NDPC Meets with INEC to Enhance Data Protection Measures in Election Process

July 24, 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought clarifications and sensitization on data protection from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). This request was made during an interactive meeting between INEC and NDPC at the INEC headquarters. The meeting aimed to ensure the proper protection of personal data of Nigerian citizens in INEC’s database. The goal is to ensure adequate safeguards for citizens’ and voters’ personal data to ensure credible elections.

The National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for his willingness to implement measures to protect the personal data of Nigerian citizens and to comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act. “All of us are data subjects; INEC is a data controller. We must process data within the laws provided in the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Any data leakage here can lead to a lot of issues, with INEC being a data controller of major importance in Nigeria.”

The Chairman of INEC appreciated Dr Olatunji, emphasizing the importance of data protection. He noted that INEC stores the largest citizen database in Africa, with 93 million records from the last election. “We have the most sensitive records of citizens, from their fingerprints and facial biometrics, across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, male and female, young and old. It is better to start sensitization now before it’s too late.” He stressed the necessity for INEC to gain clarity on data protection to ensure compliance and informed practices.

Dr. Olatunji emphasized the importance of data protection and the consequences of inadequate measures, especially for INEC as data controllers of major importance. He highlighted the potential consequences of non-compliance, including reputational damage, financial loss, and even death in extreme cases. He also spoke about the penalties for non-compliance: “It ranges between 10 million naira and 2 percent of your gross earnings. The CEO can even go to jail, which is why it is better for everybody to obey the law.”

He outlined what INEC is required to do in the area of compliance, including having a privacy policy, appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) at the headquarters and state levels, and engaging a Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO), among other measures. He added that the NDPC will conduct free training for INEC staff members and appointed DPOs, as anyone can be the weakest link in data breaches.

Other areas discussed included awareness, the level of a prospective DPO, policies, and cyber-attacks, among others. An implementation committee consisting of staff from both NDPC and INEC was immediately set up to implement data protection and privacy measures to guarantee trust and confidence in INEC’s data processing activities.

Itunu Dosekun
Head, Media Unit, NDPC.

WE URGE KOGI CITIZENS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOT-IN-MY-STATE MOVEMENT AGAINST VIOLENT PROTESTS

Social Plus Africa

July 24, 2024

KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

PRESS RELEASE

1. The Government of Kogi State wishes to state clearly that it is totally in solidarity with efforts at the centre and sub-national levels to put the economy of our dear nation on the right track. The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is working assiduously to get the nation’s economy working again.

2. Apart from the fiscal and monetary policies that are already yielding positive results, the Federal Government has injected economic stimulating incentives to address the challenges we are facing in the short, medium and long-term. Agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure, education and healthcare are receiving due attention from the Federal Government.

3. The administration of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo in Kogi State is completely committed to ensuring the central efforts percolate into the state as we have begun massive investments in agriculture, education, healthcare and infrastructure. We have also continued to support homes across the state with palliatives to cushion the effects of the economic hardship occasioned by decades of mismanagement that the Tinubu Administration is working hard to correct.

4. As responsible citizens, there is a need to queue behind the efforts of the government at all levels to frontally deal with the issues challenging our well-being.

5. A protest would have been proper if the Government was making no efforts. Protests would have been popular if the efforts were not bearing fruits yet. Protests would have been understandable if we were not gradually moving out of the hopeless situation. But a protest at this point is an attack on the foundation of our rebuilding process and an attempt to throw the nation into the darkness orchestrated during the #EndSars destruction and carnage.

6. It will be understood if the opposition feels disappointed that our economy is gradually retaining momentum and therefore would not offer them the opportunity to campaign against the ruling party using those parameters. But it is unacceptable and utterly unpatriotic to stoke violence at this period in the name of protest. The citizens have a right to protest but they do not owe the unpatriotic opposition elements, the window of violence.

7. Credible intelligence has pointed undoubtedly to the desperation of certain opposition figures to unsettle the nation and stop our march to recovery and prosperity. They are fanning the embers of war using protest as a smokescreen. It is our responsibility to stop these unpatriotic elements bent on manipulating the citizens to achieve their evil expectations.

8. It is heartwarming that we have received reports that our citizens are ready to march in solidarity with Mr. President’s efforts at defending the economic interests of the poor. We are proud of the fact that the people of Kogi have refused to yield the state to the macabre dance of agents of destabilization.

9. In furtherance of the efforts of the Government of Kogi State to deepen patriotic orientation in our dear State, the Chief Servant of Kogi State has directed the State Ministry of Information and Communications to step up sensitization efforts aimed at keeping the people informed about what Government is doing at all levels.

10. The administration of His Excellency, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, has also expressed its commitment to investing in cushioning the impact of the economic challenges, promoting industrialization to enable young people to get jobs, prioritizing agriculture to crash the prices of food in the State and the nation as well as other measures to improve the standards of living in the state. Protests won’t crash the prices of food, intentional investment in agriculture like we are doing at the moment, will.

11. We urge parents and guardians to give the right orientation to their wards. Nigeria cannot afford another violent destruction of public infrastructure in the name of protests.

12. God bless Nigeria.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications

21/07/2024

GOVERNOR ODODO URGES APC LEADERSHIP TO IMPLEMENT RESERVATION OF 40% SEATS FOR WOMEN IN LG ELECTION

Social Plus Africa

July 24, 2024

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to implement the resolution of the party to reserve 40% of councillorship positions to women as candidates of the party in the October 19 local government election in the state.

Governor Ododo made this known at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Lokoja on Tuesday.

The Kogi State Governor also applauded the decision of the APC in the state to nominate women as Vice chairmanship candidates in the 21 local government areas in the state as well as nomination of elected women councillors as council leaders in all the local government councils of the state.

Governor Ododo who noted that his administration is committed to consolidating on the achievement of the former governor Yahaya Bello on the attainment of the 35% affirmative action for women in elective position in the state said the APC in the state will continue to give more opportunities to women in appreciation of their loyalty and support for the party at all levels.

The Governor also called on the leadership of the party to engage in wide consultations with stakeholders to produce candidates that will represent the party in the 239 wards and the 21 local government areas, stressing that the APC must avoid imposition of candidates ahead of the local government election.

Governor Ododo assured the people of the state that the local government election will be peaceful, free and fair.

Governor Ododo who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely interventions in critical sectors at the subnational level, noted that the judgement of the Supreme Court on Local Government Autonomy is a relieve for his administration as the state Joint Account Committee now has no jurisdiction over the local government fund, stressing that fund meant for local government areas from the federation account allocation committee will now go directly to the local government areas in the state.

Ismaila Isah

Special Adviser on Media to the Governor

July 23, 2024

AMB. JAMES MOMOH (JP) CELEBTRATES 43 YEARS BIRTHDAY OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Social Plus Africa

July 23, 2024

A man of good repute, God fearing, kind, compassionate, peace loving, hardworking, fearless…. All these and many more will be identified with the man AMB. JAMES MOMOH .

He always wears a smile. A happy soul. Spreading humor and laughter wherever he goes. His presence in any gathering brings lots of happiness and laughter. His jokes have brought him good fortune and friendships.

His friends nicknamed him JOVIAL because of his happy and easy going nature.

Born on July 19th 1981, AMB. JAMES is from Okene, Kogi State and is of Ebira descent, Though from a humble background, he never believes in limitation and thinking small. He believes in “dream big and achieve big”.
His life is one shining example to young people (especially young boys) who see their backgrounds as a limitation. If there is a force to reckon with, Amb. James Momoh is one of such individuals.

He continues to rise through hard work and dedication. He will not allow economic hardship stand on his way, he always believe and continue to rise.

God is his source of strength and inspiration. As a humanitarian, he is passionate about helping the less privileged and homeless in the society.

This passion led him to established the *GISA CARE AND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION* a foundation focused in helping and empowering the less privileged globally.

He never denys help to anybody in need even if it means giving his last and all. A dedicated husband and father. He is married with Chilldren
He believe in dreams and building dreams. He believes in starting small and growing big.

AMB. JAMES MOMOH is the CEO of Social Plus Africa Communications Ltd. Founder, GISA Care and Empowerment Foundation.

He will never allow his busy schedule stop him from attending church programs. For him, a life without God is a life without purpose and meaning. His dedication in his local church have generated lots of good will and he was appointed, Chairman, building committee.

He has received many awards for his dedication both local and international. He is also a Global recognised as Royal Peace Ambassador/Justice of Peace Advocate

He is a Jerusalem Pilgrim, (JP). He traveled to the holy land to adore Jesus alongside other pilgrims.

AMB. JAMES is a force to reckon with.

Congratulations!!!

For info visit: www.socialplusafrica.com, www.gisacarefoundation.org

SENATE CONFIRMS DR JOBSON OSEODION EWALEFOH As DG, ICRC

Social Plus Africa

July 23, 2024

The Nigerian senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, as the new Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC.

President Bola Tinubu had recently appointed the Edo-born Certified Public Private Partnership tactician alongside some other heads of parastatals.

Several notable Nigerians have been reacting to the appointment, many of whom have described it as one that is well deserved.

In his assessment during the screening exercise, Senator Sadiq Umar, Chairman Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, urged the new ICRC boss to ensure to put Nigeria and the Nigerian people first in his activities to further boost investment opportunities in the country. “I think it is exciting, we need the best man, the best skill to really negotiate,” he said.

Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Chairman Senate Committee on Interior also hailed Dr. Ewalefoh’s appointment.

The former governor of Edo state who saluted Dr. Ewalefoh’s wealth of experience in Public Private Partnership matters promised to avail the new ICRC DG with the appropriate legal framework needed to attract necessary funds into the country.

“You have everything it takes to bring a new life to the whole question of regulations, appropriate negotiations that will make it possible. This is why people like you who have grown from the system are needed, given the nature of service. I’m fully impressed by this background, said Comrade Oshiomhole.

The President, while making the appointment charged Dr. Ewalefoh to bring his wealth of experience to bear and demonstrate absolute dedication and probity in the management of the ICRC and in pursuit of its strategic objective of accelerating investment in national infrastructure through the innovative mobilization of private-sector funding.

So, for the newly appointed ICRC DG, it is a time to reposition the Commission. And as a strategic action plan, the erudite PPP professional says the need to boost investors’ confidence and work towards enhancing private investments into the country is paramount.

“The first thing we want to do is to instil confidence in the investors. Businessmen are not moved by what we say of mutual risk, they are moved by safety and the return on investment on whatever funds they are bringing. So that is one of the things I’m going to do,” he told the media.

“Nigeria is a country of over 200 million people. There is no way the investors will not want to come. I see people who want to come,” he further added.

Prior to his appointment, the new ICRC DG was the Director in charge of the public private partnership resource department, ICRC).

A thoroughbred professional, Dr. Ewalefoh has over two decades of experience in Public Private Partnerships (PPP), Concessions & Privatisation, Information & Communication Technology (ICT) development & deployment, Innovation, Project Management, Procurement Processes & Procedures, Organisation & Strategy, Process Improvement, Public Policy Reform and Development, Leadership and Governance.

Dr. Ewalefoh is an academician of no mean repute. He has a PhD in Development Studies from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Master Degrees in Economics (MSc), Management Information Technology (MIT), Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc) from the University of Benin.

His passion for knowledge also took him round several other leading academic institutions across the globe, some of which include the Harvard University, Brookings Institute, University of Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina, Lagos Business School, Wharton Business School, Duke University, Lagos Business School, Institute of Public Private Partnership, among others.

This is wishing the new DG, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission a successful tenure in this all-important national assignment.

OLATUNJI, NDPC’S BOSS NOMINATED FOR GLOBAL PRIVACY ASSEMBLY’S GIOVIANNI BUTTARELLI AWARD 2024

Social Plus Africa

July 8, 2024

The National Commissioner/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vincent Olatunji has been nominated for the Giovanni Buttarelli Award 2024. The award through the Global Privacy Assembly recognises an individual’s outstanding leadership and exceptional efforts in fostering international collaboration. This nomination highlights Dr Vincent’s commitment to driving innovation, expanding global partnerships, and promoting a collaborative approach within the data privacy and protection ecosystem.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr Vincent, the Data Privacy ecosystem in Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable growth through key milestones such as deepening the knowledge of data protection and privacy in all public and private institutions, judicial recognition of adequacy principle in cross-border data transfer, playing key roles in regional and global data privacy ecosystem, commencement of bilateral cooperation with other jurisdictions, licensing of data protection compliance organisations, commencement of national data protection certification process, among others. Dr Vincent’s strategic and innovative initiatives has been instrumental in forging strong international partnerships, driving sustainable growth, fostering a culture of collaboration which has not only propelled the NDPC to new heights but also set a benchmark for international cooperation and industry standards.

The Giovanni Buttarelli Award celebrates leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and/or promoted collaboration at a regional or international level in the field of data privacy and protection. Nominees are evaluated based on their contributions to projects that has led to the development of innovative concepts or practices, which have significantly impacted the thinking in the international data protection and privacy community, partnerships, and initiatives that enhance global cooperation and development.

In his response to his nomination, Dr Vincent Olatunji expressed his gratitude and emphasised on the importance of collective effort in achieving global progress. “I am deeply honored to be nominated for the Giovanni Buttarelli Award 2024” said Dr Vincent. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at NDPC. It underscores the power of collaboration and the remarkable outcomes we can achieve when we work together across borders. I am excited to continue our journey, driving innovation and fostering partnerships that make a positive impact globally,” he said.

RE: FRSC ABOLISHES PATROL POINTS IN FOUR SOUTHEAST STATES : THE REAL FACT.

Social Plus Africa

June 23, 2024

Our attention has been drawn to the press statement published in some media platforms insinuating that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has abolished patrol points in four Southeastern states of Eboyi, Enugu, Imo and Abia. The misleading statement was attributed to the address presented by the Zonal Commanding Officer of Zone 9 Headquarters Enugu, Assistant Corps Marshal Uche Chukwurah during her visit to the Abia State Sector Command, Umuahia.

Even though the statement by the Zonal Commanding Officer was meant to reaffirm the stand of the National Headquarters of the FRSC on the new operational strategy that will de-emphasize static patrol which comes in the form of roadblock, it was unfortunately misconstrued to mean abolition of patrol points in the zonal command based on security threats.

Nothing can be further from the truth as the statement was not only misleading but capable of giving wrong information to unsuspecting members of the public on the intention of the FRSC Management on the ongoing operational rejigging not targeted at the Southeastern states of the country but the nation at large. For the avoidance of doubt, the policy of rejigging the operational strategy of the Corps as conceived by the present Management under Corps Marshal Shehu is aimed at improving the capacity of the personnel to respond promptly to distress calls through provision of functional operational vehicles, ambulances and motorbikes; retraining of personnel for efficient rescue services and increasing the mileage coverage of daily patrol activities for inceessed presence on parts of the road network.

Consequently, any meaning read to the original statemen attributed to the Zonal Commanding Officer of Zone 9 Headquarters to create the impression that the FRSC is abolishing or intends to abolish patrol in the Southeast is distorted, misleading and should be disregarded. What the FRSC as the lead agency in road traffic management and safety administration in Nigeria and one of the security agencies charged with the responsibility of creating safer road environment is doing is to work harder to improve on its quality service delivery and support to other security agencies through credible processing of database on drivers and vehicles which has nothing to do with the abolition of patrol points in the Southeast as alleged.

Olusegun Ogungbemide mni, FISPON, anipr
Corps Commander,
Ag Corps Public Education Officer
FRSC National Headquarters Abuja

CORPS MARSHAL SHEHU MOHAMMED VISITS CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF, SEEKS BETTER SYNERGY AND COLLABORATION FOR GREATER PERFORMANCE

Social Plus Africa

June 15, 2024

In what seems to be another giant step towards achieving considerable mileage in Inter-agency collaborations, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed has paid an official visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa to consolidate existing relationship between the Corps and the nation’s Defence Arm and seek areas of fruitful partnership.

In the course of the discussion that ensued during the visit, the Corps Marshal commended the Defence Chief for his leadership qualities and the successes achieved in the area of national security. He seeked collaboration in the area of human capital development which he believes will help advance the course safety on the nation’s highways.

He intimated the Chief of Defence Staff of the role of the Federal Road Safety Corps in improving national security through intelligence gathering, noting that FRSC is a custodian of critical national infrastructure; the National Vehicle Identification Scheme,a database that has helped in the fight against insecurity in the country.

Reacting, the Chief of Defence Staff congratulated the Corps Marshal on his appointment, emphasizing the critical role the Corps plays in advancing national security. He assured the Corps Marshal of the readiness of his office to assist the Corps in the area of personnel training as well as other veritable areas of interest.

He highlighted the critical role the Corps plays in the fight against insecurity being the Security agency that have greater level of interface with the general public.
He applauded the energy, resilience and steadfastness of FRSC personnel who against all odds are out in their best to make the highways safe.

Signed

Olusegun Ogungbemide, mni, FISPON
Corps Commander
Ag. Corps Public Education Officer
FRSC Headquarters
Abuja.

14 June, 2024.

MITIGATING ROAD FATALITIES: CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA JOINS THE LEAGUE OF FRSC HONORARY SPECIAL MARSHALS AS CORPS MARSHAL CONDUCTS HIS INVESTITURE

Social Plus Africa

June 11, 2024

Propelled by a great deal of passion and commitment to the safety of lives and properties on Nigerian roads, the Chief Justice of the Federation, His Lordship, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON has joined the league of distinguished Nigerians who volunteered to join the services of entrenching safety on Nigerian roads as Honorary Special Marshal’s.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed who conducted the investiture in company of the President Court of appeal, Her Lordship, Honourable Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen today in the Supreme Court appreciated the CJN for piloting the affairs of the Judiciary in a manner that upholds the standards of the rule of law.

He stated that honorary special Marshal’s are given to citizens of impeccable character who have Distinguished themselves in service to the nation.

While appealing to the CJN to strengthen existing laws with stiffer punishment that will deter road users from violating established regulations, the Corps Marshal said that there is no doubt that the capacity, competence and administrative prowess of the CJN will in no little degree enhance and solidify the existing relationship between the Corps and Judiciary.

Speaking after the investiture, the Chief Justice of the Federation said that the recognition is not a personal honour, but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all road users across our beloved country.

” I am reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with this title. The Special Marshal arm of the FRSC plays a pivotal role in the society. Our mandate is multifaceted and crucial to road safety fabric”.

The President Court of Appeal who gave the welcome remark during the investiture congratulated the Chief Justice for accepting the huge responsibility, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute to the eradication of road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

Signed:

Olusegun Ogungbemide, mni, FISPON
Corps Commander
Corps Public Education Officer
FRSC Headquarters
Abuja.

11 June, 2024.

GOVERNOR ODODO MEETS WITH SENIOR FEDERAL CIVIL SERVANTS

Social Plus Africa

June 9, 2024

In a significant meeting held in Abuja, the Nation’s capital, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo met with Senior Staff members in the Federal Civil Service who hail from the Central Senatorial Zone of the State. The meeting was a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to continuous engagement with key stakeholders both at home and outside of the state.

The delegation saw a good representation from Directors across some of the key MDAs across the Federal Civil Service, and was led by Alhaji A. M Abdulazeez, a Director from Public Camplaints Commission, as well as Hajia Khaltum Ibrahim, Director, Planning Research and Statistica, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Abdulganiu Abdulmalik Aduvi, Deputy Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

In their remarks, they commended the Governor on His Administration’s significant improvement in Workers’ Salary Payment, visible infrastructure development projects, dogged resolve to Revolutionize Agriculture Sector, and the State’s renewed focus in Solid Minerals Development.

Also in attendance were Hon. Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, House of Reps member in the National Assembly representing Ajaokuta, Hajia Hassiat Suleiman, the erstwhile Executive Chairman of Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency, who co-engaged with Alhaji Wasiu Issah. Others included Alhaji Kazeem Abdul, Special Adviser to the DG National Productivity Centre/Head, Project Monitoring & Evaluation/NASS, and Alhaji Musa Onsachi, Director Federal Capital Developer Administration.

During the session, Governor Ododo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the visiting team for their unwavering support and contributions that played a pivotal role in his electoral victory. He acknowledged that their dedication and advocacy were instrumental in galvanizing widespread support across the central zone, leading to a successful outcome at the polls.

The Governor emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and welcomed suggestions and advice from the attendees, highlighting that The Administration is committed to fostering open communication and leveraging the expertise and insights of seasoned professionals and stakeholders across board.

A number of welcome suggestions were raised which includes encouraging sons and daughters of Kogi State to join the Federal Civil Service and lending support to Kogites who are already in the service.

On a final note, Governor Ododo promised to have a more enlarged meeting with the Federal Civil Servants from the Central Senatorial District. The meeting ended with both parties reiterating their commitment to inclusive governance whole ensuring the well-being of all citizens is looked after, assuring that their collective efforts would lead to substantial and meaningful development in Kogi State.

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