NDPC CHAMPION FOR ETHICAL DATA OVERSIGHT MONIEPOINT
With approximately 65% of Nigeria’s populace below the age of 30, there arises a necessity to heighten consciousness regarding rights and obligations in data safeguarding, particularly targeting the youth.
The emphasis on this substantial youthful demographic arises from its potential to act as a formidable stimulus for enhancing Nigeria’s productivity standings and their role in advocating for an ethical and thriving environment aligning with the nation’s digital economy ambitions.
In an effort to amplify awareness and intensify education on data privacy and protection within the framework of activities encompassing the National Privacy Week 2024, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, the authoritative bank for small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria, alongside their clientele and staff, collaborated with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to advocate for judicious handling of personal data among the youth.
“Our youth constitute the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. It is imperative that they comprehend the significance of data privacy and employ personal data judiciously and ethically as they engage with technology,” expressed Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
Dr. Olatunji also highlighted the progression of Data Protection in Nigeria, tracing its inception from the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau to its transformation into a Commission.
He stressed the crucial role of awareness, pivotal in cultivating a globally competitive cadre of Data Protection professionals capable of fulfilling duties outlined in the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), furnishing a legal structure for the collection, storage, and sharing of personal data.
Babatunde Olofin, the Managing Director of Moniepoint MfB, asserted, “Data isn’t merely a commodity. It mirrors our identity. We acknowledge that young individuals present a substantial dividend for Nigeria’s socio-economic metamorphosis concerning innovation, enterprise, job creation, and wealth generation. Encouraging the youth to be more conscious of data protection and privacy concerns is integral to succeeding in a digital and interconnected milieu.”
Moreover, he conveyed, “We aim to empower young people to assert control over their digital lives, commencing with understanding their rights and acknowledging the value of personal data. As a compliant and responsible data processor, we believe financial well-being is achievable in an environment where data subjects behave responsibly as digital citizens, and we will collaborate with industry stakeholders to construct an ecosystem promoting a serious approach to data protection and privacy for all Nigerians.”
Moniepoint Microfinance Bank persistently invests in Nigeria’s digital economy, a sector poised to generate significant employment opportunities and elevate numerous Nigerians from poverty, aligning with its visionary commitment to establish a society fueled by the aspirations of its citizens.
The National Privacy Week 2024 functions as a prompt emphasizing the fundamental entitlement to privacy and the significance of shielding personal data from unauthorized access, misuse, and exploitation.
News Source: Techeconomy
