AUTHOR: JACOBS AJAYI
Akiola, an 18 year old boy was filled with verve and energy during his primary school days and this led to his ambition of growing to become a computer savvy. In order to achieve his aims in life, he enrolled in an afternoon computer lesson where he was taught the basics of computer operation. After he graduated from the school, he started a blue collar job with a neighbor who goes to a construction work everyday. At the end of 3 months, Akiola was lucky to have raised enough money to acquire an average computer system which he needed to practice for his desired course.
Despite the urge from his family to stop working on the system, he still continued his search for knowledge while the illiterate father said he would disown him because all he knew about computer was yahoo! Yahoo! and fraud.
On a particular afternoon, Akiola went to a popular computer accessory market in Lagos to purchase some softwares in graphics and dabatabase. Immediately after the purchase, he ran into the hands of law enforcement agencies who were on rampage against piracy and illegal distribution of softwares. The software Akiola bought for $1 should in a real sense cost $500.
Akiola was charged to court for possession of pirated softwares and would serve as a scape goat for others. Nobody came to bail him because the family said to before warned is to before armed, and the government said he would serve as deterrent to others.
Akiola would be going to court in the next couple of days, who should be blamed for his predicament? because he vowed never to come near the computer again.
Is it the government of the country?
Is it the sellers of pirated softwares?
Is it the family?
Is it Akiola himself? Or should he as a student have searched for N50,000 to buy ordinary software? An amount that he would never get if he wanted to grow as a poor boyu.
We all look forward to whom should be blamed over his issue as he sojourn to court!
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5 comments
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August 6, 2007 at 8:32 am (UTC 1)
This is a 5 star story, it shows the decadence in our society. The boys father should be blamed for his predicament
August 6, 2007 at 8:38 am (UTC 1)
Good piece. Rate it 4. The child is a thief for buying counterfeit.
August 8, 2007 at 3:57 pm (UTC 1)
The Government for not spending enough on Education. The world is now in the information age, any self respecting country is making sure its citizens are computer literate. Also I am not aware of any publicity warning members of the public not to buy pirate. $500 to buy a simply sofeware is way beyond the means of an average Nigerian.
I will also blame the family for not supporting him.
August 8, 2007 at 6:20 pm (UTC 1)
all those involved should be blamed. a 5 star work showing what happens in our society
August 14, 2007 at 8:39 pm (UTC 1)
sad.
but you shouldnt throw out the baby with the bath water.
Maybe ‘m a little idealistic but Akinola should go back to that computer and who knows, create a cheaper software.
Would you forgive Akinola so easily if he broke into a Ms B’s house because he needed cash to go to school?
I think not.
Intellectual property is “property”.