
in not reaching your goal.
The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.
- Benjamin Mays


Victory belongs to the most persevering.
- Napoleon
If you are to be,
you must begin
by assuming responsibility.
You alone are responsible
for every moment of your life,
for every one of your acts.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery


To make our way,
we must have firm resolve,
persistence, tenacity.
We must gear ourselves
to work hard all the way.
We can never let up.
- Ralph Bunche
I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
- Christopher Reeve
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
- Anonymous
The real contest is always
between what you've done
and what you're capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else.
- Geoffrey Gaberino
Success is never final.
Failure is never fatal.
Courage is what counts.
-Sir Winston Churchill

I did not want to post this before but I'm still obssessed with the future and at the same time thinking that my generation should learn from our fathers and forefathers and improve.
Read what our computer Giant Phillip Emeagwali has to say:

It is one of the interview I had like you guys to share with me. It is about how Africa can make a progress in this new millenium.BBC Network Africa interviewed the Nigeria Computer Giant, Philip Emeagwali.
Think through it.



TOPIC:TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR INTEGRATING AFRICA
BBC Network Africa: What can technology do for Africa in the new millennium?



EMEAGWALI: A few millennia ago, Africans were the first to enter the Agricultural Age. The first to build in stones. The first to pioneer in technology.
Today, Africa is behind every continent in technology and as a result is the poorest continent. Technological knowledge can be used to create wealth and alleviate poverty in Africa.

Kwame Nkrumah also said: "Socialism without science is void." Therefore, we cannot reduce poverty in Africa without scientists and engineers.

The lack of technological knowledge is the reason for the wide disparity between the rich and the poor nations. The 500 richest people on Earth has more money than the 3 billion poorest people on Earth. Because the rich nations are getting richer much faster than the poor nations, the gap between the rich and poor will continue to widen.

This gap can be closed African nations focusing on developing an economy that is knowledge and technology based, instead of one that is based on the export of natural resources.

MEDICINE
The present life expectancy in Africa is 50 years. By the end of this 21st century, medical science will make it possible for an African to live up to 150 years. Today, it is impossible for a person to live beyond the age of 125 years.

A child born today could live long enough to see the middle of the twenty-second century. In a sense, African children of today will be time travellers that will live in and connect the twentieth (20th), twenty-first (21st) and twenty-second (22nd) centuries.

Unfortunately, we will find that long life will be a mixed blessing because many Africans will be working to support their grand parents, great grand parents and great-great grand parents.

Therefore, we need to have retirement taxes and will be used to fund social security payments for the elderly. And if life expectancy increases to one hundred years, we will be forced to raise the retirement age to 90 years.

In this century, we expect to make medical discoveries that will cure AIDS and save the lives of 22 millions of Africans that are threatened by HIV/ANDS.

We expect to eradicate malaria and tuberculosis. We expect to eradicate Guinea worm by providing safe drinking water to all Africans.

POPULATION
It is the technology of the 20th century that increased food production, reduced infant mortality rate and increased the population of Africa. A century ago, less than 100 million people lived in Africa. Today, 800 million people live in Africa. Africa cannot ignore to implement family planning.

In this 21st century, Nigeria could become the third most populous country in the world. Only China and India will be larger than Nigeria and the population of Nigeria will be three times larger than that of Russia.

I am the oldest of nine children. Because my parents could not afford to raise my siblings, I brought all my brothers and sisters to live in the United States. If my siblings and I were to have nine children for nine generations while non-relatives of mine have two children, the descendants of Emeagwali in America could form the third largest nation on Earth, behind only China and India.

Five hundred years ago, there were 500 million people on Earth and five million people in Nigeria. It took 10,000 generations for Nigeria's population to reach five million. Yet from my great-grand-father's generation to mine, Nigeria's population has increased from five million to 120 million.

The human species emerged 160,000 years ago. If our ancestors had an average of nine children, the Earth will be so overcrowded that they will have been no room for forests and animals to co-exist with the human race. This means that we would have run out of food a long time ago.

I believe that the main reason the quality of life has not improved in Nigeria, despite our great natural resources, is that our population is increasing faster than our natural wealth. Put differently, if we want the quality of life we see in American television, we must have fewer children than even the Americans.

On the other hand, if we insist that our wives must have six or seven children, then we should make fathers to prepay for their child's education. We should write it into our constitution that the percentage of our national budget devoted to education should be proportional to the percentage of our population that is of school age. One in two Nigerians is in school. Therefore, one in two petrodollars should be invested in education.

Having a large labor force will not be an advantage in the new global economy of the 21st century. The wealth of the future will be created largely by knowledge and technology and not by natural resources and a large population. Therefore, it does not make sense to have a large family of seven children who will grow up uneducated and unemployed.

Since the African economy does not have enough jobs, it will be difficult for the next-generation to afford education, health services, housing and food. Reducing the number of children per family is a requirement for reducing poverty in Africa.

Family planning must be part of the school curriculum in Africa. The best way to alleviate poverty is for each family to have one child and invest heavily in that child's education.

INFORMATION AGE
The rich nations use knowledge and information to create wealth. Africa tries to create wealth by exporting raw materials to the more affluent nations. The lesson we learned from Nigeria is that a massive inflow of petrodollars will not bring an economic prosperity. In exchange, Nigeria spent its petrodollars on aircrafts, cars and swiss bank accounts.

What Africa needs to do is to acquire technological knowledge so that it can export technological products to Europe and the United States.

Africa should reduce its investments in agriculture and industrialization and make long-range plans to leapfrog into the Information Age in which knowledge is the most valuable commodity.

It happened in Ireland. Malaysia plans to do so. Similarly, Africa can leapfrog into the Information Age by having fewer children, investing in education and eliminating military spending.

In the Information Age, millions of good paying jobs will require computer literacy and it Africa should start preparing by focusing on education and technology.

The Internet now makes it possible for an African to be employed by an American company. Many companies will rather pay $15,000-a-year salary to an African professional than pay an American $60,000 a year.

Africa can attract these high-technology companies by investing heavily in technical education, introducing lots of computer courses and producing one million scientists and engineers a year. There are still opportunities in computer programming.

In terms of future employment, the implication of the Internet is that an African contract programmer will not need an immigration work permit to work in the United States.




BBC Network Africa
What kind of technology is appropriate for Africa's development needs?


EMEAGWALI: The kind of technology that creates the most wealth. However, I will like to caution that understanding how to use technology is more difficult and of far greater importance than acquiring. It is dangerous to acquire hunting gun technology without an understanding of the restrict hunting. In Nigeria, all the big game animals have been hunted to extinction. The Nigerian rainforest has been completely destroyed by unrestricted logging for timber. Nigeria cannot have eco-tourism in the future. The only thing left is petroleum and a few minerals. With reckless abandon, we issued unrestricted license to oil companies and "foreign investors" exploit, extract and export our natural resources so that it will be used to further develop the more developed nations. Officially, we claim that we are developing our natural resources. It is a misnomer to claim that we are developing our petroleum resources that were formed millions of years ago. An oil field becomes dry after about 20 years. We can extract and exploit our oil fields but we cannot develop it. The harvest of tomorrow is purchased with the seed corn of today. By mining and exporting our natural resources, Africa is eating the seed corn of tomorrow.
Education and understanding of how to use technology is more important than acquiring the technology itself. Medical technology will give us information about how to reduce infant mortality. But it is education that gives us the understanding that reducing infant mortality without practicing family planning will result in overpopulation and an increase in the level of poverty.

Going back to your original question: What kind of technology is appropriate for Africa's development needs? Africa has been encouraged to focus on low technologies such as the development of solar, hydro and wind energy. Solar panels and wind mills have been and will always be inefficient technology. These low technologies didn't work in the America and will not work in Africa.

As a former civil engineer, I know that hydroelectric dams and reservoirs has negative impacts on the environment and in some instances resulted in the flooding and destruction of historical relics, as in Aswan Dam in Egypt.

Also, low level agricultural technology has not contributed much to food production in Africa. We need to shift from sustainable agricultural technology into computer information age technology.

Since high technology creates more wealth than low technology, Africa should focus on high technology. Sixty percent of the wealth in the developed nations is created from technological knowledge. Since the wealth of the future will be created from technological knowledge, Africa must invest in technological development or risk being left behind.

Computing, communications, Internet are the physical infrastructure of the Information Age. If Africa fails to invest on the latest technology it will be find itself isolated from the global community.

In the global village, nations have to specialize. What we have today is a situation in which Africa provides the raw materials while Europe and America provides the technology, manufactured goods, and capital. By the end of this century, the natural resources of most African countries will be exhausted and Africa will have nothing to trade in the global economy. Africa has to plan for the rainy day when all its natural resources are gone.

Africa must leapfrog from low agricultural technology to high information age technology. Because of high birth rates, Africa has 350 million school children. Like new languages, children can understand computer language faster than their parents, it makes sense to invest in computer education.





BBC Network Africa:
One of our listeners has predicted that an African will be the first person to land on the planet Mars - do you think that might happen?





EMEAGWALI: Yes, an African can be among the first crew of astronauts to land on the planet Mars. I have applied to become an astronaut and NASA sent me a note last week, informing me that my application will be reviewed in January. Even if I don't get selected as an astronaut, I expect an African to be selected in the future and to travel to the planet Mars by the middle of the 21st century.
Space of exploration is now a co-operative project which several countries contribute money and astronauts. The international space station is jointly owned and operated by the United States, Japan, Russia and other nations.

It will cost a trillion dollars to send a person to the planet Mars and the United States cannot afford to make that voyage alone. Therefore it is conceivable that the first astronaut crew to land on the planet Mars will include an African, Asian and a female. In the 21st century, Africa could contribute money and astronauts that will travel to the planet Mars.

We don't go to a planet because we want to be the first race to get there. Americans won the lunar space race by landing the first man on the Moon. The astronauts returned with lunar rocks. When we discovered that the Moon is the most expensive and most useless piece of real estate in our solar system, we cancelled all trips to the Moon.

The exploration and development of the planet Mars is not as important as improving the quality of life on Earth. Landing on Mars is not as important as finding a cure for AIDS or saving the rain forests.

We should be looking towards the Earth in the 21st century and not towards the planets. The Earth is the best place for the human race to live in. Compared to the Moon and Mars, the Earth is a paradise.

Unfortunately, Mother Earth is ill. Her lungs, the tropical rain forests are disappearing. The African rain forest is a paradise and the birthplace of humanity

When the rain forests are gone, many species will be extinct. Since the human race is connected to other species, whatever happens to the trees and animals of the rain forests will happen to the human race. We are merely custodians of the rain forests. We did not inherit the rain forest from our ancestors. We borrowed it from our children.



BBC Radio Producer: Can you see yourself, and other Africans who've been successful overseas, returning to live in Africa in the new Millennium?



EMEAGWALI: The brain drain is a historic as well as a recent phenomenon. Over four centuries, the slave ships brought the ancestors of 200 million Africans now living in the United States, Brazil, Jamaica and in the diaspora. These 200 million diasporan Africans have the highest standard of living and possess the education and skills that can be used to develop Africa but it will be impractical for them to return to Africa.
Today, one in three African university graduate now live and work outside Africa. There are more Sierra Leonean medical doctors in the city of Chicago than in the entire nation of Sierra Leone. Africa's most important export to Europe and the United States is trained professionals, not petroleum, gold and diamond.

It seems like there are more African intellectuals living abroad than within Africa. African officials come to the United States to seek technical assistance from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Africans are the most educated ethnic group in the United States. Therefore, our leaders can seek technical assistance from Africans living in the United States. Sixty-four percent of Nigerians in this country has one or more university degrees. There are one million Africans living in the United States.

We came to America to study. We planned to return home. But things got worse at home and we decided to remain in America.

It wasn't always like this. When Nnamdi Azikiwe and Kwame Nkrumah arrived in the United States in 1920s and 30s. Back then there were about 20 sub-Saharan Africans in the entire United States. A hundred percent of those that came to the United States returned home. In fact, up till about 1980, most African students returned home.

The widely held myth is that Africa is only exporting raw materials to the west. Africa is also exporting talented human resources to Europe and America. One million Africans are working outside Africa.

At the same time, Africa spends four billion dollars a year on the salary of 100,000 foreign experts. Yet, African nations are unwilling to spend a similar amount of money to recruit one million African professionals working outside Africa.

The problem is getting worse. One in three African university graduate live and work outside Africa. In effect, we are operating one third of African universities to satisfy the manpower needs of western nations.

One third of the African education budget is a supplement to the American education budget. In effect, Africa is giving developmental assistance to the United States.

There are more Sierra Leonean medical doctors in Chicago than in Sierra Leone. At the rate medical doctors are leaving Nigeria, we could eventually have more Nigerian doctors working outside Nigeria than within it.

We also need engineers to help provide constant electricity, clean water and safe roads.

We also need scientists. We use science and technology to discover and recover petroleum. We use medical science to reduce infant mortality rate.

We world has changed a lot in the last fifty years. In today's world knowledge creates wealth. Therefore, we need people with brains, not muscles. Unfortunately, it is the best and brightest that can obtain visas to the United States. What is left behind is the weak and less imaginative. It means that Africa will be getting poorer while the United States gets more affluent.

Put simply, Africa is exporting both natural and human resources. In the end, there will be no resources left within Africa. It means a slow death for Africa.

How can we reverse brain-drain?

We build a data bank of Africans abroad. Then we offer them meaningful employment and compensation that will entice them to return home.

Medical doctors cannot live on a salary of fifty (50) dollars a month. To make ends meet, some medical doctors raise poultry or manage beer parlor.

We need to change our national priorities.

We should stop spending one million dollars a day in fighting in Sierra Leone. One million dollars is greater than the daily salary of one million school teachers. While we are keeping peace in Sierra Leone, some teachers have not been paid their salaries for six months.

We must change our priorities be reducing our defense budget and increasing our education budget.

We must increase our investment in science, technology and education.

As we approach the end of this century, it is appropriate that we reflect on our legacy for our children. In the next century, it will be technological knowledge that will create wealth. Therefore, our legacy to our children will be the investments that we made on their education.

In partnership with Project Hope-Nigeria, Nigeria Interfaith Youth
Forum and the Youth Empowerment Foundation

Presents

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION, YOUTH, FAITH AND SERVICE

Conference Dates: December 14th -16th 2006
Venue: Jos, Plateau State-Nigeria.


Introduction:
“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy.
Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young
people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself off from
its youths severs its lifetime”.
UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, in his address to the World
Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, Lisbon, 8 August 1998.

Young people are a major force in the contemporary world. They are at
the forefront of global, social, economic, political and religious
developments. In addition to their intellectual contribution and their
ability to mobilize support, young people have a unique perspective. How
our societies progress is determined, among other things, on how much the
youths are involved in building and designing the future. Young people
are very powerful instruments in promoting global peace, social
harmony, friendship and sustainable partnerships. When properly educated, well
informed, mobilized and positively engaged, young people can initiate
actions that would bring about unprecedented societal growth and
development. Religion on other hand, has the capacity of facilitating the
attainment of appropriate standards of excellence, motivating and equipping
a compassionate response and influencing decision-makers at various
strata of society to become effective and powerful voices and
agents for the promotion and sustenance of peace and social justice.

The International Conference on Information, Youth, Faith and Service
is committed to informing, educating, uniting, equipping and mobilizing
tomorrow’s leaders to become responsible and active agents for social
change, transformation and renewal, by the provision of clear service
opportunities that honor and appreciate their gifts and abilities.

Conference Theme:
The Conference theme of “Building Bridges Through Interreligious
Dialogue and Youth Service” will promote collaboration and build bridges of
love, trust and sustainable friendship among religious diverse young
people, emphasizing the vital roles information and religious dialogue
and active youth participation can play in reducing global conflicts and
bringing about the establishment of a just, loving and more habitable
world. The Conference will provide a forum for discussion on local,
national and international issues of common concern. Highlights include
dynamic presentations covering issues of universal responsibility, peace
and disarmament, social ethics, youth participation and the quest for
human happiness. The Conference will highlight the vital role of
information, religion and young people in bridging differences between peoples
and helping us to resolve some of the common problems that threaten the
very foundations of our collective human existence and our
inevitable future. The Conference will promote and encourage
individuals and organizations around the world to share the values common to
their faith traditions in service, dialogue, music and the arts.
Participants will visit historical sites, important religious centers and other
tourist sites within Plateau State of Nigeria. The Conference will
facilitate our efforts at establishing an International Interfaith Youth
Forum that will provide a platform for religious young people to
constantly meet and discuss in depth ways to eliminate the rhetoric of hate and
to end violence perpetrated in the name of religion as well as
eliminating the predictable back biting, gossip and mistrust and hatred that
flourish when interfaith is absent.


Participation Cost:
International Participants: $200 (Two hundred US Dollars)
Local Participants: N2000 (Two thousand Naira) only

Africa Christian Youths Development Foundation shall be responsible
for feeding, accommodation and Conference Materials for all Conference
Participants, covering 80% of the Conference cost for each participant.

Eligibility: Young people between the ages of 18 – 35 years involved
or interested in interfaith work and peace from any part of the world
can apply. However, preference will be given to youths who are already
deeply involved with interfaith work in their respective communities.

Participation Process:
To participate, kindly send an application letter, your CV or Resume’
and request for participation forms, giving brief details of your work
and why you want to participate in the Conference. Please, include all
your contacts details.
All Applications and Completed Participation Forms can be received
through email or by post on or before Saturday, 25th November 2006.
Successful applicants shall be contacted in writing by Thursday, 30th
November 2006.

Technical Sponsors/Advisers:

Interfaith Youth Core, Chicago-USA
The Dalai Lama Foundation, Palo Alto-USA
Teachers Without Borders-Nigeria
Rehab Plus UK

Please, direct all applications or inquiries to the following
addresses:
1. Emmanuel Ande Ivorgba
The Executive Director,
Africa Christian Youths Development Foundation,
Opposite Dadin Kowa Last Gate,
Mass Comm
P.O.B0X 6545,
Jos
Plateau State-Nigeria
Email: secretariat@acydfoundation.org
Phone: +234-08052627310, 08027456608
Website: www.acydfoundation.org

2. Idot H. Robert
Project Hope-Nigeria
Email: youthfocusnigeria@yahoo.com

3. Philip Kings Abimiku
Youth Empowerment Foundation
Email: ayefoundation@yahoo.com

Program Director, The Junior Statesmen Foundation (san mateo)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: job-137549738@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-02-27, 3:38PM PST


The Junior Statesmen Foundation, a nonpartisan, non-profit, political education organization for high school student leaders, has an excellent professional career opportunity. We are seeking a new Program Director for our San Mateo, California headquarters to direct civic education programs in across the country and a summer program at an elite university.

The Foundation prepares students for responsible leadership in a democratic society. Founded in California in 1934, the organization has spread across the country in recent years. During the school year, The Junior Statesmen Foundation and the Junior State of America hold fifty major regional and state-wide conventions on politics, current events, debate and leadership. Some of these conventions attract over 1,000 students and teachers. During the summer, The Junior Statesmen Foundation sponsors week-long Symposia on state government and conducts six sessions of the Junior Statesmen Summer School. Each summer, 1,500 students study government and speech for one month at sessions of the Summer School at Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Northwestern and Georgetown Universities.

The Program Director will work out of our headquarters in San Mateo, California. The Foundation directs school-year programs in Washington, California, Texas, Florida, the Midwest, and the Northeast. The Program Director will be responsible for one or more of these regions. Significant travel, approximately 70 days per year, is required. Program Directors work with the student leaders of the Junior State of America during the school year conducting educational conventions and conferences and aggressively expanding the program by helping to start Junior State of America clubs or “chapters” on high school campuses throughout the area.

During the summer, Program Directors direct a month-long residential Summer School and a week-long Symposia and serves as our top representative responsible for the success of all aspects of these programs. Responsibilities range from reviewing student applications and making admissions and scholarship award decisions to leading and supporting faculty members (university professors from around the country) and managing a staff of college-aged Resident Assistants. The ability to maintain and cultivate relationships with parents, politicians, and institutions will be essential.

The top candidates for the position will have a good working knowledge of national, state, and local politics and a curiosity and thirst for knowledge about politics and government. We are seeking a self-motivated and energetic individual who can be an educational leader, organization builder and inspirational mentor. Other important qualities include experience with directing youth programs, event planning, strong writing skills, strong public speaking skills, good computer word processing and data processing skills, and good general organizational skills. Graphic design and web design skills are helpful.

Salary is $50,000 - $70,000, based on experience, and the Foundation offers an excellent benefits package. This is a full time, permanent, professional career opportunity. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and three work related references.

QUALIFICATIONS:

B.A. in the social sciences required, M.A. or Ph.D. preferred.

Substantial knowledge of American politics, government and current issues required, as well as the ability to communicate the excitement of politics to students. Knowledge of national politics, state and local politics is essential. Knowledge of state and local politics in other states is a plus. Ability to conduct a high level speakers program. Public affairs experience would be helpful.

Professional experience in the fields of education, politics, and/or public/government affairs.

A personal commitment to non-partisan civics education.

Substantial management experience organizing conferences, conventions, other large scale events and/or speakers programs. Ability to negotiate hotel and other contracts is important.

Ability to work independently, while taking close direction when appropriate.

Experience supervising high school youth.

Excellent persuasive communication skills, both written and oral. The ability to analyze public policy issues is important. Experience in debate is an asset.

Willingness to travel and serve as the on-site residential Director of a session of the Junior Statesmen Summer School and a Symposium.

A take-charge person with the capacity for hard work, an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to achieve results in a demanding work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with Junior State of America leaders to conduct student-run programs of the highest educational quality; promote the growth of the program and expand the Junior State; work with teachers and students to identify, recruit and train student leaders.

Serve as the Director of one of the sessions of the Junior Statesmen Summer School and the Symposia on State Politics and Government.

Work with officials from high schools, universities, political and civic organizations, and political leaders, as well as with hotel staff.

Oversee and process some registration for conventions and admissions for summer programs.

More details on the organization are available on our website: www.jsa.org.
If interested, please mail, fax, or email a cover letter, resume, and salary history to:

Matthew Randazzo
The Junior Statesmen Foundation
400 South El Camino Real, Suite 300
San Mateo, CA 94402
650/347-7200 Fax
employment@jsa.org


**All applications MUST include a cover letter and salary history.**



Compensation: $50,000 - $70,000 based on experience and salary history

This is at a non-profit organization.

no -- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.

no -- Please, no phone calls about this job!

no -- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

no -- Reposting this message elsewhere is NOT OK.




137549738

ZIMBABWE:
[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United
Nations]
JOHANNESBURG, 22 February (PLUSNEWS) - Further reductions in Zimbabwe's
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate depends largely on the greater involvement of
the country's youth in the fight against the pandemic, according to the
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Formerly a high prevalence country, Zimbabwe recently became the first
Southern African nation to report a significant decline in HIV
infection, from 24.6 percent in 2003 to 20.1 percent in 2005. However, UNICEF
warned that much of this success could be lost depending on how society
chooses to engage its youth - the population group most at risk from
the HI virus.
"The recommended involvement of youths comes down to the willingness of
communities and guardians to openly discuss the dangers of the pandemic
with their children," UNICEF spokesman James Elder told PlusNews.
UNICEF hopes its recently expanded Young People We Care (YPWC) project would
help empower the country's youths to take the message of
"self-protection" forward.
Commenting on the role of YPWC, Elder said: "It aims to encourage young
people to become more involved in the care of people living with and
affected by AIDS, while engaging them in activities that will reduce
further HIV transmission among their peers and break through existing
taboos," Elder noted.
Under the project, some 7,000 young volunteers accompany UNICEF's
home-based care facilitators on visits to affected households. While
facilitators provide primary care to the ill, youths carry out household
chores and dispense psychosocial support to peers who have lost parents to
the pandemic.
However, the Family AIDS Caring Trust (FACT), an NGO working with local
youth, says much more still had to be done to target young people.
"Aside from a few dedicated organisations, very little emphasis has been
placed on the role of young people as peer educators and proponents of
appropriate behaviour change," FACT spokesperson Bertha Mukome told
PlusNews.
An epidemiological review 'Evidence for HIV decline in Zimbabwe'
released by UNAIDS late last year, concluded that the decline in national
prevalence rates was partly due lower rates of new infections among young
people.
A posting of PlusNews/IRIN

Action: CIVICUS Membership Outreach Intern
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
******************************************
[Mods note: please note that the closing date for this application is
27th February 2006.]
*******************************************
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
MEMBERSHIP OUTREACH INTERN
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international
alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society
throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy
and citizens' freedom of association are threatened. Established in 1993
and originally based in Washington, DC, CIVICUS is now based in
Johannesburg, South Africa.
CIVICUS is recruiting a Membership Outreach Intern to assist with the
global membership recruitment activities, and to provide administrative
assistance to the Membership Department. The Membership Outreach Intern
will work under the overall supervision of the Membership Manager.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Draft membership correspondence in English and at least one second
language (Spanish, Arabic, or French);
* Provide desk research, writing, and translation support, as per
requirements of the department;
* Assist in the coordination of electronic and/or postal mailings to
members and prospective members;
* Maintain files and assist in updating the membership database
records;
* Perform administrative tasks as identified.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
* University degree or relevant professional experience working with an
international NGO;
* Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and at
least one of the following languages: Spanish, Arabic or French;
proficiency in additional UN languages will be an advantage;
* Strong knowledge in geography;
* Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office;
knowledge in MS ACCESS will be an advantage;
* Excellent administrative and organisational skills;
* Ability to work successfully individually and as a contributing
member of an effective team.
Applicants should send their CV and a covering letter via email to:
humanresources@civicus.org.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: 27 February 2006
Eric Muragana
E: eric@civicus.org

****************
At a public hearing held today at the European Parliament in Brussels,
EU governments were called upon to ensure that public funding in
research be primarily invested in meeting public needs and priorities,
including specific health needs of populations in developing
countries.
Affecting hundreds of millions, infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS,
malaria, tuberculosis and the most neglected diseases such as
leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness kill 35,000
people each day. Although basic scientific knowledge about these
diseases has progressed, there has been poor translation of this
knowledge into essential medicines that meet the needs of millions of
patients by being safe, effective, affordable, and easy-to-use.
In January this year, the Executive Board of the World Health
Organization (WHO) took the first step in addressing these priority
health needs by forwarding to the World Health Assembly (WHA) a
resolution proposed by Kenya and Brazil that calls for the WHO to
create a new global framework on research and development (R&D). This
proposal, which received support from a cross-party group of Members
of the European Parliament, will be considered for adoption at the WHA
in May.
"We welcome the EU parliament's support for a greater WHO role in
priority setting for research and development," said Dr. Tido von
Schoen-Angerer, Director for Research and Development at MSF's
Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines.
"Two major issues must be addressed by all governments: the
prioritization of needs-driven drug research and development as well
as sufficient and sustainable funding for this research," remarked Dr.
Els Toreele of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).
"European governments must provide greater support for something real
to happen."
At the hearing today, a panel of scientists and medical professionals
urged European governments to provide greater political leadership
through the Seventh Framework Programme for European Research (FP7) to
ensure sustainable, increased global funding for health research and
to speed up the translation of scientific progress into effective
treatments for neglected patients most in need.
"Public leadership is needed to define needs and set up priorities for
neglected diseases R&D," said Bernard Pecoul, Executive Director of
DNDi. "FP7 should include the most neglected diseases in its
priorities, and some of the existing European mechanisms like the
EDCTP (European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership)
must broaden their mandate to include research on most neglected
diseases and further enable the transfer of technology to
disease-endemic countries. Stronger North-South and South-South
collaboration will help reduce the heavy disease burden of poorer
countries in the long run."
Based in Geneva, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) is
an independent, not-for-profit drug development initiative that aims
to develop new, improved, and field-relevant drugs for neglected
diseases such as leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas
disease, and malaria. DNDi's partners include MSF, Institut Pasteur,
and public sector research institutions from Brazil, Kenya, Malaysia,
and India; along with the WHO's Tropical Diseases Research program
acting as a permanent observer. With a current portfolio of 20
projects in various stages of drug research and development, DNDi also
works to raise awareness about the need for greater R&D for neglected
diseases and strengthens existing research capacity in disease-endemic
countries. For further information: http://www.dndi.org
To learn more about the public hearing, click here:
http://www.epha.org/a/2114
Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative
1 Place St Gervais
1201 Geneva
Switzerland
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Stay Connected - Speak your world!
A posting from: Keep the Promise: Start Making Sense!

Leadership is a process and not a person. This I have had to learn from various interactions with diverse culture and intellects over the brooding years. My likes have found it good in some areas I would never have ventured to partake, considering morality. But the fact of life states that when a man can not take a risk, he can not succeed at what might infeably make him great.

I wish to become a member in the interest of developing myself and expanding more on the diverse knowledge that can be acquired from meeting individuals of like minds. The state of nations today has created a lot of opportunity for positive and negative issues that needs to be discussed before it goes out of hand. Thus, my desire to join this Alliance to create an atmosphere of growth and development.

My interest lies in the desire to help build a formidable force with integrity, devoid of political mechanization’s but the will of brotherhood in all nationalities. I hope to empower and be empowered in all means to strengthen and inspire greater minds for greater assignment in rebuilding the Global Village.

I strongly believe that I would be able to empower and promote the ideals of the Organization, as well as ensure we get to the next level in the interest Youth Worldwide. It is just to see justice and wish to be part of it. I dream to participate as delegated in the Nigeria Committee of the World Youth Alliance, USA.

Akinbo A. A. Cornerstone

It is incontrovertible that Nigeria suffers from a resource curse as we have little or nothing to show of as a country despite several years of oil exploration. Most of the proceed of our oil wealth has ended in the pockets of our leaders (gulf oil windfall and looting of the nation’s treasury by the late despotic ruler General Abacha).

Resource curse is the economic notion that countries with large endowment of natural resources perform worse than countries that are less endowed. Yet some countries with abundant natural resources do perform better than others, and some have done well. Why is the spell of the resource curse cast so unequally?

Nigeria is a heart rendering paradox. A rich country with desperately poor people. Despite its massive earning from oil, 70% of its estimated 140 million people live below the poverty line. Attempts to explain this contradiction have repeatedly identified the resource curse as the major cause of the disconnection between the country’s wealth and people’s well being. More than 80 million Nigerians live on less than US$1 a day, with Nigeria being ranked 144 out of 146 by Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2004. From the rear, Nigeria came third, an improvement over the nation’s first and second position in 2000 and 2002 respectively.


Yet Section 17(2) D of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria clearly states that "exploitation of human or natural resources in any form whatsoever for reasons, other than the good of the community, shall be prevented." This is clear in meaning, clear in understanding, clear in intention. This section of the constitution would have been a lee way for litigation by public interest lawyers in Nigeria but for the non justifiability of the chapter two of the constitution.

A high level of corruption is prevalent in the country along with weak system of public governance. Negotiations between governmental officials and multinational companies are susceptible to bribes, special favors and other instruments of corruption. The multinational companies themselves encourage non transparent relationship. Nobody knows the exact barrel of crude oil lifted per day in Nigeria. Yet extracted resources such as oil and gas are non renewable. Every barrel of oil or meter of gas pumped out of the ground pushes the country one step closer to the time when the resources and the revenue it generates will be a thing of the past. Self promoting statements about economic growth in oil producing countries disguise the fact that the country is getting poorer and not richer unless it can convert its foreign exchange earning into a renewable source of wealth. Unless new reserves are found, our oil wealth is expected to taper very soon.

Nigerians have not adequately benefited from the exploitation of its resources. Almost all the revenue from oil goes into the pocket of its rulers. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and other agencies set up to alleviate the suffering of the people in the Niger Delta who are most hit by the oil exploration itself, has all been a failure. The head of the agencies end up siphoning allocated funds into their personal pockets. The state governors of the south states are not left out, at the recently concluded NPRC, the delegates from the northern part of the country laid strong accusation on their door step that the 13 percent derivation fund being received by them has not been properly accounted for nor can they show any tangible project the fund has been used for. A governor of a state was accused of building a hospital in South Africa and another is currently held in the United Kingdom on money laundering charges.

The government has set up various programmes to combat corruption brought about as a result of our resource wealth. They include the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (BMPIU) among others. The Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is aimed at following due process and achieving transparency in payment by extractive industry of governments and government linked entities. This is patterned after the global initiatives set up by British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. For there to be real transparency, the industry and government need to actually match their words with what they do. Policy pronouncement is one thing and its actual implementation is another.

It is only in Nigeria that governors and other public service holders receive allocation and such is diverted to their personal account. Projects are not approved on the basis of suitability, but on returns it will yield to decision makers. I wonder if the state bears it in mind that the natural resources are held in trust for its citizen thus there is a need for accountability

Our oil wealth has been more of a curse than a blessing. A perilous path with perverse negative outcomes.


By Idayat Hassan
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA)

This is a letter from some key Affiliator....


Hello,
Your email to the Global Youth Coalition on AIDS on the above subject has been forwarded to me and I wanted to verify a few issues before it gets posted on the forum. We need to get this cleared up as my colleagues in New York have suspected it could be a scam and I want to make sure from here that it is ok to get it posted.

My phone is 0805 518 2526, so you can call me so we can talk and then assist you in ways we can especially with publicising your event. Interestingly, we too had the first Nigerian Youth Leadership Summit this september in Port Harcourt and it is interesting to see how many have been organised by young people over this period. I am glad that the spirit of oneness is engolfing the Nigerian youth and we are begining to make steps to take our future into our hands.

I look forward to talking with or reading from you.

NB. I will be away for two weeks to New York from Friday, so you may not be able to reach me on the phone after Friady.

--
Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima
www.dabesaki.freeservers.com
Director, Development Partnership International
9-11 Emenike Street Mile II Diobu Port Harcourt
www.developmentpartnership.org
Mobile: 234 805 518 2526

I believe that youth participation is key to the attainment of any meaningful goal and are key to all developments in Africa. As a youth based in Nigeria, I find that most youth are not aware of the ICT impacts, meanwhile they are the ones expected to benefit from the outcome of Telecommunications and ICT programmes.

Nigeria is also facing same problems, as like other African countries. After I read the results of my arranged survey in May 2005, I was shocked and understood the scenario of Nigeria. 70% of Nigerians do not know the relevance of ICT to national development. I did this survey among 18 selected persons including students, civil society members, villagers, development leaders and government officials. Out of eighteen, thirteen people just smiled for their lack of knowledge. All students could not understand my questions. When I explained, they said that nobody talked about this. However the people who know < ICT leaders >, all have stereotypic and strange concepts. "Oh, ICT, this is matter of computer experts!" or "Oh, ICT this is the matter of ICT professionals, government's policy makers."

My realization was this is the time to give the message to people about the goals, rights and power of participation. The society is very reluctant about this important matter, They become self-centered, have no clear concept about the situation. They believe nothing will be changed.
People are not conscious and educated about their participation and human development. Even though Nigeria has great examples of participation and success, there are only few.

But the second generation is now heading in a direction without a target or destination. National leaders are failing to show the right and successful ways. Strangely enough, without contribution and participation, people want to develop the country to a higher place; they want to enjoy high quality life. Because of too much focusing on personal matters and benefits, the extreme individualism, selfishness, corruption, dogmatism, and violence (both visible and invisible) are increasing tremendously in Nigeria as well as in this lovely world. People are becoming separated to separate, divided to divide. The Government should do some etching about it, and also including in the school curriculum in all sector of education.

In this situation, the powerful new media can play a most important role to establish Community Technology Centers and the Knowledge Society by giving the ownership of modern technology and knowledge to the majority. My understanding, the Internet opens enormous potentiality by exposing the knowledge, information and sources. By exploring the cyber world, I have the personal and practical experience and success. One person can easily be global citizen by using the digital opportunity and can contribute in development processes worldwide without a "gate pass." Proper information can easily breakdown all kinds of borders and boundaries

With the lack of social commitment, accountability and long-term vision -- as like as other developing countries -- Nigerians are also facing the problem of being hopeless, and concentrating monotonously on personal success! We should not forget, we are part of whole, we are social being. We should not look only to pick, we have to whole. Very low percentage is getting chance in decision-making system. The powerful are controlling what they like. Average people are busy managing their livelihoods in poverty and struggle.

The time is now, we have to inform, inspire and involve each other around goals, rights and communal spirit of participation for success with the Millennium Development Goals target of 2015. It is needed to increase the sense of communal spirit and brotherly love by shaping self-help and self-reliance. To inspire the people horizontally and vertically, I would like to be more active in "One Village, one world, One Info Center "advocacy programme. Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency and Nigeria communication commission are now making plans to establish the model "Taking Info Center" to the remote village of Nigeria (www.enigeria.org). But without sustainability and financial support of government and the community, it is impossible to establish "Information Centers" in all villages.

The positives are that the UN system has declared the master plan of rights to information society and MDGs for its work in economic and social development to all people. Governments also have agreed and Nigeria and its fellow African countries are not left out in this regard. But are the majorities prepared? Children, young people, and women are neglected! Without all people's participation, it is impossible to make desired success and reach the goals. We must equally understand and make efforts to achieve this, for in the war front, the youths take the lead and also in Information and Communications Technologies development, the youths should be the leaders. Let your voices and actions be heard!
THE acronym ICT (Information and Communications Technology) is fast becoming a popular one in the country today. In fact, one of the greatest achievements of the present government which has been repeatedly touted at many a symposium, press conference and party convention is the remarkable in-road made in the telecommunications sector in form of the Global System of Mobile (GSM) communication revolution. Recently the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced that it would commission its Mobile Internet Units (MIUs) for greater access to the Internet by Nigerians on the 10th of February 2003. All these I must say are very commendable but much still needs to be done in terms of meaningful ICT growth in our country.
A while ago the president talked about the Computer-In-Schools-Initiative (CISI) which was a programme that was also very commendable as it was meant to serve as a platform for leapfrogging Nigerian youth into the ICT age but now it is either nothing worthwhile is being done by the government concerning the programme or the press does not find the programme newsworthy enough to monitor the progress or otherwise of the programme and intimate the Nigerian populace of happenings. Rather what we see everyday in our newspapers, save for a few ICT-friendly papers like the Guardian (Tuesdays), the Punch (Tuesdays), This Day (Thursdays), the Comet (Mondays) and Financial Standard (Mondays), is the continual celebration of rogues and their ill-gotten wealth or reports on the political misadventures of one jobber or the other. Considering the role of the media as an information-dissemination tool in the society, I must say, from my observations that the media has failed us in the area of ICT growth. At this point in time when more and more nations are reverting to economic development through mental exertions, it is disheartening to discover that Nigerians are still unrepentantly stuck to the misconception that we can achieve outstanding economic growth solely through the exploitation of our oil resources. To borrow a statement from Professor Pat Utomi, "the wealth in our heads is more than the oil in our lands". With the plethora of brilliant people who have come out of this country; the likes of Professor Bart Nnaji, Wole Soyinka, Emeagwali and Utomi just to mention a few and those that still abound in our country, it is indeed quite a shame to discover that Nigeria is still finding it hard to tap into the enormous potentials for economic growth that ICT has to offer.
We have all heard the histories of India and Ireland concerning their tremendous growth through the use of ICT. We are all living witnesses to their status' today and how much income is being generated through ICT by way of export of both finished products and personnel and foreign investment by other technologically advanced countries not for the purpose of opening sales outlets as is the case with our country but for actual manufacture of both software and hardware. Even the school fees of Indian schools for ICT courses have risen astronomically as a result of the great importance attached to ICT!
(Source: Delhi Institute of Technology, India fees review for the years 1999 and 2002).
ICT holds a lot of potential for economic growth and Nigeria being the "giant" of Africa needs to wake up and take the initiative of empowering her youths for the challenges ahead; more investment has to be made in the ICT sector, subsidies have to introduced to reduce the exorbitant cost of acquisition of ICT education in our country today; a state of emergency should be declared in the ICT sector of the economy and incentives provided to encourage more youths to pursue careers in the ICT industry. We should stop paying lip service to ICT development and consolidate the efforts of individuals like Leo Stan Ekeh who in his capacity as the "Nigerian IT Identity" initiated the "Computerize Nigeria" project and also signed deals with Microsoft and Hewlett Packard to provide cheaper Personal Computers (PCs), software and printers to the Nigerian populace. Cheaper PCs mean more PCs in circulation, which translates to greater access by a greater portion of the populace, which unmistakably are the youth.
In the opening speech of Vigdis Finnbo Gadottir, Chairperson of the UNESCO-organized INFO ethics 2000 Conference held in November 2000, he said and I quote that "We do not want our children to be info-poor or info-depraved. We surely want them to be info-rich....... .....in a word, we want them to be info-empowered".
In order for the youths of Nigeria to be info-empowered, there has to be greater access to ICT tools, there has to be an unobstructed free flow of information. This unfortunately is not the case as at this time present in Nigeria. Public Internet access, especially in schools is an important public good deserving political and financial support, if not the status of a universal service (Levine, 2000). I am yet to see the public school -nursery, primary and secondary-where the government at any level has provided Internet access. Whatever happened to the theory of catch-them-young in Nigeria? Recently, there was a referendum on whether the government has a deliberate policy of sidelining the youths of this country in decision-making processes, even those decisions that have to do with the youth themselves.
In September, 2002, on the 26th and 27th to be exact, there was a conference at the Goethe Institute in Lagos organized by the Goethe Institute and the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) with the theme "IT and the Nigerian Youth: A Window to the World". This conference surprisingly, was by invitation only and the proceedings of the conference were never made public. The only thing that was made public was the advert announcing the conference. When a conference with a theme apparently concerning youths is organized and made "strictly by invitation", is anybody expecting the youths to be appropriately represented at such a gathering? Of course not!
Youth empowerment as we are made to believe going by the constant reiterations of the federal government, is on the A-list of government priorities as can be seen in the general objectives of the Nigerian National IT Policy where it is stated clearly that the policy is "to empower the youth with IT skills and prepare them for global competitiveness".
The government of the day has clearly not started on this mission as it prefers rather unfortunately to spend taxpayers' money on "hosting beauty queens", building unnecessary stadium, mansions for visiting dignitaries and bidding for hosting of sports events which we will ultimately lose on our home soil because of lack of preparedness. All these, though possessing great opportunities for the tourism industry in Nigeria do not really translate into significant financial returns for our dear country in the long run.
The government is however not only to blame in this quagmire of poor ICT development in which we find ourselves. The Nigerian youth themselves are also to blame. Our youths nowadays are sadly characterized by a rapidly diminishing mental and intellectual capacity and increased dependence on physical affectations, violence, lust and cheap discarded pleasures of the western world. Just visit any secondary school sporting event to get a feel of what I am talking about. All these including cultism, armed robbery, prostitution, mass failures in examinations due to laziness and other vices on our own part surely would have contributed to the lethargic attitude of the government at the center towards youth development especially in ICT because ICT requires massive funds injection and if the government keep seeing the kind of Makossa-obsessed youths that we are continually breeding in this country, it can seek to justify its lethargy towards empowerment of the youth as it could be seen as bad investment. From experience I have discovered that as much as 70% of our university and polytechnic graduates do not know how to use a computer! Even in cases where the opportunities abound. Another one of the objectives of the Nigerian national IT Policy is "to build a mass pool of IT-literate manpower using the NYSC, NDE and other platforms as "Train the Teacher" scheme (TTT) for capacity building". Sadly speaking, this is not in effect. I should know because I finished my NYSC programme recently and all through the orientation period and the service year, there was nothing like IT training! It would be a very good idea if this part of the IT policy and in fact, all other objectives are vigorously pursued without further recourse to lip service. The youths of this country deserve better.
In concluding this write up, I must say that while the IT policy of Nigeria is wonderful on paper, much needs to be done concerning the actualization of the objectives and pursuance of the vision in practical terms. Also, for any meaningful empowerment to come the way of Nigerian youths in ICT, the youths must have a say in the IT affairs of this country as it concerns us. The youth too are also strongly advised to focus more on intellectual development instead of chasing after bodily pleasures. I know that if we can demonstrate total commitment to the vision statement of the Nigerian IT policy and work assiduously towards the attainment of its objectives, only then can Nigeria dream of moving from the league of developing nations to that of developed nation

Chibuzo Governor Nwachukwu
ADNET/DPI/GYCA
NIGERIA
WEST AFRICA

======================================================
Nigerian Youth Leaders Summit:
-the fight against underdevelopment
=======================================================


=====
DATE:
=====
Friday, December 16, 2005

======
VENUE:
======
Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.


===========
Chief Guest
===========
Otunba Gbenga Daniels
Executive Gorvenor of Ogun State.


====
Host
====
Akinbo Adebunmi
Executive Chairman / Protem Director
Council of Nigerian Youth

=========
Awardees
=========
1. Late Chief (Mrs.) Stella Obasanjo
2. Otunba Gbenga Daniels
3. Mrs. Eki Igbeniedion



================
================
Summit Schedule
================
We will get this out as soon as all committees submit thier reports.




======================
List of attending NGOs
======================
WOTCLEF Vanguards
YOHA Nigeria
NYSC CMDs'


==========================
Directions to the Summit
==========================
Students and young professionals interested in developing the skills to become leaders in the

fight against underdevelopment are invited to apply for a one-day conference in Ile-Ife, Osun

State. Through discussions and workshops with top policy makers, representatives from dozens of

major NGOs, and thousands of young leaders, conference participants will be equipped with the

skills to promote a national attitude and effect change in their communities.

The Nigerian Youth Leaders Summit takes place two (2) months before the convening of the Nigerian

Youth Summit, at which youth leaders will discuss the progress they have made in meeting

Millennium Development Goals in thier variours organisations. The Goals are a set of development

promises that the 191 member countries of the United Nations have pledged to meet by the year

2015, such as halving poverty and establishing universal education. The Nigerian Youth Leaders

Summit aims to encourage today’s young people to view the pursuit of the Millennium Development

Goals as the special mission of their generation. At the summit, conference participants will

engage in workshops and discussions aimed at equipping them with the tools to effectively

campaign and raise support for the MDGs on their campuses, various organisations and in larger

society.

Thanks to the generous support of the Nigerian Polity, the conference is free for selected

students including food and tuition (although transportation is at participants' expense).

Interested youth leaders and students should send a resume and brief cover letter(subject:
application) to councilofnigerianyouths@yahoo.com, or apply through our online forum (please

scroll below for instructions). Applications will be considered on a selection platform without

bias through midnight on November 21st, 2005 by 7.30 pm and applicants will be notified within 24

hours of submission if they have been selected to attend the conference.

If you have any questions, please write (subject: enquirers) to councilofnigerianyouths@yahoo.com


====================
Staying in Ile-Ife
====================
For those conference participants who wish to spend the night of December 16, 2005
in the city, inexpensive housing options are readily available. Additionally,the campus is

hospitable, as well as the indigine. Feel free to inform us ahead of time. More information,

later.


=================
Take Action Now
=================
Students are invited to get involved immediately in the struggle to end poverty by participating

in th online forum of the Nigerian Youth on the TIG Blog. Youth and student groups leaders are

asked to spread the word about the MDGs by encouraging peers to participate in online

discussions.

Our Sponsors

The Summit is sponsored by the Nigerian Polity. This are well meaning Nigerians who have the

intrest of the youth at heart with the need to empower the less privileged youth.

The conference is being co-sponsored by Ace Consult, Inc. The Incorporation has launched and

supported several major student-driven campaigns, such as the HIV/AIDS Walk campaigns, the

Student Campaign for Child Survival with PACT-OAU, and the Student Union of various institutons

in Nigeria.

The Youths HIV/AIDS Alliance (YOHA) anlogside Statsemen Foundation, Inc.,is also co-sponsoring

the event.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please apply for the conference through either Option 1 or 2:

Include: Resume & Statement of Interest;

Option #1: Via Forum

A) If you have not yet registered to the Student World Assembly: Log into

www.studentworldassembly.net and register by clicking Join on the left screen of the homepage.

Register formally by going into your submitted cotact address for a redirection to the SWA

International Page. Go to discusion and click Chapters. Locate Obafemi Awolowo University and

enter the Nigerian Youth Blog. State your intrest and lead discussable issuses in attending the

summit. Also, visit http://www.tigblog.org/group/cny.


B) If you have already registered to the Student World Assembly: Log onto your account and

inicate your interest in attending the summit. State your intrest and lead discussable issuses in

attending the summit.

Option #2: Via Email
Please submit your resume and a cover letter to:
councilofnigerianyouths@yahoo.com

N.B.,
All Applications will be considered and applicants will be notified if they have been selected to

attend the conference by November 25th, 2005.


Thanks for the perusal.


Basorun, Adekunmi R.
Protem Liasion Officer