…………Targets 5,000 Youth by December; Aims to Train One Million – Comrade Olawande.
In a major stride toward empowering Nigerian youth in a rapidly evolving digital world, the Federal Government has officially launched the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) program at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Themed “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth at the Frontline of Data Protection,” the launch marked a key milestone in the government’s commitment to data privacy, youth empowerment, and national digital resilience.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described YDPAT as “a bold, necessary, and visionary journey to empower Nigerian youth in an increasingly digital world.”
“Digital technologies bring opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, and creativity, but they also expose our young people to serious risks, from identity theft to data exploitation,” he said.
Citing that fewer than 5,000 certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) currently operate across Nigeria, the Minister emphasized the employment potential within the data protection ecosystem.
“With over 500,000 data controllers nationwide, each required by law to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO), we see a tremendous opportunity for job creation for young, trained professionals,” Olawande said.
He added that awareness and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 remains low among youth, and that YDPAT seeks to close this gap by:
- Training youth to meet industry demand for certified DPOs
- Raising national awareness on NDPA 2023 and global privacy standards
- Building a digitally literate, security-conscious generation
“This is about building a privacy-first generation, one that’s inclusive, future-facing, and globally competitive.”
The Minister acknowledged the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as a key partner and thanked youth leaders, civil society, and development partners for shaping the initiative.
In her remarks, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, reaffirmed the Presidency’s support, noting that:
“This collaboration sends a clear message: when institutions unite around a shared vision, young people thrive and Nigeria progresses. Enthusiasm isn’t enough, our youth must be equipped with skills that are adaptable, market-relevant, and future-proof.”
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, Commissioner and CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji highlighted the Commission’s broader capacity-building agenda, including licensing of the Institute of Information Management to issue globally recognized DPO certifications — reducing reliance on foreign providers and strengthening local capacity.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT Hon. Adedeji Olajide, described data as “the new oil, and information the new currency.”
“This initiative is a bold step toward realizing the objectives of the NDPA 2023. I commend the Ministry’s foresight in putting youth at the center of our digital future.”
In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging its MoU with the NDPC to train at least 5,000 youth by December 2025. He described YDPAT as:
“Not just another training initiative, but the start of a national movement. One that positions our youth as champions of digital ethics, innovation, and resilience.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the YDPAT Online Platform, a user-friendly digital hub offering access to training modules, certification pathways, learning materials, and ongoing engagement opportunities.
In closing, the Minister urged Nigerian youth to take ownership of the program:
“You are not just beneficiaries, you are partners in shaping Nigeria’s digital future. Together, we will make YDPAT a model for Africa and beyond.”
Signed
Omolara Esan
Director,
Information and Public Relations,
Federal Ministry of Youth Development
