Ikeja Chairman Hosts Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s Yoruba Act Launch

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, played host to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as it officially unveiled the Yoruba Version of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, in partnership with META. The landmark event took place at the Ikeja Local Government Hall, drawing stakeholders from various sectors.

The initiative marks a significant step toward promoting inclusive digital literacy and grassroots understanding of data privacy laws in Nigeria. The Yoruba translation of the Act aims to ensure that citizens across the South-West region and beyond can access and understand the rights and responsibilities embedded in the law, regardless of language barriers.

The event attracted a distinguished audience including traditional rulers led by His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ara Kingdom, religious and community leaders from the League of Imams, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Community Development Committee (CDC). Also in attendance were the Iyaloja of Computer Village, the Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and representatives from various digital and civic organizations.

In his remarks, Chairman Dauda expressed appreciation to the NDPC for choosing Ikeja as the host community for the awareness drive. He noted that the program aligns with his administration’s I.K.E.J.A. Agenda, which focuses on Innovation, Knowledge, Empowerment, Justice, and Accountability. According to him, “Data protection is central to responsible governance in the digital age. This initiative will help our people understand their digital rights and the need to safeguard personal information.”

The National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the Ikeja Local Government for its support in promoting digital inclusion and data privacy awareness. He emphasized that translating the Data Protection Act into indigenous languages would bridge knowledge gaps and foster compliance at all levels of society.

Prof. Adewale Olawoyin, the program’s facilitator, educated participants on the importance of understanding data protection principles and encouraged citizens to exercise their rights responsibly under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

The unveiling of the Yoruba Version of the Act is expected to deepen grassroots understanding, empower communities, and strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to protecting citizens’ privacy in the digital era.