Voice of Nigeria VON has partnered with the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau to harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) era as they promote Data Protection and Privacy in the country. This was one of the areas discussed when the Management of VON, led by the Director General, Osita Okechukwu paid a courtesy visit to the National Commissioner of NDPB, Dr. Vincent Olatunji in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The National Commissioner, Dr. Olatunji, said Data currently is driving the world towards the 4th Industrial Revolution hence the need to exploit emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and other developments.
He said with the recent approval of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for further ratification and endorsement by the National Assembly, sensitization and awareness is key to the actualisation of this goal. Dr. Olatunji appreciated Voice of Nigeria for complementing the efforts of the bureau by systematically increasing national awareness through their content. He also commended VON for having a Data Privacy Policy on its website and for appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) in line with the mandate of the Federal Government. VON is very strategic to the NDPB in terms of understanding the Bureau’s mandate through its content and programmes “We believe Data is very important to VON, We appreciate you have a data privacy policy on your website, and even went ahead to appoint a DPO. Who will advise you in the area of capacity and technical support . “This shows that Voice of Nigeria is a forward thinking organisation. That is ready to work in the Forth Industrial Revolution,“ the National Commissioner explained. He stressed the need for capacity building of staff to ensure efficiency and productive output in Voice of Nigeria in line with emerging technologies as the 4IR is an enabler of inclusive industrialization.
On his part the Director General of VON, Mr. Osita Okechukwu said data is the lifeblood of the digital economy hence the need to keep up with and adapt to emerging technologies. He said since the establishment of the NDPB, under the visionary leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, it has strengthened the fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens in the data economy ecosystem . “This has earned Nigeria a pride of place in the arena of international data governance and human capital development.” Mr. Okechukwu said VON generates Data and has the mandate to promote Nigeria in a positive light by telling the Nigerian story as it is hence the need to partner with the Bureau. He recalled how VON emerged from an analogue to a digital broadcasting organisation despite growing competition in the digital space. “We are open to all forms of partnerships. What ever tool or mechanisms that we could benefit from the bureau. We will need equipment to boost our reach and to make us more efficient in line with emerging technologies too.
These will also promote the advancement of Nigeria to the international audience,” he said. In response, the National Commission, pledge to support VON in the areas of capacity building, technical support and visibility to enhance international partnerships. Dr. Olatuji highlighted the need to create awareness on the Data Privacy regulations at the grass-roots through local languages in Nigeria as it is a similar strategy employed by Voice of Nigeria which broadcasts in multiple languages . “We are working on developing messages in local languages for people to understand and be aware of their data privacy rights in the remote villages. It will be a welcomed development if we partner with VON to create more awareness on Data protection and privacy in our various indigenous languages,” he added. To ensure a lasting partnership is created a committee is being set up to create a mutually beneficial roadmap in terms of equipment, training, funding, technical advancements among other things between the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau and Voice of Nigeria.
