1. Against All Odds ‘Gbenga Sesan Program Manager / Team Leader Lagos Digital Village / Paradigm Initiative Nigeria www.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com APTECH Ghana Youth ICT Seminar. February 5 2005. Accra, Ghana

2. New Realities The only constant thing in life is change – and so for times and mankind (from pre-civilization to the industrial age and the Information Society) This new society brings new challenges – including global competition Most young Africans aren’t adequately prepared for this new reality Unfortunately, you can’t file for concession by saying you were not exposed to the best In the New Economy, what you know opens doors for you – and bridges the gap between you and those you need to know in order to get to the place called “there”

3. ICTs to the Rescue Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) provide an opportunity to connect with the global pace The major index for global readiness is ICTs. Nations now belong to two categories – haves and have nots. Its literally the password of our times Nations like India have been able to transform their national identity and economic value through ICTs Its no longer about natural resources or volume of extractable oil, its about global competitiveness – which is defined by the response of nations, people groups and individuals to ICTs ICTs have changed education, work, life and play

4. Against All Odds We all have excuses – for our failure. But that is not acceptable… if you fail in the days of adversity… Your background, colour, school type and status are not hinderances to achieving the future you desire Against all odds, some young people are carving niches for themselves You’ve 3 days on earth and how you use them decides who’s celebrated – and who celebrates others Yesterday – your past – must not hold you back. It must provide strength for progress Tomorrow – your future – can be what you desire Today is the day to PLAN and PREPARE for becoming the person you should be

5. Peer Energy You can build on PEER ENERGY for networking Personal Development: What are the skills and “attitudes” (Law of 100%) you need to acquire in order to move from the you that you are now to the you that you should be? Nation Building: Each man’s sense of worth is related to his nation’s well-being. What can you do for Ghana? Regional Cooperation: Extend leadership to other nations after you have succeeded with the first 2 rungs of the ladder. Heard about AYIN? Global Participation: You are a global citizen and have the right to influence global decisions. Don’t die in one continent!

6. Quo Vadis? I’m sure this isn’t your first meeting. What happens after today determines the value of time spent here What level of ICT knowledge do you have? What opportunities for learning do you have? Lay your hands on a computer and learn appropriate skills – every career path has its link with ICTs eMail. Discussion lists. Online search. eLearning. Content “push”. Blogging. Web presence. These words describe opportunities waiting for you online The whole world will stand aside for a man who knows where he’s going – where are you headed in life? You need a Personal Mission Statement that serves as a roadmap – deciding what opportunities you seek or grab!

7. Thank You ‘Gbenga Sesan Program Manager / Team Leader Lagos Digital Village / Paradigm Initiative Nigeria www.gbengasesan.com | me@gbengasesan.com APTECH Ghana Youth ICT Seminar. February 5 2005. Accra, Ghana