Reflections 2.10

Originally posted by Gbenga Sesan, here.

Enjoy!

In 2000, Nigeria reportedly had less than 200,000 internet users. The number grew to about 200,000 in 2001; about 400,000 in 2002; jumped to 1.61 million in 2003 and, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission, there were 1.8 million internet users in 2004. The most recent figure (2007) was 10 million internet users and the current growth trend has been further helped by the increased availability of telecommunication services across Nigeria. Apart from the huge growth in the number of users, what has captured my attention is the fact that many of these users go out of their way to get — or stay — connected. They have had to: stay back at work, visit cyber cafes at odd hours, endure plug-and-pray services and spend a large part of their monthly income on expensive access. Also, many have found a way around the problem of electrical power instability. Read the rest of this entry »

Nigeria is beset by many challenges…far too numerous to enumerate here (and allow me to modestly say anywhere else). However, many have perfected the art and science of TALKING and doing nothing!

Look, at the newspaper vendor stand, members of the free readers association will explain quite succinctly why we have problems in this country and what the problems are ( and sometimes, who they are !) and how best to make these problems history, but that is about all.

And as you guessed, the problems never leave! They stare us on in the face daily and even assume more fearful dimensions when all we do is talk. Read the rest of this entry »