Facebook CEO returned to Nigeria yesterday 2rd of September, 2016; to meet Nigeria's president Muhammadu Buhari. Mark Zuckerberg who already left for Kenya after visiting Lagos few days ago, but on friday he and his team returned to Nigeria to meet with Nigeria president Muhammadu Buhari.
Nigeria government welcomed Mark Zuckerberg yesterday into the Aso village, where he was to meet the Commander in chief of the Arm forces of the federation, President Buhari. About thirty ICT personnels and entrepreneurs, such as bloggers, Internet and online media actors, also met with the young internet business magnate. The visit has generated so much positive actions and reactions on the media. The Nigeria youths, including some of the Nigeria celebrities were so proud that Zuckerberg visited the country.
I am so glad that people like Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook Incorporated can visit African countries (Nigeria and Kenya) at this time. What a great motivation and inspiration! for Africa entrepreneurs, particularly those in the ICT business, especially, at this time where Nigeria is facing a lot of economy crisis and nothing seems to be working in the country. I also believe Mark Zuckerberg visit will serve as an eye-opener and wake up-call to a lot of youths in Africa who have failed to use the social media and other internet platforms to generate wealth that are meant to be tapped. The visit will also serve as an inspiration to those who have been using the social media like Facebook to empower themselves before now. Facebook community and other social media have helped online vendors and entrepreneurs advertised their goods and services thereby, connecting them to millions of people who need their services across the globe. Facebook has also serves as a global integration because it bring us together despite being at different locations on the planet. The world has become a global village through the social media, and Facebook especially has made people of different races to become close like families and friends.
Sometimes I ponder, and just swing in the ocean of my thinking. I have a lot of questions begging for answers, and my curiosity is driving me to a greater height, with the dream that is much more bigger than the imagination of the hope that awaits me. Has God not make everything beautiful in its own time? but yet he also placed ignorance in the hearts of men, so that man cannot imagine what God has planned, from the beginning to the end of their lives.
As for me, I continue to ponder, and thousands of questions are rolling in my mind, which I would had asked him if I was one of those that met him yesterday. I heard some people discussing and posting comments about Mark's simplicity and simple life style. More importantly, how he really feels about his status. As one of the richest man in America and with a good position on the ranks of World's Richest men, but yet, why is he not looking flamboyant or dress in luxuries like some of our black rich men do? All these were some of the questions, some young people in Nigeria are asking online.
Different people with different takes on his visit. Some were bothered on why his proposed visit wasn't announced. Some didn't care about that. All they know is that a messiah of technology has come and one or more problem must have been discussed and solution must be on the way with the support of Mark. While to others even though the visit has nothing to offer, at least it's sending a signal that the world in general appreciates and approves of this present government, as in the last one month, the Secretary to the government of United state visited Nigeria, just few weeks after the Fifa president visited.
As I conclude, Nigeria, is nothing to talk about in term of technology business because we lack the infrastructure, and proper knowledge from elementary school even to higher institution. The situation is even worsen by the fact that some intelligent or talented students have to drop out of school or ICT training institute due to financial problem or economy crisis as it is at the moment. Yet, I still believe Africa can produce great inventors, if only Africa leaders can utilize the country's resources well and become committed to youth empowerment and development, by putting in place good Infrastructure, that will enable her citizens to live in their realm of dream.
Mark Zuckerberg as come and gone, I pondered again on the hope that awaits the poor masses in an environment where the rich are getting richer and flaunting their wealth to oppress the poor masses. The mono economic which solely depend on oil has failed us this time, corruption has become the garments of government officials and our so called religion leaders have failed us surprisingly. So, if embracing Technology is what President Buhari has included in this diversification strategy to a new market of technology, it is really nice.
But deep lessons must be drawn from Mark's bravery, simple life style and timely contributions to the world. Such a wealth! Wealth that questions the wisdom of men.
Photo Credit: Mark Zuckerberg page.
