THE NIGERIA I SEE: PSIFON Org

Patrick Ndifon is a Tech Entrepreneur, Youth Mentor, Web Developer, and Computer Scientist. He is passionate about helping people understand and leverage technology for their benefit. He is the Co-Founder with David Essien and current Managing Director at PSIFON Org. – a tech non-profit focused on building and sustaining engaging environments that inspire, support and grow innovations in the business and technology space. Patrick has founded and co-founded several tech-enabled businesses such as AfroPexels – a stock photography company, BadagriOnline – an e-commerce service and NerdySwagz – a geek fashion brand. He has also mentored several hundred young persons in Leadership, Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.

TNIS: What drives the Work you do? Patrick: First and foremost, I am a builder, I love to build things, I love to build people. In 2016, I discovered that there existed plenty of opportunities in the ICT sector from jobs to potentially profitable ideas - the tech space was the place to be. Sadly, I also discovered that many people are not skilled enough to take advantage of the available job opportunities, nor are they knowledgeable enough about technology to harness it to build lucrative ideas/businesses. So, I decided that I will help bridge this knowledge and skill gap. Seeing that I love to build things, and people, this became easy to do.

TNIS: Can you quantify/qualify the impact of your work so far? Patrick: At PSIFON Org, we have built over 5 start-ups, some of which have received funding of more than half a million naira. We have trained over 1000 persons in Leadership, Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, this was achievable through collaborative efforts with other organizations. We are currently engaging over 300 persons both online and offline with resources, programs, and activities that will equip them with relevant 21st-century skills and also build their experience. The network of experts supporting our work has grown from two to more than 20 in the last 2 years. We intend to continue to grow and expand our influence and impact across the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.

TNIS: What challenges have you had to overcome in the course of your project/work? Patrick: I think finance is a challenge for everyone, especially when there is so much to be done, but God always came through. Also, building a team around a vision that one has is a battle that can only be won through patience, perseverance, and deep understanding. Lastly, I have had to overcome procrastination in order to accomplish many things, this one for me was crucial.

TNIS: Where do you see this work in the next 5-10 years? Patrick: In the next 5 - 10 years, PSIFON Org. will carry out active engagements in the 36 states of Nigeria, but will be headquartered in Calabar, Cross River state. We would have 5 innovation hubs across major cities in the Niger -Delta region and will be actively engaging over 1 million persons through our various programs and activities. In the next 10 years PSIFON Org. will be actively involved with government to create policies that will benefit the Nigerian ecosystem. We will be at the forefront of the quest for building profitable and sustainable ecosystems that inspire, birth and support business and tech innovations as well as human capacity development.

TNIS: What is the single most daunting challenge Nigeria faces in your sector? Patrick: I feel that there is very little understanding on the part of the government regarding the role of the tech industry in Nigeria. Poor infrastructure and misaligned policies are reasons for delayed advancement within the industry. Tech has massive potential in Nigeria, but if not properly supported by the government, it will be of no value to the economy.

TNIS: What policy changes would you like to see in your sector? Patrick: I would like to see policies that will make operating a technology-enabled business in Nigeria less dreadful. I will like to see policies that favour technology education, and advanced research and development. The government should collaborate deliberately and more often with the private sector to foster growth and innovation within the sector.

TNIS: What is the Nigeria you see? Patrick: I see a Nigeria that has a fully developed and advanced infrastructure. I see a Nigeria with a strong economic base. I see a Nigeria where the internal systems and processes of government are working efficiently and effectively.

TNIS: How will your work help achieve that? Patrick: Technology will play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s future. We’ve already begun to employ it in our electoral processes, and other critical decision areas. By raising tech sensitive leaders who are focused on delivering value, I am ensuring that the future of Nigeria will rest in capable hands – people who through exposure and experience will be able to leverage technology to add value to the country.

TNIS: Encouraging word to the young folk… Patrick: Believe in yourself. If I could equate the potential that lies in any single person, I would equate it to the sun – you are that powerful. Believe in you, be excellent, never stop learning, and wherever you find yourself, add value.

TNIS: Recommended books? Patrick: Start-Up Nation by Dan Senor and Saul Singer; How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie TNIS: Thank you for your time. To our readers, check out PSIFON  Org on Facebook and Instagram. See you next time! Don't stop believing!