PIN to honour 12 Internet safety youth ambassadors

A non-governmental organization focusing on youth empowerment through the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) has concluded plans to honour 12 youth under its Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (ISSPIN) Ambassadorship, tomorrow in Lagos.

Executive Director, PIN, Mr. Olugbenga Sesan made this disclosure in Lagos and said the Ambassadors were selected from a call for application made on the project.

“The Ambassadors will be decorated on the red carpet of the ISSPIN event at Planet One on October 25 2008,” he said.

Sesan also said that PIN was concerned over the need to make the internet as safe as possible for Nigerian youths.

“It is often treated lightly by many individuals, corporations, governments and other establishments in developing economies like Nigeria; hence the need to raise awareness through a social campaign,” he said.

According to him, the campaign involves sensitization workshops in selected schools, a one-day event and deliberate follow-up project.

He explained that the project was put together with the support of Microsoft Nigeria and other partners, while it is intended to direct the spotlight to the issue of internet safety, even as it provides a platform for other stakeholders to align forces.

The expected outcomes, he said, would include ISSPIN sensitization workshops in three pre-selected schools across the country, namely Anambra, Ondo and Sokoto states respectively; a one-day event that will draw attention to the issue of internet safety; and a follow up project that will help young people find alternative positive and lucrative use of their internet-related knowledge.

The 12 Ambassadors, he said, would serve for 2008 and 2009 ISSPIN Ambassadorial year and were selected based on their strong visible interest in ICTs; history of commitment to social good, as demonstrated by previous involvements; and their association with the ISSPIN brand will add value to the nation-wide tour, event and project.

He charged the selected youths to support the initiative by spreading the word among their networks and volunteer at events held in and close to their community; be available at the ISSPIN events, especially at the red carpet; willing to participate actively in the post-event projects including leading certain aspects of the projects in their communities.

“To qualify, applicants sent their current resume and a 200-word essay demonstrating their interest in ICTs, showcasing their work with young people and highlighting their role as a model to other young Nigerians, … and sent to info[at]pin.org.ng with the subject: “Application: ISSPIN Ambassador,” he explained.


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