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!
