Against All Odds

1. Against All Odds ‘Gbenga Sesan Program Manager / Team Leader Lagos Digital Village / Paradigm Initiative Nigeria www.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com APTECH Ghana Youth ICT Seminar. February 5 2005. Accra, Ghana

2. New Realities • The only constant thing in life is change – and so for times and mankind (from pre-civilization to the industrial age and the Information Society) • This new society brings new challenges – including global competition • Most young Africans aren’t adequately prepared for this new reality • Unfortunately, you can’t file for concession by saying you were not exposed to the best • In the New Economy, what you know opens doors for you – and bridges the gap between you and those you need to know in order to get to the place called “there”

3. ICTs to the Rescue • Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) provide an opportunity to connect with the global pace • The major index for global readiness is ICTs. Nations now belong to two categories – haves and have nots. Its literally the password of our times • Nations like India have been able to transform their national identity and economic value through ICTs • Its no longer about natural resources or volume of extractable oil, its about global competitiveness – which is defined by the response of nations, people groups and individuals to ICTs • ICTs have changed education, work, life and play

4. Against All Odds • We all have excuses – for our failure. But that is not acceptable… if you fail in the days of adversity… • Your background, colour, school type and status are not hinderances to achieving the future you desire • Against all odds, some young people are carving niches for themselves • You’ve 3 days on earth and how you use them decides who’s celebrated – and who celebrates others • Yesterday – your past – must not hold you back. It must provide strength for progress • Tomorrow – your future – can be what you desire • Today is the day to PLAN and PREPARE for becoming the person you should be

5. Peer Energy • You can build on PEER ENERGY for networking • Personal Development: What are the skills and “attitudes” (Law of 100%) you need to acquire in order to move from the you that you are now to the you that you should be? • Nation Building: Each man’s sense of worth is related to his nation’s well-being. What can you do for Ghana? • Regional Cooperation: Extend leadership to other nations after you have succeeded with the first 2 rungs of the ladder. Heard about AYIN? • Global Participation: You are a global citizen and have the right to influence global decisions. Don’t die in one continent!

6. Quo Vadis? • I’m sure this isn’t your first meeting. What happens after today determines the value of time spent here • What level of ICT knowledge do you have? • What opportunities for learning do you have? • Lay your hands on a computer and learn appropriate skills – every career path has its link with ICTs • eMail. Discussion lists. Online search. eLearning. Content “push”. Blogging. Web presence. These words describe opportunities waiting for you online • The whole world will stand aside for a man who knows where he’s going – where are you headed in life? You need a Personal Mission Statementthat serves as a roadmap – deciding what opportunities you seek or grab!

7. Thank You ‘Gbenga Sesan Program Manager / Team Leader Lagos Digital Village / Paradigm Initiative Nigeria www.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com APTECH Ghana Youth ICT Seminar. February 5 2005. Accra, Ghana