In the last few days, the #lightupnigeria campaign has gathered a huge following in the Nigerian blogosphere. The current momentum has centred around using the hashtag #lightupnigeria on Twitter. The idea is to get #lightupnigeria to be a trending topics on Twitter.
edundayo: @agegelabs Looks like you haven’t join #lightupnigeria. Join and let’s all make a change in Nigeria..#lightupnigeria
As I read Nneoma’s review on NigeriansTalk, I couldn’t help but think this was Phase I: getting #lightupNigeria on the agenda and making the Nigerian government realise how frustrated the youths are with all the empty manifesto promises on power generation.
What next? Phase II: The Youths making a difference through constructive collaboration. Essentially creating a forum/platform to bring people and ideas together. Here are my initial thoughts:
- Form a small working group to brainstorm on how to move the project forward
- Collect information on technologies available in Nigeria for power generation (focusing on alternative energy sources). I’m sure some individuals will have come up with innovative solutions out of frustration.
- Currently lightupnigeria.com redirects to twitter search page for hashtag #lightupNigeria. Add a blog to showcase innovative solutions coming out of Nigeria or solutions that can be tailored to the country.
- Attend the 2009 Maker Faire Africa in Ghana next month.
- As Emeka Okafor suggested, organise local events to educate people about alternative technologies and showcase what other communities are using “light up”. Focus on DIY energy sources which can be implemented easily and at low cost to the communities.
- Solar energy seems like the obvious one to chase and Barefoot College is a great community example to follow. I will blog about Barefoot College some other day.
I know I’m probably jumping ahead of the #lightupnigeria project. I wanted to get my thoughts down ;)
Other blogs and resources on #lightupnigeria
The Real Archiwiz – great illustrations. The blog is handwritten!
Global Voices – good summary of what is going on in the Blogsphere and twitter
Adebayo – Learn about how to join the campaign
DFID on Nigeria Power Sector – Interesting case study
Nigerian Curiosity – Detailed post on #lightupnigeria and how to move forward
Photo credit: Pyoo Wata
Nice post. From the little I have gathered, there are definite aspirations to take the initiative further. I definitely congratulate everyone who is participating in it to some extent or the other. For anything to change in Naija, it will take all hands on deck, everyone doing a little bit. There is power in numbers, and since the majority tend to be the victims of bad government, corruption and greed, that same majority has to put its foot down to change the status quo. Have decided to wait until Monday/I learn more from organizers before publicly discussing this initiative. But, will let you know when I do, for your thoughts/advice.
Take care!
— solomonsydelle · 19 July 2009, 13:18 · #
I like your ideas, they are very thoughtful, creative and sure to bring the desired results for the #lightupnigeria campaign.
In between, thanks for the mention and the follow on Gatorpeeps; I got here from there.
— Dayo Edunjobi · 20 July 2009, 12:41 · #
Nicely written and great ideas. The lightupnigeria campaign really needs to be taken to the next level.
— Beeba · 20 July 2009, 13:10 · #
Nigerian managers have a way of complicating matters…
Has anyone wondered why we need to run gas-lines thousands of mile from source to feed gas powered plants? Why not build power plant at source and transmit to where needed?
Permit me to add some of the comments on my blog here, highlighting some of the questionable logic/problems:
1. A national grid mentality is what I think is the problem. Power consumption is local, so having a national approach is simply off the mark!
2. …if what we’ve read in the dailies are true, Nigeria future gas supplies have been sold already. Until we can generate more gas locally (a difficult venture given the Niger delta conflict), most gas-fired plants will remain quiet.
3. Given the need for power in Nigeria and its 140 million people strong economy, I don’t see why investors are not falling over themselves to get a piece of the action! The govt needs to do a better job at getting private participation.
— imnakoya · 20 July 2009, 18:35 · #
It’s a great post, you really are a good writer! I’m so glad someone like you have the time, efforts and dedication writing, for this kind of article…
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— John decruze · 30 October 2009, 10:47 · #