The Ekiti State Government, in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has commenced a specialised training programme aimed at certifying 100 youths as Data Protection Officers (DPOs), in a move to deepen digital governance capacity and create employment pathways within Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.
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The week-long intensive training, which began in Ado-Ekiti, is designed to equip participants with both technical expertise and regulatory knowledge required to operate effectively in data-sensitive environments across public and private institutions.
Speaking at the programme’s opening, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Kayode Fasae, described data as “the lifeblood of modern society,” stressing its central role in the operations of government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare providers and educational institutions.
Fasae explained that the initiative is structured to prepare participants for the responsibilities of certified DPOs, including ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, monitoring data processing activities, conducting compliance audits, managing data breaches, and advising organisations on privacy frameworks. He added that trained officers would also serve as liaison points between organisations and regulatory authorities.
He further noted that the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 represents a critical legal framework that not only safeguards citizens’ privacy rights but also unlocks economic opportunities within Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
“Expertise in breach response, compliance monitoring and regulatory frameworks will position participants to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital space,” Fasae stated.
According to him, the programme aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to develop a pool of highly skilled professionals capable of managing data governance challenges while strengthening accountability and public trust in digital systems.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner of NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, represented by Dr Tolulope Pius-Fadipe, reiterated that the commission serves as Nigeria’s principal authority for regulating personal data processing and ensuring adherence to global best practices.
Olatunji commended the Ekiti State Government for its proactive collaboration, noting that the initiative would empower youths with relevant digital skills and support job creation in the emerging data protection sector.
In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Olapeju Babafemi, represented by Permanent Secretary Olusola Adeluyi-Femi, urged participants to remain attentive and fully engaged throughout the training to acquire the competencies required to excel in the rapidly evolving data protection landscape.
