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The concern for internet safety is a global phenomenon, especially as those who never had access are increasingly being connected through their computers, mobile phones and other devices. While the prevalence of social networking websites, online communities and internet-enabled processes should be great news for individual, corporate and government users, the concern for safety - and worry about cybercrime - remains a major source of concern. A 2008 Internet Crime report listed Nigeria as number three on the list of the world's top ten online crime spots; and the prevalence of cybercrime among a sizeable number of young Nigerians goes to show the need for immediate concern, especially with the recent boom in mobile service provision and online payment platforms in Nigeria.
The Microsoft Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (MISSPIN) seeks to raise awareness through a social campaign that involves various projects. The social campaign, sponsored by Microsoft within the framework of the Unlimited Program's Internet Safety Initiative will direct the spotlight to the issue of internet safety while also providing a platform for other industry players to work together. Phase 1 of the campaign involved numerous activities, including sensitization workshops, a musical concert (The Alternative, essay/quiz competitions, appointment of campaign ambassadors and more. Phase 2 of the campaign has now commenced, and amongst the listed activities are the Musical Collaboration Project, Concert/Sticker/Radio Campaigns and Rehabilitation Project. These will help sensitize the public and re-direct the energies of participants of cyber crime to positive use.
The rehabilitation program will allow twenty-five (25) young people who have been involved in cybercrime activities to benefit from training (life skills, employability skills, I.T., etc), mentorship and paid internships. They will serve as role models for other youth who have been wondering about their future beyond online criminal involvements. The musical collaboration project, which is led by one of the campaign ambassadors, Ohimai Amaeze, enjoys the benefit of having Cobhams Asuquo as producer, and an impressive line-up of artistes who have volunteered to support the MISSPIN project: Banky W, MI, Modele, Omawumi, Rooftop MCs, Bez and Wordsmith!
The song and video were released on February 3, 2010, in Abuja. You can listen to (and download) the song at http://is.gd/7FDTC, and the video is available at http://is.gd/7Dsp4. You should also see the project interview at http://is.gd/7DsAt. If you prefer to download the song's ringtone (free), text MAGA to +2347026702053 or visit http://cli.gs/maga from your phone's browser. Please note that your service provider will charge you for the SMS at the regular rate, and the ringtone comes to us as a project contribution from TimbaObject's Timothy Akinbo and Dudu Mobile's Mayowa Owolabi. We are glad to see that Cobhams has produced a remix of the original song (along with the instrumental chorus remix), and also appreciate the effort of Mamiska, K-Peters, Tbos, Mr J, Blue C, Vemma and JB Clem towards another remix produced by Mr J.
And now, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and Microsoft Nigeria are proud to announce The Alternative 2.0, the event that highlights the need for young Nigerians to redirect their energy - from cybercrime - towards positive online opportunities. It holds on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 10am (Green Carpet reception at 9am) at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos. Featuring Cobhams Asuquo (producer, Maga No Need Pay), MI, Rooftop MCs, Modele, Bez, Wordsmith, Kemi Adetiba (director, Maga No Need Pay video), Deolu Akinyemi (discussing Alternatives to Cybercrime) and Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani (award-winning author, I Do Not Come To You By Chance)! While we will use the opportunity to thank the outgoing MISSPIN Ambassadors, the new Call for MISSPIN Ambassadors will be announced at the event.
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Microsoft Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (MISSPIN) Campaign
