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. The annual Internet Crime Report has listed Nigeria as number three on the list of the world's top ten online crime spots for a long time; 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) raises 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 directs 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 included activities such as the Musical Collaboration Project, Maga No Need Pay, among others. These helped sensitize the public and promote the idea of redirecting the energy of young Nigerians, at risk of cyber crime, to positive use. The musical collaboration project enjoyed 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. We are glad to see that the producer, 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. In June 2011, we secured a grant from the World Bank Civil Society Fund to support the first 6 months of advocacy work required to lobby for cybercrime legislation that will address the problem of cybercrime while also setting up institutional mechanisms that will encourage young Nigerians to gravitate towards positive internet use.
Microsoft Nigeria announced additional support for the project in November 2011, to support campaign activities, including a Video Contest, Roundtable Discussion and Courtesy Visits. The Video Contest sought entries from young Nigerians who were asked to respond to a question: How Can Nigeria Tackle Cybercrime Effectively? The roundtable discussion held in Abuja on January 31, 2012, to discuss the new draft cybercrime bill that was developed by a committee drawn across various government departments. This was also supported by Courtesy Visits by young participants, selected from the pool of Video Contest entries, who visited the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice. We met with Senator Saraki and presented a letter requesting for his support, and that of his colleagues, towards the success of a firm and fair cybercrime legislation that will also empower at-risk youth with adequate ICT skills and opportunities.
