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To aid technology uptake among non-profit/government organizations (NGOs), Microsoft has announced plans to empower 1000 Nigerian NGOs with the requisite technology to allow them access more creative ways in bringing solutions to the numerous challenges that plague humanity.
This was made known at Microsoft Technology for Good (Tech4Good) event that held recently at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos. According to Microsoft, the Tech4Good programme is borne out of the need to empower every non-profit to achieve more, bearing in mind the limited resources non-profits around the globe have and difficult decisions they have to make between investing in IT infrastructure and investing in programmes to support the communities that they serve.
The computer giant also announced at the event that it will be giving $5,000 worth of Microsoft Azure cloud credit to registered NGOs in Nigeria, and organise a Cloud Immersion Experience session on how to use all the services and products donated.
With over 80 Non-profits in attendance at the event, the Philanthropies Lead for Microsoft Nigeria, Olusola Amusan while speaking noted that Microsoft is investing assets to drive greater inclusion and empowerment of people who do not have access to technology and the opportunities it offers.
“Microsoft has built a foundation of giving and seeking new ways to achieve greater outcomes for a broader segment of the world’s population for over 30 years. In Nigeria, through our software donation programme, we have donated over $2 million of software in the past five years with over $500,000 in the past year alone. In cash grants, we have donated more than $500,000 for youth related projects and NGO events. Over the next two years we want to give access to 1,000 NGOs in Nigeria,” said Amusan.
“Last year, Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, announced that Microsoft would donate $1 billion in cloud computing resources over the next three years to serve 70,000 non-profit and non-government organisations worldwide. The motive is that at Microsoft, we consider philanthropy as a very important aspect of our operation. Businesses, governments, and NGOs are expected to come together to harness the cloud for the public good, and ensure that the benefits of technology are shared as widely as possible,” he added.
Also, the Director of Programs at Paradigm Initiative, Tope Ogundipe while speaking explained to participants the importance of making excellent use of technological tools to enhance productivity as a non- profit organization.
“The importance of having a coherent social media communication strategy cannot be overemphasized. It is important for non-profits to communicate regularly with the public in a way that appeals to people’s emotion and spur them to action,” she said.
