In this chat with our Group Executive Editor, REMMY NWEKE, the initiator of FreeStuffNG, Mr. Ayowale Ojo shares why they are encouraging Nigerians to exchange stuffs they are no longer using online as a way of contributing to sustainable development via recycling in the era of technology.
Excerpt:
Let’s meet you?
I am Ayowale Ojo, Project initiator and team lead –
Freestuff Nigeria Initiative.
What is FreeStuffNG?
FreestuffNG stands for Freestuff Nigeria. It is an
ICT4Development project poised at promoting the recycling (reuse) of books, cloths,
accessories, electronics, furniture etc. The website www.freestuffng.com
provides a platform where people can give away new or used things and people
that are in need of them can contact them to collect the items free of charge.
Why FreeStuffNG?
On the one hand, as our societies develop, the divide
between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots ’ is on an unstoppable increase. The haves
most times want to give, but they are very busy to go around looking for who
needs what they do not need anymore.
On the other hand, with growth in the
Go-green campaign, there is a need for reuse and recycling of materials, most
importantly in developing countries like Nigeria. Hence, FreestuffNG wants to
contribute to solving some of these challenges.
How does it work?
To give away, go to our website, login (or create account
if you are a new user and login), use the “Post Ads” button on the User Menu
and fill out the form. It takes less than 2 minutes, even on mobile.
To collect: Go to our website, login (or create account
if you are a new user and login), view details of any item of interest to you
and use the “REPLY” button above the item to discuss how you can collect item
from the giver free of charge.
Why using technology like the Internet to encourage
recycling initiative?
As the number of Internet users in Nigeria has risen from
200,000 in the year 2000 to more than 50 million and growing now, there is no
better tool to push a novel idea in Nigeria.
Can we have an idea of how many Nigerians have conducted
transactions successfully via FreeStuffNG?
In the first month of operations of the website, we had
over 50 registered Partners, 25 give-away posts, about 268 likes, and over 40
twitter followers. This goes to show that it is a welcome development; despite
the low publicity. I may not readily be able to give an exact figure at the
moment for the number of conducted transactions.
How long does it averagely take to conclude a deal on
FreeStuffNG?
Conclusion of deals depends on the arrangements between
the giver and the collector; but can be as short as one day.
Do you operate a storage facility to aid the initiative?
At the moment, we do not have a storage facility or
location, as we expect people to connect with one another and give away items
or collect. But, with the demands of some registered members, we will be coming
up with storage facilities in some cities in the future.
I can see you are expanding into other states, give us
some figures how many states FreeStuffNG is now accessible kind of?
As it is internet based, anyone can post from any state
of the federation. Every state can access it, but at the moment, people have
posted things from about 8 states.
What are the challenges?
Getting Nigerians to believe “free of charge” exists;
cost of running a not-money-involved venture; and energy.
Have you heard any trust-related case and how was it
resolved?
Yes, most people complain of not willing to give because
they cannot imagine a stranger coming to their doorstep to pick up stuffs. But
we strongly advise people not to post their full address, but area (Ogba,
Surulere etc). Also, we advise them to arrange a neutral location to meet the
person or people collecting, not their homes.
Where do you see FreeStuffNG by 2015?
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| Ayo Ojo, founder of FreeStuffNG |
I see FreestuffNG being used by people from all over the country
to give away things they do not need again and save others the cost of buying
the same.
Was FreeStuffNG solely Nigerian initiative or is it
operational in other climes?
FreestuffNG is solely a Nigerian Initiative but with
potentials of expanding to other countries in months and years to come.
Where is the money in this FreeStuffNG, at least for
sustenance of the project?
For now it is not-for-profit, but possibly in the future,
there may be income from adverts. It is solely funded by personal and individual
donations.
Advise to the people and Nigerians on recycling and how
technology is aiding that?
There are several sides to recycling, and the
opportunities abound to undertake projects that will change lives. With the
growing new world of ICT in Nigeria, there are possibilities of cost-cutting
publicity; excellent collaboration with people from all walks of life; and so
on. I encourage people to contribute in any way they can.
Any other comments?
To all Nigerians, use FreestuffNG to give away your new
or used stuff. People need things you have been keeping in your store for some
time without using. The money you will save them will be used to buy something
else. So, why not give away today and join in building our nation; instead of
complaining and expecting the government to solve every problem.
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