ITelligence and the Information Society

1. ITelligenceand theInformation Society ‘Gbenga Sesanwww.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com ITelligence FoundationUniversity of Lagos Amphitheatre, Lagos State, Nigeria. 29 April 2004.

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

3. Society and Economy: An Expected Alliance • The world has woken up to a change in economic standards and indices – a New Economy is here • The New Economy is driven by ICTs, and each nation or people group’s response to this determines which side of the divide they’re on • Africa’s response to the New Economy is responsible for our present situation, made worse by corruption and lack of adequate leadership • In the New Economy, work styles are different! Familiarity with emerging technologies and appropriate use of existing technologies are necessary • The New Economy holds respect for global citizens, not local champions

4. Nigeria’s Vision for the Information Society • Nigerian National Policy vision is, ‘To make Nigeria an IT capable country in Africa, and a key player in the Information Society by the year 2005, using IT as the engine for sustainable development and global competitiveness’ • New efforts/activities: NITDA, NCC Act, Digital Bridge Institute, Satellite launch, eNigeria, NeSG Ltd. • Seeking a voice through active participation at international events: WSIS, CODI III, ITU Africa 2004 • States are responding to healthy competition: Akwa Ibom’s S&T Park/Ministry; Ogun’s IT efforts; Lagos on LDV and S&T Ministry • These efforts are commendable, but not enough!

5. Information Society Stakeholders’ Response • After much pressure, some academic institutions are responding through curriculum change and establishment of Information Technology centers • Media reports on the Information Society have improved significantly between 2001 and now • Professional organisations (e.g. ICAN) are requesting that their members become I.T-proficient • Civil Society has been most responsive through active participation, advocacy and project implementation: WSIS process, ICT Policy workshop, African Youth eConference on the WSIS, eNigeria 2004 Youth Caucus, Nigerian CS ICT Policy Workshop, WSIS Youth Nigeria Policy Train, Conference on the Digital Commons, UNECA-sponsored African Youth in IS

6. ITelligence and the Information Society • ITelligence emerged based on a need: to involve and empower youth in IS processes • ITelligence must choose a distinct path and produce a Strategic Management Plan (PIN’s planning for 5 years, 2004-8). Where does your path meet with IS? • The organisation’s model/mode of operation should be well defined to prevent unplanned and forced growth, which is mostly unmanageable • There is a serious need for strong voices from the global south. Its he best time to come from a developing nation  • Adopt the Personal Development > Nation Building > Regional Cooperation > Global Participation paradigm

7. ITelligenceand theInformation Society THANK YOU ‘Gbenga Sesanwww.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com ITelligence FoundationUniversity of Lagos Amphitheatre, Lagos State, Nigeria. 29 April 2004.