News
FG Kicks Off Youth Data Protection Training, Eyes 5,000 Trainees by December, One Million in a Year
By Joel Ajayi
In a decisive move to equip young Nigerians with vital digital skills and ensure the nation’s resilience in a data-driven age, the Federal Government has launched the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) programme at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
With the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth at the Frontline of Data Protection,” the initiative signals a renewed national commitment to safeguarding data privacy, expanding digital literacy, and creating job opportunities through the emerging data protection ecosystem.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who led the launch, described YDPAT as a strategic initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian youth to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital society.
“Digital technologies offer vast opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, and creativity. But they also expose our young people to serious risks — from identity theft to data misuse,” Olawande noted.
Highlighting that Nigeria currently has fewer than 5,000 certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) serving over 500,000 data controllers nationwide, the Minister underscored the programme’s employment potential.
“By training young Nigerians to become certified DPOs, we are not just preparing them for the jobs of the future — we are addressing a real and growing industry need,” he said.
Olawande explained that awareness of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 remains low among youth, and YDPAT was designed to address that gap by:Training young people to meet the growing demand for certified DPOs
Raising awareness on NDPA 2023 and international data privacy standards
Building a digitally literate, security-conscious generation.
“This initiative is about building a privacy-first generation that is inclusive, future-focused, and globally competitive,” he added.
The Minister commended the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for its partnership, and acknowledged the support of youth leaders, civil society organizations, and development agencies in shaping the programme.
Speaking at the launch, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, emphasized the Presidency’s full backing for YDPAT.
“This partnership shows that when institutions align behind a shared goal, youth empowerment accelerates and national development gains momentum. But passion alone isn’t enough — our youth must be equipped with future-relevant, adaptive skills,” she said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, outlined the Commission’s capacity-building plans, including the licensing of the Institute of Information Management to issue globally recognized certifications for DPOs — a move aimed at reducing reliance on foreign certification bodies and strengthening local capacity.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide, described the initiative as a key step in operationalizing the NDPA 2023.
“Data is the new oil, and information is the new currency. This initiative places youth at the heart of our digital economy, preparing them to drive innovation and ensure ethical data practices,” he said.
Welcoming guests, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to training at least 5,000 youth by December 2025, leveraging an existing MoU with the NDPC.
“YDPAT is not just another training initiative — it’s the start of a national movement to position our youth as champions of digital ethics and innovation,” he said.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the YDPAT Online Platform — a centralized digital hub providing access to training modules, certification pathways, learning resources, and interactive engagement for youth participants across the country.
In closing, Comrade Olawande urged Nigerian youth to take ownership of the programme.
“You’re not just participants — you are partners. The success of YDPAT depends on your passion, participation, and persistence. Let’s make this a model for Africa and the world.”
The launch drew participants from youth organizations, civil society groups, tech startups, academia, and government agencies, all signaling strong support for the programme’s objectives.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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