Hello All,
I hold a Masters in GIS from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1997) and have worked on GIS projects in Nigeria ever since.
My transition to Opensource software (operating systems, Server, Desktop and Web) began about 5 years ago. Over time I have acquired most of the basic skills required for Opensource (java, python, _javascript_, html5, CSS etc) and have become an Opensource advocate of some sort (in public and private sectors in Nigeria).
I have a group of people that we have held informal meetings and we are passionate about Open Source software, GIS, and our part of the world. We have people from all walks of life - academia, government and business.
We have decided to set-up a Local OSGeo Chapter to assist our current drive of increasing FOSS4G and Opensource awareness in Nigeria.
I have looked at the guidelines, OSGeo mission and according to http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Local_Chapters/Starting a page has been set-up at http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/User_talk:Ayolagos
To grow our potential user base, we want to adopt the Ubuntu Linux model of distributing CDs/Flash drives with FOSS4G videos and software to interested people and organisations across our country. These costs will be borne by us. We would like to put the OSGeo logo on all these items.
A training facility in Lagos Island, Lagos has given us access to one of their training rooms that can seat 50 people. The room has all the facilities required for workshops and trainings. This will form our Lagos base for now while we will look for other facilities in other parts of the country as we move along. We intend to start monthly workshops within the next 6 weeks. We intend to have movable banners at all our events, and would like to put OSGEO logo on these banners.
We also have a couple of businesses (including our company) who have pledged at least 2 PCs in each of our offices which we will encourage potential users to come to use for specified periods, to mitigate the issue of users not having access to an internet facing computer. These will be managed by a booking system so we do not disturb the commercial activities of these businesses.
We have started discussing with 5 Universities across Nigeria (as a start) about including Opensource and FOSS4G courses in their related departments. We actually found one university already using QGIS!. Introduction letters have been requested from these organisations and we would like to use the OSGeo logo as part of these letters.
We have started development of a website and still working on the most suitable domain name. Suggestions are welcome so we are in line with OSGeo best practises. We will also like to put the OSGeo logo on the website.
We would also like a mailing list set-up so we can start holding conversations outside of this main list.
I joined this list around January this year and have been reading the posts to get a proper feel of how things are done. I realise that there will be other Nigeria residents here and use this as a reach out for them to join us and participate, since we are looking for more members to follow through on specific sectors based on the OSGeo mission and ours as well.
I also solicit any support and assistance that can make our mission easier to achieve.
Thank you.
Regards
Ayo Akinseye
_______________________________________________ Discuss mailing list Discuss@lists.osgeo.org http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
