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 remains a major source of concern. A 2007 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.

With support from Microsoft Nigeria, Nigeria Computer Society and Teledom Group, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is proud to announce an essay competition as part of its ongoing social campaign against cybercrime. Essays may only be submitted by students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the theme to be explored is “Curbing Cybercrime in Nigeria,” with a focus on what must be done to redirect the energy of young Nigerians towards productive online engagements. Essays, which should not exceed 500 words, must be submitted as Microsoft Word attachments to essay@pinigeria.org by 11:59pm on October 19, 2008. The winning essay will be announced at the campaign event holding in Lagos on the 25th of October, 2008, so all those whose essays go past the first screening exercise will be invited to attend the event. Prizes to be won include Laptops, Multimedia Desktop PCs and GPRS-Enabled GSM Wristwatches.

For more details about the anti-cybercrime social campaign, please visit www.pinigeria.org/isspin or contact info@pinigeria.org

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