Ikeja Chairman Hosts NDPC’s Yoruba Act Launch: Tokunbo Smith Says ‘Privacy Can’t Be Foreign’

In a groundbreaking effort to make data privacy accessible to all Nigerians, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) officially launched the Yoruba Version of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 on October 15, 2025, in Ikeja, Lagos State.

The event, hosted by the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), in partnership with META, marked a major step toward inclusive digital literacy and grassroots understanding of data rights in Nigeria.

For the first time, Yoruba-speaking citizens can now read and exercise their privacy rights in their native language — a milestone that underscores the country’s commitment to digital inclusion and responsible governance.

A Historic Event for Digital Inclusion

Held at the Ikeja Local Government Hall, the Yoruba Act launch attracted a distinguished audience from across government, business, and civil society.

Among the attendees were:

• His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ara Kingdom, representing traditional institutions.
• Leaders from the League of Imams and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
• The Community Development Committee (CDC).
• The Iyaloja of Computer Village and local market leaders.
• The Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
• Representatives from civic and digital organizations.

This diversity highlighted the NDPC’s mission to make data protection a collective social responsibility, not just a corporate or government concern.

Chairman Dauda: “Data Protection is Central to Responsible Governance”

In his address, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda expressed appreciation to the NDPC and META for bringing such a transformative initiative to Ikeja.

He emphasized that the Yoruba Act aligns with his administration’s I.K.E.J.A. Agenda — Innovation, Knowledge, Empowerment, Justice, and Accountability.

“Data protection is central to responsible governance in the digital age,” Dauda said.
“This initiative will help our people understand their digital rights and the need to safeguard personal information.”

He noted that data awareness at the community level would encourage citizens to participate more confidently in the digital economy.

Tokunbo Smith (President, DKIPPI): “Digital Privacy Must Be a Shared Priority”

Also speaking at the event, Tokunbo Smith, President of the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), commended the NDPC and Ikeja Local Government for championing a grassroots approach to digital awareness.

Smith described the Yoruba translation as “a bold and necessary step in closing Nigeria’s digital literacy gap,” emphasizing that privacy protection must extend beyond policies and become a shared civic culture.

“Digital privacy cannot remain an abstract concept known only to professionals,” Smith said.
“When laws are communicated in the people’s language, they become part of everyday life — that’s how we build a privacy-conscious society.”

He further called on public institutions and private organizations to integrate data protection education into community programs, schools, and business training sessions.

NDPC’s Vision: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

The National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, highlighted that translating the Nigeria Data Protection Act into local languages represents a cornerstone for public engagement.

“We can only achieve true data protection when every Nigerian — regardless of education or location — understands their rights,” Olatunji said.
“By launching the Yoruba version, we are ensuring that privacy protection starts at the grassroots.”

He praised the collaboration with META and local partners as evidence of Nigeria’s leadership in digital rights localization across Africa.

Academic Perspective: Data Protection as Civic Responsibility

The program’s facilitator, Professor Adewale Olawoyin, provided expert insight into the fundamental principles of data protection.

He encouraged participants to see data protection not just as a government initiative, but as an individual responsibility tied to trust, transparency, and accountability in the digital age.

Partnership with META: Technology Meets Policy

META’s involvement in the project underscores the increasing role of global tech firms in supporting regulatory awareness and ethical data practices.
Through this collaboration, META aims to strengthen public understanding of how personal information is collected, processed, and shared in the online ecosystem.

Why the Yoruba Act Matters

The Yoruba translation of the NDPA is a strategic leap toward inclusive data governance and public trust.

Impact Area	Expected Benefit
Citizens	Clearer understanding of digital rights in local language.
Businesses & SMEs	Easier compliance through accessible documentation.
Government Institutions	Improved communication with citizens and community leaders.
Education & Advocacy	Expansion of grassroots privacy campaigns in schools and markets.

By embracing multilingualism, Nigeria is ensuring that data rights are not just protected — they are understood.

A Model for Nationwide Rollout

The Yoruba Act marks the first in a series of indigenous-language initiatives under the NDPC’s inclusion agenda.
Future translations into Hausa, Igbo, and Pidgin English are expected to follow, ensuring that all Nigerians can understand the law that safeguards their personal data.

This approach positions Nigeria as a continental leader in inclusive digital governance.

Conclusion

The Yoruba Act launch in Ikeja stands as a landmark in Nigeria’s digital evolution.
Through the partnership of NDPC, META, Ikeja Local Government, and advocacy organizations like DKIPPI, the country is moving closer to a future where data protection is not just a law — it’s a lifestyle.

As Tokunbo Smith aptly stated, “When people understand their rights, they can protect them.”
That understanding, now available in Yoruba, brings Nigeria one step closer to achieving data protection for all.