Internet Cafe Essay

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Taraba Digital Village Centre (TDVC) proposal articulates a compelling vision, that will enable Jalingo, the state capital to through the centre, play a pivotal role in assisting the government to define, develop and  deliver its programmes and facilitate development based on the new Information Communication Technology (ICT’s) strategy(ies) and so facilitate business opportunities that is unrivalled in the 21st century. The center’s immediate benefit shall focus on the creation of a better business competitiveness, jobs creation, investment opportunities, infrastructural improvements, global inclusion and participation within the information society process. The essential component of the centre would be a place where ICT knowledge is disseminated through the cutting-edge of information knowledge economy and transfer initiative, the use of communication technologies and sophisticated knowledge sharing process and education. The centre will be a place where the ne xt generation is educated, trained and skilled to take positions at all levels of development required by the 21st century businesses and entrepreneurship. The centre will be socially inclusive and accessible to the citizens of the state to participate in building the cultural diversity of our society. Taraba Digital Village Centre project is a bold vision for broad -partnership and catalyst for global businesses and competitiveness. The driving vision behind Taraba Digital Village Centre (TDVC) is shaped around the epicenter for a dynamic environmental and learning center that foster gender participation in today’s Information Community. INTRODUCTION: Jalingo, the capital city of Taraba State – Nigeria has emerged from the last fifteen (15) years of creation to be a city centered around fresh ideas, expertise, governance, economic opportunities and real investors confidence. This transformation brings with it an unprecedented opportunities to boost dynamic and sustainable power base that fully maximized the city’s unique assets that centers around the new emerging Information Communication Technology (ICTs) so as to properly position the State and its people within the Local, National, Regional and International Information Society processes thereby becoming a recognized New Millennium City, where great things are shaped with commitment. In today ’s Global economy, where knowledge and innovation are keys to competitive success, we are delighted to say that with a digital center in the city, Jalingo is uniquely placed to provide necessary services and impetus on ICT to a growing population  and to conform to international competitiveness and standards. If its capacity are integrated into the information and telecommunication Network of the world and its resources tapped and released through the Center much would have put in place to serve the underserved Youths, gender, and Stakeholders needs on ICTs DESCRIPTION OF JALINGO CITY: Taraba State was created in August, 27th 1991. The state covers a land area of 9,400 square km with sixteen local government Areas (LGAs). Jalingo Local government HQtrs is the capital city of Taraba State as well as the Traditional Seat of Muri Emirate ,the Emirate that was founded since 17th century. All Federal and State parastatals are located in Jalingo. Businesses, Socio-Economic and Political activities takes firm and flourishing growth in Jalingo. Tertiary institutions established by the state and other Modern urban development infrastructures that attract the Youth and other Nigerian citizens including Foreign Nationals into the capital city are located in Jalingo POPULATION: The 1991 Census figures, Taraba State has a population figure of (1,512,163 million). As at the 2003 projection of 31% the population of the state now stand at (2,074,615 million). Many ethic groups occupies the state notably , the Mumuye, Jukun, Wurkum, Mambilla, Fulani, Kuteb Hausa, Kunini, Jenjo, Yandang, Chamba, Ichen among others. WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR A DIGITAL VILLAGE PROJECT?: The Project is contained in the Taraba State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (TSEEDS) document that articulated â€Å"Making available the benefits of the new Information and Communication Technology† (ICT). To bridge the Digital divide and open doors to many underserved youths of the state and beyond . Attaining height in the standard of education for Technology and the creation of new job opportunities and market oriented values using ICTs. Improving quality of life and creating new opportunities for others who otherwise may not have had the opportunity. Development of a virtual library that provides information and answers urgent questions that meets real economic benefits, impact and social and gender inclusion. TARGET POPULATION: The underserved youths and women across the state and beyond. To meet the needs of growing businesses in and around the state. Students and educational institutions, private and public sector of the state. FACILITIES NEEDED: The complex which will be referred to as â€Å"The Digital Village† shall have facilities such as: Computers and Printers for Training and Internet Access. Telephone and Fax Machines. Source of Power supply (Solar and Electrical). Equipped and Furnished conference Centre Air Conditioners. Laptops. Manpower Operators. Project Occupancy at a time @ 300 persons 24 Hours Access and opens at 8:00am. TIME-TABLE FOR RAISING FUND TO START PROJECT OPERATION: 2006 Project Team Exchange visit between the Project Prospective Development Technical Partner .This is to facilitate Formative stages and drawing –up of project details for actualization of plans. 2006- 2007 Funds made available and work begins at site and if the building is to be provided and not constructed, then renovation on the site to suit Project as designated. Last quarter 2007- Project commissioning. CORE PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES: The Taraba Digital Village Centre (TDVC) Project will provide: Training and equipping it’s our target groups /participant with necessary and basic skills in Information Communication Technology applications through aiding them to understand trends behind the information society today. Research and Education for Development Professional Service and Practical applications Skills development programmes and work force initiatives Better academic acceleration programmes through the engagement of our academic community in the state, National and International. The TDVC is intended to provide a dynamic environment for genius generation, global focus on knowledge economy driving competition and enhancement of partnership development. BUDGET COST: i. Equipment supplies and installation @ N4,000,000.00 $30,000.00 ii. Construction and furnishing of the centre @ N6,000,000.00 $60,000 iii. Staff recruitment and remuneration @ first two years i.e. management staff and domestic @ N1.428,250.20 =$9,850 iv. Technical service and maintenance @ N1.280,000.00 =@$8,820 v. Consultancy @ #2,005,123,00 =@ $ 13,794 vi. Contingency/Miscellaneous @ # 2,500,000,00=@ $172,414 vii. Total in Naira@ N18,493,624 viii. Total in US $ 127,543 ix. Exchange rate of N145 to $1 dollar x. Eighteen Million, four hundred and ninety three thousand, six hundred and twenty four naira. xi. One hundred and twenty seven thousand, five hundred and forty three dollars. CORE AREAS OF COLLABORATION IN THE PROJECT: The TDVC Initiating Team/ Organization(s) and the Government of Taraba State will to provide a designated Structure(s) that would accommodate PCs, for Internet facilities, training centre, business centre, library and conference Hall among others. Technical Development Partner(s) on the other hand, to Supply and Provide the technical know-how/expertise that will equip the centre in Jalingo, Taraba State with PCs. And such a Partners(s) to play consultancy role and management before eventual transfer of ownership of the centre to the Initiating Team and Taraba State Government after the latter must have set-up a management structure for the centre. Other Areas of collaboration which may not have been detailed here in the proposal including legal contract agreements etc, to be agreed upon in the final draft agreement for the project having the preliminary objectives/idea for the realization of the Center is accepted as the basis of project initiation. EXISTING CAFES: Taraba State cannot be said to have been fully connected to the internet Network or its Digital and Telecommunication Infrastructures are full developed. At Wukari LG, there is only Internet Cafà ©. At Zing LGA, the internet Cafà © located at Bizarre Hotels may not serving broad society needs. At the state capital Jalingo, there are only four functional internet Cafà ©s. With over 2million people population therefore, the state need more internet connectivity and access than it is currently obtainable. TRAINING PROGRAMMES: The training at the centre shall be designed to enhance accessibility to Information Technology with key aim of preparing and equipping applicants/trainees to automatically fit into competitive labor pool with best and optimum result that meets job creation in the private and Public Sectors. TDVC INTERNET CAFÉ: The primary responsibility of this sector at the Center is to continue to explore and provide access to Information Communication Technology and or to the society through the use of internet access. This section will be multi-stake-holder to provide the best and efficient service desired of a growing metropolitan community like Jalingo, the capital city of Taraba State- Nigeria. EXPLANATORY NOTES/CONCLUSION: The project was once commissioned shall be renamed after the Name of the first Executive Governor of Taraba State. It is thus proposed that the center be Named as â€Å"REV. JOLLY T. NYAME CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE†. This is the first Project in Taraba State to bear the inscription of His Excellency. It shall then be a Model for other New Millennium ICTs project. It shall enhance the way people and organizations communicate, exchange knowledge and access information. The centre shall facilitate the development of : – Entrepreneurship and youth leadership development. A unifying focus for all tribes, race without discrimination. A centre that provide a world class and unique socio-economic, political and Technological development. The project shall be a convergence of opportunity for moving people and ideas that maintains a high quality of life and sustainable development. PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS Mr. Gimba Joseph. (M.A.L.D) Lectures at College of Agriculture, Jalingo, Taraba State. A Youth NGO Leader and Ex-officio executive of the NYCN, North-East, Zone, Nigeria , Project Manager, NETWORK FORUM, WORLD BANK HIV/AIDS Assisted project, Taraba State Co-coordinator, TARABA STATE Chapter, National Youth Network on HIV/AIDS and Member ,Information Society Stakeholders Forum, in Nigeria and Pricipal facilitator of the project. Mr. Raymond N. Enoch (JP). Staff of Government College, Jalingo, Taraba State. Education and Training officer, WORLD BANK HIV/AIDS assisted project. Member, Nigeria Information Society Stakeholders Forum, Member African Youth ICT4D Network, and Secretary, Taraba State chapter, NYNETHA. Member, Youth@WorldBank Network in Nigeria, Co-Facilitator, TARABA DIGITAL VILLAGE RESOUCE CENTER (TDVRC) Comrade Simon D. Shinpu The Administrative Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Taraba State Wing. A former Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly.Member, Facilitating Team of the Project. The Executive Chairman, Jalingo LGA Local Government Secretariat Jalingo, Taraba State – Nigeria. Mallama Hauwa Umar. NGO Youth Leader. Administrative Secretary Global HIV/AIDS Nigeria (Ghain). FHI/USAID Abuja, Nigeria, member, Nigeria Youth Network on MDGs, Member of the Facilitating Team of the Project. Mr ‘GBENGA SESAN, Project Manager, Lagos Digital Village ,Vice-Chair Technical African YouthICT4D Network(AYIN) Technical Adviser to the Project