Lagos – Microsoft Nigeria and Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) are preparing to host the Microsoft NGO Connection Day Nigeria 2011 in Abuja on June 15 and 16, 2011. The two day networking and information-sharing event will bring together non-profit organisations from across the country to join an interactive ICT capacity-building program which enables participants to learn more about Microsoft’s technologies and opportunities for non-profit organisations.

“Nigeria’s non-profit institutions play a significant role in Nigeria’s communities as they connect citizens with diverse services that they would otherwise have had no access to,” explained Paradigm Initiative Nigeria’s Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan. “Many of these NGOs work in rural areas or with underserved groups that could benefit by employing the use of ICT tools. Building on Microsoft’s support to NGOs around the world, the Microsoft NGO Connection Day Nigeria 2011 will help fill a huge gap that will improve organizational efficiency while also helping many non-profits save cost. ”

The Microsoft NGO Connection Day will feature training sessions and technical demonstrations of Microsoft products, whilst giving participants the opportunity to network with relevant institutions. Participants at the 2009 edition of the NGO Connection Day which was held in Lagos said that the event gave them the opportunity to discuss technology use in their work, learn more about relevant technology tools and establish a faster online presence that helped make information regarding their services available to a broader audience.

“We know that access to technology alone is not enough. That’s why we’re committed to supporting NGO’s by increasing access to IT services, solutions, and training to help them use technology to expand their reach, improve their services, and accelerate their impact,” said Emmanuel Onyeje, General Manager Microsoft Anglophone West Africa.

The main highlight of the event this year is the Tech4Dev Award which is an award to the NGO that demonstrates the best use of technology in their development work. The award will be competed for during the 2-day event. The Tech4Dev Award is open to all NGOs participating in the event and the winner of the Tech4Dev Award will be announced at the closing ceremony.