As part of activities to round up the 8th Edition of the Data Protection Africa Summit (DPAS) 2026, the PICCASO Awards Africa ceremony was held to celebrate the people, organisations and innovations advancing privacy, security, compliance and responsible digital governance across Africa.

In his remarks at the event, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, commended the Africa Digital Rights Hub (ADRH), led by its Executive Director, Ms Teki Akuetteh, and the PICCASO Privacy Awards team, represented by its Board Member, Jenna Franklin, for their partnership with the NDPC in hosting the awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.

Dr Olatunji expressed his delight that, following the knowledge-sharing sessions, diverse perspectives and insights exchanged throughout the Summit, it was equally important to come together to dine and celebrate the individuals and organisations driving the growth of the data protection and privacy ecosystem.

Dr Olatunji noted that everyone was a winner, having made meaningful contributions and impact towards advancing data privacy and cybersecurity across the ecosystem. He also encouraged sustained collaboration towards building a stronger and more resilient data protection ecosystem in Africa.

The event was graced by the Data Protection Royal Ambassador for Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe Division, Lagos State, who was accompanied by other distinguished traditional rulers, including the Oba of Amuwo-Odofin and Festac Town, HRM Oba (Engr) Oluwatoyin Obasola Adewusi-Tayo, Erogun I; and the Olu of Iwaya, Yaba, HRM Alayeluwa Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogun-Oloko (Ade-Ori Okin II), Prince Temitope Adebowale Oshoja, Oba-Elect, Ikeja; and Prince Fuhad Oloto, a Lagos Prince.