Today, I was looking through my Google Reader for news when I found this inspiring article from Joe Budde, a social media blogger at joebuddejr.com

He relates his experiences from his recent visit to Nigeria where he was able to teach two Nigerians, named Victor and Daniel how to utilize the resources on the web to educate themselves on the web marketplace, programing trends, standards, and how to find the best and brightest on the web to assist them.

The most awesome thing for these two Nigerians was Google Gears attached to Google Reader.  They could run into a internet cafe with their PC, download 200 articles, and then head back to their non-wired homes to read and learn how to do everything from use photoshop, learn about taking pictures, or even how to code better.

He believes that “the ability to take the online offline with you may not seem like a big deal in the USA - where wireless access seems to be almost as easy as clean water, but for developing nations, Gears is the technology that will drive internet adoption for the next 30 years.”

He then asks: How and where do you see google gears-esque technology making an impact in the developing world?

Naija Connects is an online social media that allows users to make free internet calls and connect with other users. The site allows producers of original content, a traditional Television station or event organisers to showcase themselves on NaijaSounds TV. Users can connect with other people in a vibrant community.

One unique feature of the site is that you can make free calls to friends, family, and business partners using your PC, as long as you have broadband internet access. All you need to do is register with NaijaConnects, log in and start making calls.

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At the Nigeria Telecoms Awards 2008 held in Lagos, Mr. Bayo Ligali of Zain Nigeria (formerly Celtel Nigeria) was named CEO of the Year.

Ligali was recognised for his astute leadership and outstanding contributions to the growth of Zain Nigeria, and development of telecommunications in Nigeria, as well as for being the face of the industry within a short time of coming into the telecommunications business.

According to the Board of Trustees of Telecom Awards, his philosophy of constructive engagement with government and lawmakers on the issue of Quality of Service led to a moratorium for operators, which has resulted in significant improvements.

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Globacom has received three awards at the annual Nigeria Telecoms Awards, organized by Logica Communication, publishers of Telecom News, an industry review magazine.

The awards are:

• Best Telecoms Company of the Year
• Best Mobile Company of the Year
• Best Telecoms Investor of the Year

With these three awards, Globacom, which operates in the fixed, mobile, broadband and international gateway communications sub-sectors, sits atop the industry in terms of overall performance.

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This is a Guest Post by Tony from naijaecash.com. He shares his experience with web entrepreneurship in Nigeria and provides answers on how to start a blog without spending a kobo (a dime).

Is it possible to start an online business in Nigeria without spending a kobo? Yes, it is possible. That title is not an exaggeration, neither is it a false claim. Anyway, if you think it is false, just spare 3 minutes of your time and I will convince you otherwise.

Steps To Starting A Simple Online Business

First, I assume that you already have access to internet. After-all, without internet access, you won’t be reading this except you’re reading a printed copy, in that case, you need to consult a relative or friend that has access to the internet. Okay, you need just three things:

1. A website – A domain name or URL that people can type into a web browser and get to you.

2. An E-mail – An electronic mail box where people can send messages to.

3. A quality product or service to market – Something that has VALUE. Anything offered to meet a NEED! The need can be physical, emotional, or even imaginary. A visitor is the one that determines his or her need. It is your job to either satisfy the need or provide relevant information on how it can be satisfied.

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