Report on Teleconference with Prof. Ola Ajayi and Engr Ernest Ndukwe
By Manny C Aniebonam, Ph.D.

Dear NITPA Colleagues;

On Behalf of the E-Board, I wish to provide a quick report regarding a recent teleconference we had with two Nigerian policy makers - Prof. Ola Ajayi of the Nigerian IT Development Authority, and Engr. Ernest Ndukwe of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC, responsible for the GSM). Present were Prof. Akwule, Prof Mobolurin, Prof. Owei, Mr. Nduka and Mr. Udoma, at the Afcom Inc conference room. The pre-arranged teleconference was initiated to first introduce NITPA to these key contacts, and discuss ways and means necessary for effective execution of our common goals. In a nutshell, Prof. Ajayi and Mr, Ndukwe expressed great gratitude that we have finally began to organize ourselves along this critical professional focus. (The teleconferences were held with each of them, at different time slots)

We stated our goals and objectives and made it clear to them that we have organized to take up the challenge of participating in ALL aspects of Information Technology policy making in Nigeria, extending same into project scoping, deliberations, execution and management, and at all levels including private, state, and federal. A few items are worth noting here.

1. We were told by both key players that officially and unofficially, Nigerian policy makers are not aware of the existence of ANY Nigerian-owned IT companies in the US. That much as they see a few of us now and then at conferences, they have NOT given serious thought to existence of over 200 Nigerian-owned IT companies in the US, and over 4000 IT professionals of record (as we had informed them).

2. We cited recent studies that indicated the inequity in indigenous labor utilization by international organizations including the World Bank, IFC, UN, ADB and others: that only 2% of indigenous skills are being utilized on "development" projects by these entities while over the past decade, Nigerians have emerged in different IT fields capable of undertaking most of the required IT (and non-IT) work. THEY TOTALLY AGREED with this estimate but indicated that UNLESS we get organized, documented, "databased", and actively engage at the home front, that picture can only get worse. And to that we said "Amen", for that's the foundation upon which NITPA is built.

3. We made our short-term and mid-term goals known:
i. That in the next three months, we shall build a directory of all known Nigerian IT businesses, by specialization, and publish same
11. That in the next three months we shall develop a database of all Nigerian IT professionals in the Americas and make same available to both NITPA members and IT policy makers in Nigeria who may contact members for opportunities deemed congruent to their background.

4. That we will continue growing and networking and use same to better our position in Diaspora as professionals of record.

5. That we will partner with like-entities in Nigeria, including corporations, governments and institutions of higher learning to pursue grants, projects and other opportunities in Nigeria and the Americas where common interest exists.

6. That we shall be invited, and will participate in all IT policy
deliberations in Nigeria both at legislative and Executive levels (If you need a copy of the "Nigerian IT Policy", please indicate and I will forward).

7. That we will establish an effective medium of communication, including electronic and scheduled meetings and teleconference.

In all, dear colleagues, we are satisfied that the handshake across the Atlantic had taken place, and at the upcoming meeting, we shall discuss details on how to nurture the relationship and develop others including the BGBD, NOU and others.

Your comments are welcome, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming events. As a further commitment of the governments support, the Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Prof. Jibril Aminu, will be attending our Friday Mixer to speak on "Investment and other IT opportunities in Nigeria".

Special thanks to all those who have remained engaged, dedicated and resolved to make a difference.

With Fraternal Best Wishes,
Manny Aniebonam