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Simon Ekpa: USB Lawyer, Levy slams Radio Biafra, others over defamatory publication 

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The United States of Biafra lawyer, Jonathan Levy has slammed Radio Biafra and others over defamatory publications regarding the alleged killings in Orsu and other communities in Imo and Anambra states in south-east Nigeria.

Levy, made this known in a letter notice dated 16th May, demanding an apology and outright retraction of the publication.

This follows a publication on Biafra Radio on March 27, 2025, ‘ESN/IPOB Was Never Involved in the Barbarism That Happened in Orsu and Other Communities in Imo and Anambra States—IPOB.’

However, USB-led by Simon Ekpa and deputised by Ngozi Orabueze said the publication contained defamatory and false information, particularly in reference to its prime minister, Ekpa, and the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA).

“The publication contains false, defamatory, and malicious statements concerning our client and its affiliates, particularly in reference to USB’s Prime Minister, Mazi Simon Ekpa, an affiliate of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA).

“The article falsely alleges, either directly or by implication, that Mr. Ekpa, the BLA, and by extension, USB, are responsible for murder and other acts of violence in southeastern Nigeria; are agents or collaborators of the Nigerian government, engaging in activities to undermine Biafra’s liberation are engaged in barbarism” and crimes against Biafran communities, including Orsu, Imo, and Anambra States.

“These allegations are patently false, unsubstantiated, and defamatory. Neither Mazi Simon Ekpa, the BLA defence force, nor any affiliated entity or official of the United States of Biafra has been involved in any such acts.

“Your publication, in asserting these claims without any factual foundation or due diligence, constitutes actionable libel under applicable domestic and international defamation laws both in the United Kingdom and the United States.

“The published content attributed to Emma Powerful, media and publicity self-described spokesman for IPOB, indicates infiltration of Radio Biafra by agents of the Nigerian Department of Security Services, as no Biafran would accuse one of their own imprisoned leaders of such treachery.

“USB, IPOB, and Radio Biafra are aware that Charles Soludo, Nigerian governor of Anambra State; Hope Uzodinma, the Nigerian governor of Imo State; Peter Mbah, the governor of Nigerian Enugu State; and hired guns Nyeso Nwike in River State and Asari Dokubo are the ones responsible for violence against Biafrans. Radio Biafra, by maliciously defaming USB and its affiliates, is by extension also attacking Nnamdi Kanu, the original founder of Radio Biafra and the titular leader of all Biafrans.

“The publication in question has caused and continues to cause significant reputational damage, threats to the safety of USB affiliates, and undermines the political and diplomatic efforts of the Biafran liberation movement. The article’s tone, language, and structure evidence a malicious and deliberate attempt to discredit, malign, and incite hatred against individuals and organisations legitimately engaged in political advocacy.

“Accordingly, we hereby demand the following: immediate and full retraction of the article from your website and all affiliated platforms; A public apology, to be published prominently on your homepage and social media channels, clearly retracting the defamatory allegations and correcting the public record; cessation of further defamatory publications or statements regarding Mr. Simon Ekpa, the Biafra Liberation Army, or the United States of Biafra; Written confirmation within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of this letter that you will comply with the above demands.

“Failure to comply within the stated time frame will leave our client with no option but to pursue all legal remedies available, including but not limited to civil proceedings for libel, injunctive relief, and substantial damages in the appropriate jurisdictions against Radio Biafra, Chibuike Nebeokike, Emma Powerful, and agents of the Nigerian Department of Security Services (DSS), who are responsible for these libels and calumnies.

“This letter is written without prejudice to any of our client’s rights or choice of jurisdiction, all of which are expressly reserved,” the letter stated.

Biafra: Finland acting as stooge for Nigeria on continued detention of Simon Ekpa- Orabueze

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The Deputy Prime Minister of the United States of Biafra, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, has accused Finland of being a stooge for Nigeria over the continued detention of Simon Ekpa, the Prime Minister USB

Orabueze made this known in a statement on Tuesday while expressing anger at the detention of Ekpa since November last year.

According to her, Finland has kept Ekpa, who she described as a freedom fighter, in detention for economic gains.

Her reaction comes as a statement by the chief investigator of the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, Otto Hiltunen, reported by a local newspaper, Yle, on Tuesday, said, “Ekpa is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.”

However, Orabueze faulted the Finnish government, noting that the purported investigation was bereft of depth.

She was unequivocal in her position, noting that Ekpa’s continued detention violates his fundamental human rights.

“Finland, currently acting as a stooge for the Nigerian government and participating in an investigation that ordinarily from the first day is a transnational repression case for economic gains, has finally opened up on their ongoing investigation on Simon Ekpa, which has lasted for six months.

Who designated the terrorist group? Is it the Nigerian state that has been designated as the deadliest country for Christians to live in, with several reports of human rights abuses and forceful disappearances of indigenous Biafrans, or is it Finland that did the designation?

On whose behalf did Finland conduct this large-scale terrorist investigation? How many Biafrans in the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, a government currently transformed to the United States of Biafra (USB) Government, which spearheads anything concerning the independence of Biafra, did Finland interview? To date, there’ is no record of an interview with any of the cabinet members of the new nation of Biafra’s government.

Who were those involved? Was it those innocent Biafrans whose bank accounts were labelled as terrorist sponsors and closed by Nigeria President Tinubu and Christopher Musa or the purported accusation that Biafrans are sponsoring terrorism?

“Who did Finland investigate and talk to in Nigeria?” Which international organisation confirms Finland’s labelling of innocent Biafrans as terrorists?” Orabueze questioned.

“The mere mention of this suppressive case by Alexander Stubb, the current Finnish president, and his government not only undermines the integrity and sincerity of Finland but also exposes the dark side of the Finnish government secretly colluding, enhancing, and validating a terrorist state such as Nigeria in exchange for economic gains.

“When has the freedom of Biafrans and self-determination turned into a wide-scale terrorist investigation by Finnish President Alex Stubb and Nigerian Defence Chief Christopher Musa?” This false allegation can not be allowed to thrive and tarnish the image of Biafra patriots such as Simon Ekpa.

“Simon Ekpa is a Biafran and leads over 50 million Biafran citizens that voted for self-referendum, converged in Finland, and declared their independence on November 29th, 2024. How and on what ground do Finland and Otto Hitunan, with Alex Stubb, equate Biafra People’s freedom and self-determination with incitement and terrorist acts?

“Finland said through their investigation that four Biafrans were financing terrorism. Can Finland produce the documents that support such a frivolous claim, or is Finland merely going by what the Nigerian state told them? If the answer is yes, then Alex Stubb has lost credibility as a leader of one of the purportedly freest nations in the world. The four “acclaimed suspects” by Finland are pure, innocent Biafrans that have refused to cohabit with reintegrated and rehabilitated terrorists sponsored by the Nigerian state.

“Finland said they have conducted an investigation relating to Simon Ekpa. It is now obvious that all the atrocities and human rights violations and abuses reported to the government of Finland on multiple occasions are on their table, and the world awaits the actions to be taken by Finland in that aspect.

“The continued detention and violation of Simon Ekpa’s fundamental human rights by Finland should be condemned by all, and a quick release should be carried out for Simon Ekpa and all innocent Biafrans, such as Nnamdi Kanu, detained not only in Finland but across several cells and DSS dungeons in Nigeria.

“The actions of the Finnish government headed by Alex Stubb in the investigation and treatment of Simon Ekpa and other innocent Biafrans in Finland are a violation of the will of the people to self-determination, their freedom, and the promotion of terrorism and the killing of Christians and portend a grave danger to world peace,” she stated.

USB has, however, taken the continued detention of Ekpa, others in Finland, to appropriate authorities.

Amb Engr Abdullahi Hashim hails Tinubu for approving Nigeria- First Procurement Policy

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A prominent engineer and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Amb.Engr. Abdullahi Hashim, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Renewed Hope Nigeria-First Procurement Policy, describing it as a bold and strategic move that places Nigerian talent and innovation at the center of national development.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Engr. Hashim, who is also a respected member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and an alumnus of Harvard University, said the policy would significantly stimulate local industries, reduce dependency on foreign products, and provide a much-needed boost to indigenous engineering capacity.

“I commend Mr. President’s courageous leadership in implementing the Renewed Hope-Nigeria First Procurement Policy, a palpable initiative that will indelibly shape our nation’s economic trajectory. By prioritizing locally-made products in government procurement, you are fostering a culture of self-reliance, boosting internal productivity, and promoting economic growth,” Hashim stated.

The policy, recently confirmed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, directs all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize local content in procurement processes. It also mandates that only when no viable local option exists may the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) grant a waiver for foreign alternatives.

Hashim expressed optimism that the implementation of the policy would lead to enhanced job creation, improved technical competence, and the strengthening of Nigeria’s industrial base.

According to him, “This visionary policy will have far-reaching impacts on the economic empowerment, which means Mr. President is injecting lives into our economy, creating jobs, and stimulating innovation;

 

“This policy will help boost Business Confidence. This will encourage investments in local products and will enhance entrepreneurship confidence amongst the business players because it will help us in reclaiming our economic sovereignty and empowering our future sustenance

 

“Additionally, the FPP will give tremendous aid to Human Liberation, by breaking free from the foreign importation of certain goods, we build liberation and promote self determination.

 

“Mr. President efforts on this policy will guarantee a sustainable development in our dealings, because, the policy aligns with global best practices, promoting sustainable development, and reducing our carbon footprint.”

 

He urged stakeholders, including private sector players and government institutions, to align with the vision and ensure full compliance for the collective advancement of the nation.

“We celebrate your commitment to nation-building and look forward to the transformative impact of this policy on our economy and society,” the engineer added.

Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori dumps PDP for APC

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.

The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, who confirmed the decision said the decision was reached after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.

Oborevwori, who emerged victorious in the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP platform, was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with significant implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development brings an end to the speculations over his defection to APC ahead of 2027 elections.

BREAKING: Pope Francis is dead

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The pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has died.

His death was confirmed by Vatican News on Monday.

The pope died after addressing Catholics on Easter Sunday.

He died at age 88 in his residence in Vatican’s Casa Santa.

“Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa,” Vatican News wrote on their X account.

Recall that Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, on Sunday met with Pope Francis.

The late Pope, in his Easter message, called for worldwide peace.

Before his death, Pope Francis had been battling with illness.

Many feared dead in another accident in Karu bridge Abuja

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Many persons have lost their lives in another terrible accident that occurred on Karu Bridge, inward Karu Site, Abuja on Friday

Nigerian Newssphere reporter, who witnessed the tragic incident, observed that it was caused by a truck laden with cement which failed its brakes while descending the Kugbo hill.

Karu bridge accident

It was gathered that the truck, after crushing about several vehicles and their occupants, attempted to escape but was intercepted around Karu Roundabout by commercial motorcyclists.

Karu bridge accident Abuja

The accident came barely a month after a similar fatal accident occurred on the same Karu Bridge in March 2025, when a Dangote trailer powered by CNG lost its brakes, crashed into several vehicles and claimed multiple lives.

Newssphere reports, the Karu Bridge has become notorious for deadly accident in the recent times.

 

 

NDPC, Health Ministry partner to boost data protection in Nigeria’s health sector

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a significant step towards bolstering data protection in the healthcare sector through a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The partnership underscores the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive patient information and ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. It aimed to address challenges in the evolving landscape of data protection in Nigeria’s health sector and to align with collaborative strategies for effective implementation of relevant priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

These issues were brought to the fore during a working visit by the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, in Abuja.

Dr. Olatunji provided an overview of the commission’s mandate and underscored the urgency of data protection in healthcare. He stressed the need for healthcare workers and policymakers to establish systems that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of personal health data. He warned that data breaches could lead to discrimination, misdiagnosis, and even loss of life in severe cases.

In his words, “This sector is generally sensitive, and the kind of information collected has to do with medical records, which could be used to discriminate against anyone seeking to have good healthcare.”

He also drew attention to the global shift towards digital systems, emphasising that every online activity creates a “digital blueprint” of personal information. He stressed the importance of establishing a secure data processing environment across all healthcare institutions, including hospitals, health management organisations (HMOs), and entities handling patient data.

Dr. Olatunji explained the legal foundation of data protection in Nigeria, tracing its evolution from the 2019 Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) to the formation of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau and, eventually, the enactment of the NDP Act, 2023. This progression, he noted, earned Nigeria admission into the Global Privacy Assembly—an international recognition of the country’s commitment to data privacy.

Speaking on capacity building in the data protection and privacy ecosystem, Dr. Olatunji said, “When we began, less than 5,000 professionals were qualified to work in the ecosystem. Today, we have over 10,000 trained data protection professionals across the country.”

He further noted that the sector has grown into a 10 billion Naira economy within just two years and has significant potential for more job creation. He said, “Nigeria has over 500,000 data controllers. We currently have just 10,000 certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs). This gap presents an opportunity to create about half a million jobs for Nigerians in line with the president’s goal of creating 2 million jobs in the digital economy sector.

In response, Professor Pate acknowledged the sensitivity of health data and appreciated the enlightening insights shared by Dr. Olatunji. According to him, “The health sector is a unique sector. We collect extensive data — from personal health details to demographic statistics — across all our facilities.”

The minister expressed satisfaction with the commission’s progress and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to compliance across its 107 associated entities. He also raised questions about the NDP Act’s extraterritorial scope, the regulation of harmful external data, and protections for sensitive research and biodiversity data.

In response, Dr. Olatunji clarified that the NDP Act, 2023, applies to any data controller or processor handling the personal data of Nigerians, whether within or outside the country. He said, “If you reside in Nigeria and process Nigerian data, you are within scope. Even if you are outside Nigeria, once you process the data of Nigerians, you are within scope — and that’s why we are currently investigating global platforms like Truecaller and TikTok.”

He outlined the framework for cross-border data transfers, which requires an “adequacy decision” to ensure that foreign jurisdictions uphold data subject rights and maintain comparable legal standards.

Dr. Olatunji assured Professor Pate that the law also provides safeguards for scientific research data and reaffirmed the NDPC’s preference for encouraging compliance through sensitisation rather than enforcement alone.

For swift education on data protection and privacy across all sectors, the NDPC collaborates with licenced Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) to guide institutions towards full compliance. He offered free training sessions for healthcare personnel to build basic data privacy knowledge. He said, “We’re happy to offer free induction training for your staff — to build foundational understanding of data protection principles.”

Professor Pate welcomed the training initiative and invited the NDPC to make a presentation at the next meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors to promote data protection awareness among healthcare leaders.

This engagement signifies a pivotal milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare data protection framework, reinforcing public trust, and safeguarding the sensitive health information of all citizens. A team was set up to implement the partnership between the two institutions.

 

Engr Hashim lauds Tinubu’s appointments of Ojulari, Kida, wants the duo to take NNPCL to greater heights

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A prominent member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Abdullahi Hashim, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s appointments of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, and the Non-Executive Chairman of the company’s Board, Engr. Ahmadu Kida.

He added that Tinubu’s appointments of Ojulari, Kida, and other members of the board were a step in the right direction, saying that the duo, who are engineers with high distinction, now have the opportunity to transform the national firm into a profitable venture.

Hashim, who is also an alumnus of prestigious Harvard University and a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), stated this during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Monday.

He further commended Tinubu for ensuring that individuals with vast engineering, technical, and leadership experience would manage the NNPCL affairs, saying that the new leadership would usher in a transformative era for the national firm, fostering efficiency, transparency, and innovation in the oil and gas sector.

Hashim said, “It is refreshing to note that individuals with vast engineering, technical, and leadership experience are now at the helm of the NNPCL. I wish to say with a high sense of responsibility that the appointments aligned with global best practices in energy governance.

“The strategic appointments were pivotal to achieving sustainable energy security, infrastructural growth, and economic development.”

It is instructive to note that Ojulari, who hails from Kwara State, is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, with a degree in mechanical engineering. He is also a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigeria Council), while Kida, who comes from Borno State, holds an engineering degree from ABU and a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the French Petroleum Institute.

Speaking on the competence of Ojulari and Kida to turn around the fortunes of the NNPCL, Hashim said he is confident that his two professional colleagues will live up to expectations and achieve the targets set for them by President Tinubu.

He said , “Ojulari and Kida are very competent for the jobs. They are active players in the oil industry with the requisite experience. They know what is at stake and the targets set for them by President Tinubu. I’m confident that the duo and other members of the management team will meet the targets and take the NNPCL to greater heights.

“We all know that the oil industry is volatile and quite challenging. Former GCEO Mele Kyari and his management team have done their best. Ojulari, Kida, and the new management team are now in charge and will use their expertise and wide knowledge of the oil industry to take us forward in our quest to maximise the advantages of being one of the world’s producers of crude oil.

“They will surely ensure good results from the NNPCL’s refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri and the timely completion of the rehabilitation of Kaduna Refinery. The tasks are enormous, but they have the capacity to deliver on set objectives.

“It is important to note that Ojulari has distinguished himself as the right man for the job, having piloted affairs as the managing director of SNEPCo and general manager, Deepwater. He also served on the board of Shell Petroleum Development Company, overseeing onshore and offshore petroleum engineering, technical integration of development, well engineering, and project engineering.

“Don’t forget that Kida’s experience spanned over 32 years in the oil and gas industry. He also joined Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited, now Total Exploration & Production Nigeria (TEPNG), in 1985. In the first 15 years of his career at Total, he played key roles in many company projects, including the OBITE Gas Plant Project (onshore Nigeria), the AMENAM/KPONO Phase 1 Project (offshore Nigeria), and the OML 58 Upgrade Project located onshore Nigeria.”

Hashim further disclosed that with the wealth of experience of Ojulari and Kida, the stage is now set for the NNPCL to witness dynamic growth for the positive development of the country.

Tinubu had, during the appointments of Ojulari and Kida, handed out an immediate action plan to the new management board to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPCL-operated and joint venture assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.

The President further asked the new NNPCL management team to envision increasing the country’s investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

A statement by the spokesman to the president, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, also outlined Tinubu’s expectations from Ojulari and Kida, saying that, “Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment.

“Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

“The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030. Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked up to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030,” the statement added.

Rivers: Sole Administrator Ibas Appoints New RSIEC Chairman, Others

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Rivers: Sole Administrator Ibas Appoints New RSIEC Chairman and Members

Port Harcourt, April 9, 2025: The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has appointed Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as the new Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

This development was confirmed in an official statement released on Wednesday, signaling a restructuring of the state’s electoral body under the current emergency administration.

Complete List of Newly Appointed RSIEC Members

Alongside Dr. Odey, six other professionals have been appointed as RSIEC members:

  • Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira – Member

  • Professor (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor – Member

  • Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha – Member

  • Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor – Member

  • Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce – Member

  • Professor Chidi Halliday – Member

These appointments are expected to steer the commission towards credible and transparent local government elections across Rivers State.

Emergency Rule

These changes follow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political appointees. Since then, Sole Administrator Ibas has made significant administrative decisions, including the appointment of 23 new local government chairmen.

Ibas’s appointment comes despite a federal high order barring him from appointing Local government chairmen in Rivers.

Legal Challenge Ongoing

In reaction to the emergency rule, 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to challenge the President’s decision and restore democratic order in the state.

Nigeria’s Olatunji chairs Anglophone countries committee of African Data Protection Authorities

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The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has been appointed the Chair of the Anglophone Countries Committee of the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA).

This appointment was confirmed at the meeting of the Committee on Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025.

The Committee serves as a multilateral platform for promoting data privacy and protection among members.

While accepting the appointment, Dr Olatunji expressed his gratitude for the confidence reposed in Nigeria to chair the Committee at this crucial phase of Africa’s drive towards safeguarding the privacy rights of her over 1.4 billion people in the global data processing value chain. Dr Olatunji further urged members to see the work of the Committee as a collective responsibility which must be discharged for the benefit of data subjects across Africa.

It will be recalled that Nigeria is also scheduled to host the 2025 NADPA Annual General Meeting and Conference from 6th May through 8th May, 2025. The theme of the Conference is: “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies” The Conference is targeted at showcasing the significant milestones of Nigeria under H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, towards building a sustainable digital economy.

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