Your Call to Action: Be an African ICT Entrepreneur!

Being your own boss is the best job you can get because what you do and how you do it in your business is all up to you. Interested in starting your own Information and Communications Technology (ICT) business? Then get out of your comfort zone now. People must get out of their job-seeking mode. Are you ready to take Control? Take Charge! Become a Provider for the Knowledge Economy. Become a Wealth Creator in the Digital Revolution!

What should you consider in setting up and growing your ICT business? What ICT business ideas are available and viable? Which ideas are yet unborn? Or what of those that are born online? What strategies should you employ in starting up your ICT company? In particular what are the entrepreneurial fundamentals, capacities and mindsets you must develop for succeeding in IT business? What really is the difference between success and failure? What does it take to create wealth in ICT – to be profitable and sustainable?

The Entrepreneurship Requirement

By taking risks and translating ideas into business results, the entrepreneur contributes positively to economic development of the country. It’s simple. When you are an entrepreneur, you create jobs and wealth. Despite the lack of support and recognition, the economy depends on you. The entrepreneur drives change and promotes innovation in the economy. However, there is a shortage of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship learning. Nigeria is therefore not exploiting its entrepreneurial potential. Entrepreneurship is fundamental to economic development. In order to meet national goals, achieve social inclusion and overall prosperity Nigeria needs more entrepreneurs.

The craze for white-collar jobs certainly does not help. Have the white-collar jobs in the banks, telcos and oil companies reduced the level of poverty in society? How many people can the banks employ? Forget the flashy stuff and focus on substance. Whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not, it’s time for us to wake up to reality – small businesses are the real engines of growth in the economy. Interestingly, entrepreneurship is often considered a less attractive career option. We must discard that mentality. People, Please, Please, listen to the news – Job security is dead, so why don’t you create your own jobs?

Why ICT Entrepreneurship?

In view of the important role ICT plays in all aspects of our personal and business lives, the IT entrepreneur is critical to development. For example, in this era of globalization, ICT entrepreneurship allows countries like Nigeria to become producers and creators in the high value areas of the knowledge economy. ICTs are the infrastructure of the digital global economy. They are what make the global village possible. However, the majority of entrepreneurship learning programs are offered in business and economic institutions and disciplines. ICT entrepreneurial learning is required to address this state of affairs. There must be an entrepreneurship focus on areas that drive change in today’s digital world, particularly ICT.

However, entrepreneurship is not a technical matter. Neither is it just about money. Creating and running a successful requires more than technical expertise and money. Is entrepreneurship a bed of roses? 

Entrepreneurship refers to an individual’s creative and self confident ability to turn ideas into action in a profitable and sustainable manner. Why do some fail while others succeed? It’s important to understand the practical perspectives that last and work, as well as how to address the challenges associated with entrepreneurship in the local and global environment. Entrepreneurship is about reward and wealth creation; it is also about managing risks and challenges. So what are the major mistakes made by tech entrepreneurs? What are the Critical Success Factors of IT entrepreneurship?

Why Africa? Why Nigeria?

There is a global digital revolution but Africa is still largely underserved. We must rise above consumption to production. Nobody is coming from Mars to tap the opportunities for wealth and job creation. Crying will not make underdevelopment go away. The argument is that we cannot grow because we are underdeveloped. 

Entrepreneurship is one of several strategies that must be adopted. The disease of poor leadership ravaging the African continent is no excuse for folding our arms. We say NO to the victim mentality that bows to digital slavemasters! We must refuse to be victims of globalization. And we cannot put our future and hopes on hold until authorities and leaders wake up! Entrepreneurship is an opportunity for the individual to take back some control and make a difference. Entrepreneurship creates wealth while fighting poverty, disease, hunger and other real dangers associated with underdevelopment. Through ICT entrepreneurship it is possible to achieve success by being drivers and not consumers in the global digital economy – the digital Small Giants!

It is necessary to create and promote programs to address issues of experience and lack of self-confidence that stop many from creating and growing their own businesses. Underdevelopment provides challenges that can be turned into opportunities. We cannot continue to suffer from thirst at the river bank. To get real benefit in today’s digital economy we cannot all be job seekers or consumers. There is a need to create and empower a new generation of digital entrepreneurs. ICT is the infrastructure of the digital economy. ICT is not limited by sex or geography. You simply need to be informed about ICT and have the desire and ability to create and grow your business.

We complain daily about the lack of jobs. Interview today, but no jobs, downsizing, massive layoffs, retrenchment are the songs of globalization. Globalization requires entrepreneurs. Are you ready to be a driver or a spectator in the digital revolution? Why are you content being a passenger when you can drive change? Complaining is a baby’s game. I have to laugh when people think criticizing from morning to night will attract sympathy from poverty. Don’t you?

Jide Awe, the Founder/CEO of Jidaw Systems Limited, a leading provider of IT education, consulting, and Internet content services originally published this article on TechTrendsNg as The Essence of Entreprenurship

Man Bags 1 Month Imprisonment For Stealing 7 Pieces Of Meats

An Ota Magistrates’ Court Ota on Monday sentenced a 28-year-old man to one month in prison for breaking into a shop to steal seven pieces of meats from a pot.

The Magistrate, Miss Temitope Adebutu, however, gave the convict an option of N5,000 fine.

The accused of no fixed address was arraigned on a two-count charge of stealing and burglary.

Prosecutor Rosemary Brown told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 25 at about 6 a.m. at Ire-Akari Street, Ota in Ogun.

She said that the accused broke into the shop of the complainant, Akinola Olamilekan, to steal seven pieces of meats from a pot valued at N700.

Brown said that the offences contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Revised Laws of Ogun, 2006. (NAN)

Charlyboy Condemns Same-Sex Marriage

Charles Oputa, also known as Charlyboy, on Tuesday raised concern over the practice of same-sex marriage and advised that it should not be allowed in Nigeria.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the current trend in which many countries legalised same-sex marriages was worrisome.

The AreaFada was reacting to the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that legalised same-sex marriage in the country.

He also said that same–sex marriage was un-African and should not be tolerated under the guise of civilization and right.

“I understand people talk about right and civilisation but same-sex marriage is un-African, and we should not encourage it here.

“It is deeply disappointing and worrisome that the U.S. Supreme Court could uphold same-sex marriage.

“I have never been the one to beef about people’s sexual preferences but this is taking it too far.

“What is marriage equality? You can’t redefine marriage by judicial fiat.

“In all cultures, secular or religious, marriage is between a man and a woman.

“It is said that every child has a right to be raised by two parents; a father and a mother, both are important and are not interchangeable.

“The sad reality that so many children are deprived of this right because of the crisis in traditional marriages does not make it any less important,” he said.

Buhari Set To Reverse Un-banning Of Importation Of Textile Products

There are indications that President Muhammadu Buhari may revisit decision of the Jonathan Administration which removed the importation of textile products from the list of banned items, Vanguard reports.

Quoting a highly placed government official, the report said government believes the decision by the last administration to remove textile from the list of banned items to be imported into the country was “unconscionable” ‎because of larger implications on the unemployment situation in the country.

According to the official, the Nigeria Custom Service, which announced the decision recently, has been asked to explain the rationale behind the decision.

Continuing, the government official, said the decision to remove textile material from the list of banned items was taken in the final weeks of the last administration which sent a memo to the Nigerian Custom Service, conveying government decision on the matter.

The source added: “Government cannot be talking of employment generation on one hand and then allowing the importation of cheap textile products from Asian countries thereby killing the local textile industry which is already comatose. It’s a policy that has to be reversed and the Nigerian Customs Service has been asked to defend the volte face‎.

“The textile sector is capable of generating employment if it is supported to thrive. The several textile industries in the north can create several employment opportunities if the textile sector is supported. That is what the government intend to do” he said.

16-Year-Old Apprentice In Court For Pouring Hot Water On Colleague In Lagos

The police have arraigned a 16-year-old seamstress apprentice identified as Cecilia Ukpa before an Apapa Magistrates Court sitting in Lagos for pouring hot water on her colleague over a misunderstanding.

DAILY POST gathered that both Ukpa and the victim, identified as Abigail Albert, reside in the same house with their boss on Meyiga Street, Ilogbo, Ajangbadi area of the state.

Trouble was said to have started when Ukpa declined a directive by a senior apprentice to take the generator used inside the shop on June 23 while closing for the day.

Ukpa was said to have suggested to the senior apprentice to give the task to Albert, a suggestion which did not go down well with the victim, leading to an altercation between the two apprentices.

Commenting on the incident, Ukpa, who is also a senior secondary school pupil of the Ilogbo Grammar School, disclosed, “On the June 23, Abigail and I were in shop when our boss sent me to go and wash plates. I wanted to wash the plates when one of my seniors sent me to take the generator inside. I told her that our boss had sent me on an errand; that she should send Abigail or another person.

“As I was going to fetch water to wash the plates, the senior dragged me back and slapped me repeatedly. Abigail too started abusing me and we fought each other. She inflicted injury on my face before we were separated.”

It was further learnt that Albert who went to the kitchen to cook the following day at about 6pm met Ukpa boiling water. While the victim was busy with her cooking, Ukpa was said to have emptied the pot of boiling water on her, peeling off some parts of her body.

Police officers from Ilemba Hausa Division arrested the suspect after the incident was reported.

Following her arrest, Ukpa was arraigned by a police prosecutor, ASP Olusoji Ojaokomo, before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court on a one count charge of assault.

The charge reads, “That you, Cecilia Ukpa, on June 24, 2015, at about 6pm, on Meyiga Street, Ilogbo, Ajagbandi, Lagos, in the Apapa Magisterial District, did unlawfully assault one Abigael Albert, 17, by pouring hot water on her body, which caused her grievous harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 243 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.”

When the charge was read, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the offence before the presiding Chief Magistrates, Mr. P.A. Adekomaya.

The Magistrates, Mr P.A. Adekomaya granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with a surety in like sum.

Adekomaya said, “The surety must present evidence of tax payment and his/her residential address to the court for verification.”

Kidnapped Wife Of Ex-Bayelsa Acting Gov Freed

THE kidnapped Mrs. Martha Binabo, wife of the former Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Nestor Binabo, has regained her freedom.

Sources indicated that she was released at 11.am on Sunday July 5, 2015 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The 48-year-old Mrs. Binabo was kidnapped at her business premises at Agbura, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State at 11.30 last Monday by a five-man gang dressed in Army uniform.

Agbura is barely five kilometers from former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Otuoke community in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Binabo, who was the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, became acting governor after former Governor Timipre Sylva was sacked by the Supreme Court in January 2012.

Although the family was silent on the payment of ransom to secure her freedom, her husband, Binabo, had on Saturday told Sylva, who paid a solidarity visit to the couple’s home in Azikoro,Yenagoa, that his wife would be released soon.

The hoodlums had stormed the warehouse of Mrs. Binabo at about 11. 30 am in a Toyota vehicle.

They took her to the waterside of nearby Otuokpoti, a neighbouring Ogbia community, from where they escaped in a stand-by boat after setting the Toyota car ablaze.

The victim’s husband had, after the abduction, alluded that the kidnap was politically motivated, insisting that he could not be cowed by anybody.

Sylva was said to have been elated that Binabo was strong despite his wife’s ordeal.

The former governor stressed that it was important for a leader to be prepared for anything that came his way.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Asinim Butswat, could not be reached for comments at press time.

44 Dead, 48 Injured In Jos Bombings –NEMA

THE Director in charge of the North-Central zone of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mohammed Abdulsalam, has put the number of deaths in Sunday July 5, 2015 night’s bomb attacks on Jos at 44.

Abdulsalam also told journalists via telephone on Monday July 6 morning that 48 others were badly injured, and are currently hospitalised in various hospitals in the Plateau State capital.

But, the Plateau State government, on its own, stated that only 18 people died in the incidents, with 18 others injured.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Emmanuel Nanle, quoted the state government as condemning the attack, and calling for calm.

The statement also urged security agents to intensify checks and patrol across the state to avert reoccurrence.

The spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed the explosions on Monday, but declined to disclose casualty figure.

Emmanuel said the data on victims were still being collated, and that no arrest has so far been made.

Witnesses, however, stated that the bombing at Yantaya Mosque area of the city might have been targetted at a renowned Islamic cleric, Yahaya Jengri, who was at the Mosque at the time of the explosion. He was unhurt.

Witnesses said the suicide bombers at the Yantaya Mosque explosion also threw explosives at residents and passersby, killing many.

The Bauchi road explosion occurred near a restaurant known as “Hajiya Talatu Mai Abinchi”, a popular eating spot in the area, killing 13 people and injuring several others.

A witness, Godwin Okoko, described the act as wicked and barbaric and called for an investigation.

“This is sad and barbaric even at this holy period of Ramadan,” Okoko said, adding, “I am calling for justice and effective community policing to end terrorism in all its forms, and this should be a collective responsibility of all.”

The explosions and the attendant killings have thrown the state into fresh confusion, as residents of Jos remained indoors on Monday July 6 morning.

This Bullied Teen Made Her Own Prom Dress — and Now She's a Red Carpet Designer

Kyemah McEntyre, 18, stunned the entire Internet when she designed her own prom dress, complete with a plunging neckline and bold pattern that could stop traffic. Clearly, we weren't the only ones to take note.

Former member of girl group 3LW Naturi Naughton enlisted the immensely talented teen to design a dress for the BET Awards, and Naughton debuted it on the red carpet.

Needless to say, we'd recognize it anywhere. The formfitting mermaid gown was finished with a similar graphic print and the same warm tones as McEntyre's prom dress, and it totally flattered Naughton's curves. Read on to see all angles of the gorgeous number — check out that strappy back detail! — and read a quote from McEntyre about the undeniably rewarding experience. 

Kyemah McEntyre's Prom Dres 

Kyemah McEntyre debuted this jaw-dropping design at her own prom, accessorizing it perfectly with a gold choker necklace.

Image Source: Twitter user kyethecreator

Kyemah McEntyre's Red Carpet Design  

Kyemah repurposed her signature print on Naturi Naughton's bold, mermaid-style dress for the BET Awards.

"[Naughton] explained to me that she wanted to connect with her African roots as well. I explained to her that my prom dress was my first design ever and that her design would be my second. … She wanted to shed light on young people from her community [East Orange, New Jersey] and that she did. I enlisted a local seamstress by the name of Markell Mockabee, who brought my design to life," McEntyre explained to BuzzFeed.

Image Source: Getty, Twitter user kyethecreator

Singer Naturi Naughton spun around and revealed the strappy back detail of Kyemah McEntyre's dress!

Image Source: Getty / Vincent Sandoval

Image Source: Getty / Paul Archuleta

Image Source: Getty / Paul Archuleta

For Nigeria's Christians, Boko Haram Is Not the Only Threat

Kaduna, Nigeria, and neighboring Zaria hold bitter memories. Located in the center of the country, more or less on the fault line between the Muslim north and the Christian south, the communities have suffered brutal attacks by Boko Haram in recent times.

Plus, in the wake of the 2011 presidential elections that brought a Christian—Goodluck Jonathan—into power, these towns were the setting for the killing of 900 Christians. Last March, a Muslim leader, Muhammadu Buhari, was elected and there was no more violence—but tensions between Muslims and Christians remain high.

Father Elias Kabuk (34), serving the Archdiocese of Kaduna, recalls how his church and rectory were set on fire in the 2011 post-election violence: “The head of a priest was worth a lot,” he said, noting that funds are still lacking to build a new church and that he now says Mass outside.

It was Father Kabuk’s grandfather who first converted and his grandson ended up in the seminary. "Of my 87 classmates in the seminary 11 were eventually ordained priests. The others became doctors, lawyers or have gone into business. Catholic education is very important in the development of our country."

That type of education is precisely the target of Boko Haram. “Boko Haram” itself translates to "Western education is sinful." Archbishop Matthew N'dagoso of Kaduna told Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic charity, of the jihadists’ dark logic: "In Nigeria, a corrupt elite further impoverishes already poor people. Most of [this elite], even the traditional Muslim rulers, has received Western education.

”Therefore Islamists reason: ‘If Western education brings corruption, we do not want it.’ It sounds plausible, but it just is not correct. It is power that corrupts people—not education."

Boko Haram, however—which also targets moderate Muslims—is not the only threat to Christians. Radical Muslims unaffiliated with the jihadist group are a threat to the faithful as well. Referring to what he calls the “Muslim agenda”—which also includes an utter hostility toward Muslims converting to Christianity—Father Kabuk explains that “Muslims do not accept that others have the power. This year too there were Muslim leaders who openly threatened [to attack Christians] if a non-Muslim was chosen president or governor."

Thanks to connections with those in power, the priest suggested, the Muslims who uttered such threats did not face legal consequences. Yet, Archbishop N'Dagoso remains hopeful. "It is unique in our history how President Goodluck Jonathan accepted his election defeat. When he called Muhammadu Buhari to wish him blessings in his presidency a heavy burden fell off our shoulders. For now, there is peace,” he said.

Aid to the Church in Need is an international Catholic charity under the guidance of the Holy See, providing assistance to the suffering and persecuted Church in more than 140 countries. www.churchinneed.org (USA); www.acnuk.org (UK); www.aidtochurch.org (AUS); www.acnireland.org (IRL); www.acn-aed-ca.org (CAN)