Internet Plans N1m Reward For Job Initiative Winners

The President of Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Mr Bayo Banjo, on Tuesday said that the group would give N1 million to each winner of the Internet For Jobs (I4J) Initiative.

He told newsmen  in Lagos that the I4J initiative was designed to transform Nigeria into an ICT society where businesses and government services would be conducted online.

Banjo said that the initiative would provide opportunities for easier Internet access to vast majority of Nigerians.

He said that the  initiative would identify youths who had developed online portals and applications that were both innovative and addressed critical areas of need.

“Every year, the NIG gives out grants to young and innovative IT entrepreneurs who have built web-based solutions that have potentials of creating jobs,” he said.

According to him, the winners will undergo rigorous entrepreneurial training and extensive mentoring.

“A close monitoring process has been put in place to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and with the core focus of growing the business,’’ the NIG president said.

Banjo said that a dedicated mentor would be assigned to every grant recipient  to guide them on the path of success and job creation.

The NIG I4J Competition & Investors Round Table, where winners will be selected, will come up on April 25.

The objectives of the initiative include creating Internet entrepreneurs, positively engaging Nigerian youths, bridging the digital divide and creating local Internet content and internet-based jobs.