A well known Nigerian philanthropist (who does not want his name mentioned) has provided N50m funding for a 10% subsidy of 5, 000 Zinox Computers for workers and students. The highly esteemed but modest Nigerian said that he was providing the subsidy for three main reasons - he wanted to identify with the tireless efforts of the Computerize Nigeria Project, CNP, to empower various segments of the Nigerian society with affordable systems; and to enhance nation wide access to IT products as we strive to reduce the digital divide between Nigeria and the developed world. Coming from a resourceful background, he believes that only a knowledge based economy would deliver the manifest destiny of Nigeria.
The distinguished Nigerian, who made a career defending Nigeria, further, explained that his intervention was spurred by the fact that the CNP has embarked on numerous schemes designed to demystify and continually bring down the prices of computers. He noted that the far reaching vision of Z-SCOP, the Zinox Students Computer Ownership Project, the newest of these schemes, forced him to realize that no single individual or government can adequately provide the IT needs of the educational sector. He said that the human capacity needs of this nation require consistent and systematic interventions. He was channeling his contributions through the CNP because the NGO had been consistent over the years and offered him a credible platform to contribute his quota. He said that his donation of N50m was direct gift to students and workers to enable them take advantage of the opportunities offered by Information Technology and help achieve the technology skills necessary for the attainment of the objectives of FSS 2020. The exemplary philanthropist revealed that he had been talking to the CNP for over 6 months but that the agreement was finally wrapped up during the Christmas holidays.
These details were confirmed at the weekend by the CEO, of the Computerize Nigeria Project, CNP, Mrs. Vivian Abii. She confirmed that the CNP entered into an agreement, with very strong conditionalities, with the philanthropist during the Christmas holidays. Mrs. Abii reported that by the terms of the agreement the CNP must not sell the systems, laptops and Power PCs, above the agreed prices. The CNP must provide original Microsoft Operating systems and complementary educational software for homes and schools. All the laptops must have theft tracker and a shock proof executive carry bag. All the systems must be sold at the same price nation wide. In terms of support, all the systems must have a 3-year warranty; 1st year - comprehensive, 2nd year - free labor, 3rd year - free labor.
The CNP Boss revealed that the prices for individual products under this agreement would be publicized. She however warned that these prices would apply to only students and workers who pay in one lump sum. The agreement translates, she explained, to an additional 10% discount on existing offers. For example, customers who buy under Z-SCOP would have a 10% discount added to the discounts already guaranteed by Z-SCOP, provided the pay in one lump sum. The discounts accruing from this agreement would not be available to people who buy under the installment payment plan and corporate sales prices.
Mrs. Vivian Abii assured that the CNP has put in place a proactive delivery strategy to ensure that orders are delivered within hours, no matter the bulk, and no matter the part of Nigeria. In praising the generosity of the philanthropist, Mrs. Abii said that it was heart warming that the humble efforts of the CNP were being noticed and encouraged. She called on all governments of the federation, corporate persons and well meaning individuals to emulate the example of this outstanding philanthropist. She also informed that patrons or donors may decide to have their names publicized or immortalized by the interventions that they put in place. They may also use such interventions for corporate branding.
The computerize Nigeria Project is an NGO registered by law for the purpose of creating awareness for, and achieving the adoption of, the computer as a major tool for work and play. The CNP has over the years passed huge discounts and subsidies to consumers through many marketing sales programmes culminating in a partnership with many Workers Cooperatives, work forces, homes and small offices. The CNP was recently commissioned by the Federal Government to computerize all Federal universities in collaboration with Afrihub.
