WikiIndaba conference 2019/Conference Guide

WIKI INDABA 2019	Program	Attend	Location	Fringe Events	Logistics	Contact	Documentation
	Submissions Program Questions & Needs	Registration Information Scholarships Participants' List Friendly Space Policy	Conference Venue and Hotel	Social Events Meetups	Travel Information and Visa Assistance Conference Guide	WikiIndaba 2019 team	Documentation Report

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria located in the centre of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It is known for being one of the few purpose-built capital cities in Africa, as well as being one of the wealthiest. Abuja's skyline is shaped by Aso Rock, an enormous monolith which rises up behind the Presidential Complex (Aso Villa), housing residence and offices of the Nigerian president. Nearby are the National Assembly and the Supreme Court of Nigeria. According to the United Nations, Abuja grew by 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest growing city in the world. As of 2015, the city was experiencing an annual growth of at least 35%, retaining its position as the fastest-growing city on the African continent and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. As at 2016, the metropolitan area of Abuja was estimated at six million persons, placing it in the top 5 most populous metro areas in Nigeria.

Preparing for your trip

Weather in Abuja

Average daytime temperatures in November are about 25–30 °C, although peaks of up to 32 °C are also common. The sun is typically expected to shine during day time and there's generally high humidity (60% - 70%). Rains are very rare in November, but the chances are not ruled out either. The sun usually rises at about 06:18 and sets at 18:15.

Money

Nigeria’s currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN, ₦). Please consider that you can only pay with naira in Nigeria and that you will have to change money at an FX exchange shop or use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to withdraw naira. There are currency exchange offices and ATMs (mainly Visa and MasterCard) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), and also at different points in the city. ATMs especially, are readily available across the city. Moreover; most shops, restaurants, supermarkets, malls, hotels and other modern vendors would accept credit/debit cards (mainly Visa and Mastercard).

Please note that if you intend to use your card for payment or to withdraw at ATMs in Nigeria, notify your banking institution well in advance to expect and allow such payments. If your banking institution is based outside of Africa, we still advise that you bring enough cash with you, as some countries (notably, the United States) are notorious for rejecting charges originating from Nigeria.

Internet access

Free WiFi is not very common in public places. Hence, you would need to get a local SIM card, if you need to move outside of the conference hotel alone, in order to stay connected. All mobile SIM cards in Nigeria use 4G internet and are typically fast enough for heavy usage, even when connected to your PC.

If you'd need a local SIM card, please notify one of the local organizers (listed at the bottom of this page) as soon as you land in Abuja, as you would need to get registered at a service point before phone services can be activated on a new SIM card. Activation typically takes up to 24 hours after registration.

Electricity access

Nigeria's electrical plug (type G)

In Nigeria, plug type D (which has three round pins in a triangular pattern) and G (which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) are used, with the latter plug type being the most widely used across the country, and most probably the only type of plug you would encounter during your stay. Nigeria operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Please bring your adapter if needed! While in Nigeria, adapters are readily available for cheap prices, at street electronic shops. Please note that adaptors do not convert the electrical rating. You’d need an electricity transformer, if you have devices that are incompatible with the electrical rating.

Nigerians

English language is the official language in Nigeria. Hence, most Nigerians in urban areas speak good English and are generally helpful. However, if you ever find a need to ask for help or directions, walk to the nearest public building (banks, hotels, restaurants, etc) and speak to someone in uniform (typically, the security official at the entrance). Do avoid seeking help from strangers on the streets.

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Get in

For international travellers, the only advisable way to get into Abuja is by air. For participants travelling from within Nigeria, there are other options, such as the interstate buses, or the intercity trains. For participants attending from neighbouring countries, it is possible to get to Abuja on a bus, but this can really be a long and tedious journey. All WikiIndaba international scholarship recipients are scheduled to arrive Abuja by airplane.

By Plane

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (IATA: ABV, ICAO: DNAA) is an international airport serving Abuja, and the entire Federal Capital Territory. It is the main airport serving the Nigerian capital city and was named after Nigeria's first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe. The airport is approximately 40 kilometres west of Abuja city centre, and has an international and a domestic terminal.

Getting around

Airport transfer

Airport Pickup by the Wikimedia Nigeria team (highly recommended)

The logistics team has arranged for an official pickup service to get all conference participants from the airport to the conference hotel. Upon your arrival, at the exit of the airport, you would spot the person(s) picking you up. This person would have a poster that reads "Wiki Indaba 2019", as well as a plastic badge that reads Wiki Indaba Volunteer with their names clearly written on the badge. To ensure your safety and convenience, make sure to use this pickup service for your transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Taxi

There are several taxi services operating from within the airport. You can book for a taxi at the taxi desk in the airport building. Taxi fare should cost around ₦5,000 - ₦8,000 to the city centre. Do not oblige any taxi driver who approaches you outside the airport building. These are unofficial services and their quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.

Abuja Metro

If you wish to take the train, head over to the Abuja airport train station, using the directions at the airport exit terminal. You can also ask an airport official in uniform to guide you about this. At the airport station, buy a train ticket to the Abuja Metro station which costs ₦1,000. After getting down from the train at the metro station, flag down a city taxi to Nicon Luxury Hotel. This distance should cost ₦500. You are allowed to bargain prices with taxi drivers.

Ride hailing services

Uber and Bolt, along with other local ride-hailing services are available in Abuja and can be used to get to the hotel from the airport. However, please note that ride-hailing drivers are sometimes harassed by taxi unions situated at the airport, therefore the driver may ask you to meet them at a different pick-up point. For this reason, we strongly advise against using these services from the airport, if you are not Nigerian. However, they can be used when leaving the hotel to the airport and for other transportation needs within Abuja.

Public transportation

Abuja operates a relatively well connected and convenient transportation options. There is the Abuja Urban Mass Transit buses and the green-coloured taxis, which are both the dominant means of transportation in Abuja. However, public transportation systems in Nigeria are not tourist friendly due to the lack of signage and useful directions. Therefore, we strongly advise that you go with a local, whenever you need to leave the conference venue or split out of a group movement. In the absence of a local, the next best option is to use ride-hailing services (such as Uber, Bolt, etc), since these allow you to state your destinations. We also recommend that you share your trip details with a local organizer when exploring on your own.

Health

The host hotel has a first aid room where minor injuries will be treated. Issues that cannot be treated here will be escalated to a city hospital. In case you need to see a doctor, please speak with any of the Local Organizing members listed at the bottom of this page.

Security

The safety of all participants at Wiki Indaba is a priority to the Wikimedia Community. While Abuja is a moderately safe city and we do not anticipate any security incident during the conference, the local organizing team has made provisions for utmost security, throughout the duration of the conference and the social events. We have also arranged for extra police protection at the conference hotel and social event venues. However, we still advise that you take usual precautions needed in a foreign city. For example; do not leave personal items unattended; do not move around with too much cash than needed; if possible, try to get a local to join you whenever you are going outside of group tours.

Safety of LGBTQ participants

WikiIndaba Conference is a global conference and we welcome participation from every community member, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. However, there are certain precautions that should be taken by LGBTQ visitors to Nigeria. Nigeria does not allow or recognise LGBT rights. Same-sex marriage is illegal in Nigeria, with the maximum punishment being 14 years' imprisonment within the FCT, where Abuja is located. While there is no specific law against identifying as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender, it is important to note that the prevalent behaviour within the Nigerian society is disapproving/homophobic and there is no legal protection against discrimination. Hence, it is advisable to stay out of discussions which may lead to having to out yourself in public. Keeping these precautions in mind, we trust for you not to have any incidents in Abuja. Read more on Wikipedia...

What to do in Abuja

Please also check out organized tours listed at Conference Social Events..

Abuja, which is the capital city of Nigeria and seat of Government is known for its leisurely pace, boasting of parks, rock outcrops, craft centres, traditional activities, spicy local dishes, and wide freeways. You can spend time exploring the different tourist points in the main administrative districts of Abuja Municipal (Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Maitama and Central Business District); You also have the choice of visiting and exploring the outskirts points and hinterlands to commune with the indigenous inhabitants of Abuja, the Gbagyi (Gwari) people.

Tour Sites

• Abuja Arts and Craft Village

Located behind the Musa Yar’adua Centre, Central Business District, this village is open from 8 am to late daily. This is one of the wonderful places where visitors can see and buy some of Nigeria’s arts and crafts that represent the country’s culture. The art shops are thatch-roofed huts with walls made from red earth (clay). The art ranges from small sculpted “warrior and horse” statuettes, beaded necklaces and bracelets, African traditional masks, leather bags and clothes. Food and drink stalls are also available.

• Nike Art Village

This village is situated on the Airport Road in Lugbe – a 10 min. drive from Nicon Luxury Hotel. It is open from 8am to 7pm daily. (website: www.nikeart.com). Nike Art has 4 branches: Ogidi, Lagos, Oshogbo, and Abuja – being the newest. The Abuja village consist of stone statues, carvings and huts with animal shaped roofs. There is an outdoor exhibition space or artists and teachers who live on site, and the display of colourful batiks fusing traditional and contemporary styles. During the week there are workshops in African dancing and drumming, as well as the availability to sign up for individual tailored art classes. Tours are offered to the various Nike Villages, as well as other museums and galleries.

• Thought Art Pyramid Art Gallery

Thought Art Pyramid Art Gallery is located at 62 Parakou Crescent, Wuse II. The gallery opens from 8am to 8pm.

• Bwari Pottery Village

Located next to the Nigerian Law School, Old Suleja Road, Bwari. Opened from 8am to 6pm daily. The fantastic design of a palm-thatched roofs and arrowhead-shaped windows and a studio being laid out like a gallery, attracts visitors to this village. The main activity is the, training of new generation of potters to encourage creativity and cultural exchange to the newest enterprises. Has a shop that produces variety of items, from pitchers and vases to casserole dishes, teapots and decorative lanterns.

• The Yar’Adua Centre

The Yar’Adua Centre is run by the The Yar’Adua Foundation. Located on One Memorial Drive Central Business District, Opposite Sheraton Hotel and Towers. This foundation was built in memory of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua. The Yar’adua Foundation has a lot of facilities which ranges from libraries, a centre with both conference facilities and a shop to buy gift items, organized programmes such as charity projects, Yar’adua Merit Scholars etc, exhibition halls, and above all the Late President’s speeches, photographs and biography. One of the highlights of the centre is a bridge which stops halfway. This bridge signifies the life of the former leader, cut short at his prime. For more information visit: www.yaraduacentre.org.

• National Christian Centre

Located also at the Independence Avenue, Central Business District, the National Christian Centre (also known as the Nigerian Ecumenical Centre) has a great masterpiece of a glinting copper-coloured roof, with pivotal arches, huge organ, and a choir rehearsal room. It also has a marble central altar floor which completes a rotation every ten minutes. This Centre has an 8,000 congregational capacity, with tours at non-prayer times.

• National Mosque

This building is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Abuja. It is located opposite to the National Christian Centre on the Independence Avenue, in the Central Business District, which is found southward to the ring-road. It was built in 1984 and stands out with its huge gold dome and four tall minarets. The mosque is open to non-muslims during non-prayer times, and in it there is a library and conference room.

Food

Here is a list of some major restaurant chains and food places, where you can have different dishes which appeal to your taste buds.

• Nkoyo – Nigerian, Continental
• Charcoal Grill – Nigerian
• Jevinik – Nigerian
• BluCabana - Nigerian, Mediterranean, Lebanese, Asian
• Argungu – Nigerian, Indian
• The Garden – Nigerian, Italian
• Nile Place – Nigerian, Mediterranean
• Cantina – Italian
• La Taverna – Spanish, Chilean
• The Mexican Diner – Mexican
• Coco Café – Mediterranean, Lebanese
• Wakkis – Indian
• Masala Wahala – Indian
• Sawadee – Thai
• Chopsticks – Chinese
• Woks and Koi – Chinese
• Serendib – Sri Lankan, Indian
• Al Basha – Lebanese
• Johnny Rockets - American BBQ, Burgers
• Dominos and Coldstone - Pizzas and Ice Cream

Cafés

• Salamander Café
• Saffron Café
• Classic Rock Café
• Café at Dunes
• Café De Vie

Movie theatres

Want to experience the Nigerian cinema experience? Here are some major film houses near Nicon Luxury Hotel

• Silverbird Cinemas, Jabi Lake Mall
• Silverbird Cinema, Cedi Plaza
• Silverbird Entertainment Centre
• Genesis Deluxe Cinema

Emergency

In case of any emergencies, please dial the Nigerian emergency code (112) on any mobile phone. More importantly, also inform any member of the local organizing committee of your emergency.

Local Organizing Committee

• Shola Olaniyan: Chair , Local Organizing Committee
• Isaac Olatunde: Chair, Scholarship Committee
• Sam Oyeyele: Chair, Programs Committee
• Runcie Chidebe: Chair, Logistics Team
• Kayode Yussuf: Chair, Communications Team and Support, Logistics Team

Social Communication Channels

• A telegram group has been created for the participants of Wiki Indaba 2019. Please click on this link to join: https://t.me/joinchat/IvVVoxLyJfkJrBCSwjLn-Q
• Facebook https://web.facebook.com/Wikiindaba/
• Twitter https://twitter.com/wikiindaba

• Hashtag: We will use #WikiIndaba2019 on all social media posts. Also please copy @WikiIndaba and @Wikimedia on your posts.
• Please share your photos on social media using the above listed hashtags. We are happy to see your smiley faces as you meet new friends catch up with old colleagues.