News
Uduikhue, Data-Point MD Bags Rotary Award
Mr. Lucky Uduikhue, managing director and chief executive officer, Data-Point Microsystems Limited, was at the weekend honoured by Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, District 9110, Lagos, in appreciation of his honest dedication for outstanding, professionalism in the field of information technology (IT), excellence love for charity and the courtesies extended to the Rotary Club.
Similarly, Uduikhue garnered the Nigerian Entrepreneurship of the year 2013 award, alongside Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Goodie Ibru, Arik air, UBA, Globacom and other reputable Nigerians during Nigerian Business Awards held also In Lagos at the weekend.
At the Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, Rotarian Modupe Ogunsanya, who was installed the 2nd president of the Club, presented the award to Uduikhue.
To Magistrate Wilberforce Meigbope, a Legal and Educational Consultant, Uduikhue has distinguished himself, working hard to better the worth of young people in the society.
“I thank God he got this award. We have known each other since 1992. His character is unassuming. He listens to advice, humble; and being the chairman, Board of Trustee of his companies, I would regard him as my first child. He has worked very hard these years to improve on the lives of young people around him. I am happy that Rotary Club of FESTAC Central recognized this virtue in him,” he said.
Speaking on the awardee, Rotarian Ogunsanya, said that as a successful entrepreneur, Lucky is well known as visionary, a technocrat, an innovative entrepreneur, a seasoned systems engineer, a professionally qualified ICT security consultant, and a distinguished industrialist.
“He is a successful business man; which he started at the age of 24 while studying at the University of Lagos, and has been running it for over thirteen years now. Lucky is an accomplished Philanthropist, and a successful Corporate Management Executive with more than Thirteen (13) years of experience in the ICT industry. He is a devoted Christian, God fearing, hardworking and honest. The award is in recognition of his selfless service to humanity which Rotary stands for,” The Club President said.
Lucky, is also the director of Studies, Data point ICT Institute; Founder and president of Nigerian Youth Initiative for Better World International; Executive Director Expert Edge Academy Ltd; Executive Director, First Sports Entertainment Ltd and the Publisher Contact Business Magazine.
In addition to his corporate social responsibilities (CSR), Lucky is the CEO of Global Network Africa (Gnet) in partnership with the Nigeria Youth for a Better World International (NIYOW International) based in Lagos, to provide professional supports to Nigerian Youths in area of ICT Entrepreneurship development.
Lucky Education qualifications are: Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science from University of Lagos, Master of Science in Information Security.
Professionally, he is a Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), Certified Information Security Analyst (ECSA), Certified Cyber Hacking/Forensic Investigator (CHFI), License Penetration Tester (LPT) from EC Council University India and Certificate in Enterprise Development from Lagos Business School (Pan African University) and Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Fate Foundation.
Active Professional Membership of the Computer Society of Nigeria (MCSN); Member Chartered Nigeria Institute of Management (CNIM); Member, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME); Member, Fate Foundation; Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship (FGME); African CEO Council (ACC) and Member, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
He is the President and Founder, Nigeria Youth Initiative for Better World International; Information Security Experts; Member, Nigeria Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN); member of the Association of Esan Professionals of Nigeria and Member, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
In his acceptance speech, Lucky traced the genesis to the setting up of Data-Point Computer Training Institute in year 2000, while an undergraduate of Computer Science at University of Lagos.
He said: “Having seen what Nigerian graduates suffer to get jobs, I was determined to nurture the business, hoping to earn a living with it, after graduation. The business really assisted me in reaching my educational demands and other needs. Meanwhile, it was the knowledge I had as an undergraduate that I put into practice then, and it helped me to a larger extent.
“After my youth service in 2005, I did not look for any paid job, because I was convinced that with the knowledge I had, I can do it myself. Though, it was not easy, but I persisted, till I got to my present stage.
The journey to my success today started with my admission into the University of Lagos to study Computer Science. My computer training centre is not only born out of my quest for professionalism and stimulation of empirical thought. It is also a product of great effort inspired by the long absence of opportunities for the youths within the environment I found myself, to have knowledge of computer, for a total development in competing with their counterparts in other areas.
So, when I observed that about 65-75 percent of youths in areas like Apapa, Ikeja, Victoria Island and Surulere were acquiring knowledge in one computer centre or the other, as against 5 -10 percent of youths in Ajegunle, OlodiApapa, Kirikiri, Amukoko, Ijora- Badia, Orile and their environs who, were in Computer School, I was challenged to establish Data-Point Computer, in order to correct the imbalance.
Today, the difference is clear, as my five computer training outfits have trained thousands of youths and afforded job opportunities to graduates. More than 40 workers are under my payroll. Not only that, I am grateful to God that he provided means for me to survive, without waiting for a paid job.
“This is one honour that everybody would wish to have, because anything that is humanitarian brings joy. I am happy that I am one of those recognized today. Same time, I regard it as a call for more humanitarian gestures and a challenge that I must not relent in interest to see that people around me get improved life.
“I will also use this opportunity to encourage others such as philanthropists, politicians, academics, economists, in fact, everybody to add value to others’ lives. Of course, if the public can recognize and appreciate your works, how much more God, so we are encouraged to help others around us”.
Aside Uduikhue’s contributions in the computer literacy of the youths, his keen interest in sports made him to invest in the sports newspaper of national standard called Contact Sports. The newspaper is presently making waves in proper dissemination of sports news and information.
The United States will begin a partial suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians from January 1, 2026, following a new presidential proclamation aimed at strengthening border and national security.
The US Mission in Nigeria announced on Monday that the restriction will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled ‘Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.’
According to the mission, Nigeria is one of 19 countries affected by the measure.
Others listed are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The proclamation provides for a partial suspension of visa issuance covering nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as well as F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas.
It also applies to immigrant visas, though with limited exceptions.
The statement read in part, “Effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” the Department of State is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries – Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas with limited exceptions.”
US officials clarified that the policy does not apply to all travellers. Exemptions include immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran, dual nationals applying with passports from countries not affected by the suspension, and Special Immigrant Visas for eligible US government employees.
Other exempted categories include lawful permanent residents of the United States and participants in certain major international sporting events.
The US government emphasised that the proclamation applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not hold a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026.
“Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation,” the statement added.
Visa applicants from affected countries may continue to submit applications and attend interviews. However, the US Mission noted that such applicants “may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the US” under the new rules.
The announcement comes amid a series of recent US policy decisions that have raised concerns among Nigerians seeking to travel, study or migrate to the country.
In October, the United States added Nigeria back to its list of countries accused of violating religious freedom, citing persistent insecurity and attacks on Christian communities. This was followed by Nigeria’s inclusion on a revised US travel ban list that imposed partial entry restrictions on Nigerians.
The US has also tightened immigration and visa policies affecting Nigerians. Earlier this year, the validity of most non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerians was reduced to single-entry visas with a three-month duration.
The pre-action notice was signed by Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., Litigation and Compliance Director, and Mus’ab Awwal Mu’az, Esq., secretary of the Association’s Steering Committee.
The dispute stemmed from a consent judgment delivered on November 3, 2025, by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CC/355/2025 between Meta Platforms, Inc. and the NDPC.
Following investigations conducted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, the NDPC had issued a Final Order against Meta Platforms, Inc., finding “widespread violations of the data protection and privacy rights of approximately 61 million Nigerians,” and imposing a remedial fine of USD 32,800,000.
The pre-action notice was signed by Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., Litigation and Compliance Director, and Mus’ab Awwal Mu’az, Esq., Secretary of the Association’s Steering Committee.
The dispute stemmed from a consent judgment delivered on November 3, 2025, by Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CC/355/2025 between Meta Platforms, Inc. and the NDPC.
Following investigations conducted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, the NDPC had issued a Final Order against Meta Platforms, Inc., finding “widespread violations of the data protection and privacy rights of approximately 61 million Nigerians,” and imposing a remedial fine of USD 32,800,000.
The NDPC investigation stemmed from a petition filed at the commission on August 14, 2023, against Meta Platforms Inc. by the convener of Personal Data Protection Awareness Initiative, Ozoemena Nwogbo, regarding violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
After its investigation, NDPC found Meta Platforms Inc. wanting and, on February 18, 2025, issued nine Final Orders against Meta Platforms Inc.
NDPC’s Order
The NDPC’s order nine reads, “Meta shall pay the naira equivalent of 32,800,000 USD (Thirty-two million, eight-hundred thousand United States Dollars) as a remedial fee. The naira equivalent shall be at the rate determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“The details of the account for payment of the remedial fee are as follows: Account Name: Nigeria Data Protection Commission Fund Account. Account Number: 0020331265048 (300131267). Use RTGS for payment.”
The NDPC added, “Note that Meta has a right to seek a judicial review of this decision. The Commission will closely monitor Meta’s remediation process and its impact on data subjects for upwards of six months.”
However, the Final Order was subsequently set aside through Terms of Settlement, which were adopted by the court as a consent judgment on November 3, 2025, following a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025, filed by Meta Platforms Inc. against the NDPC.
Part of the Terms of Settlement entered between NDPC and Meta Platforms Inc. reads, “The applicant (Meta Platforms Inc.) and the respondent (NDPC) have come to a mutual settlement agreement that resolves the dispute underlying the applicant’s originating Summons.
“Pursuant to this agreement: (I) the applicant has agreed to provide specific remedial consideration to the respondent in support of protecting the rights of data subjects in Nigeria; and (II) the respondent has inter alia agreed to set aside and waive any rights to enforce or take steps to enforce the Final Orders against the applicant.”
The settlement terms specifically read, “In the light of the foregoing: The applicant wholly and completely terminates, abandons, withdraws, and discontinues the Originating Summons as well as any and all claims against the respondent connected to or arising from the matters or the subject matter thereof, except as the parties have otherwise agreed.
“The respondent: (I) sets aside the Final Orders against Meta; and (II) save and except as the parties have otherwise agreed, fully and firmly releases and discharges Meta from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, contracts, obligations, suits, debts, costs, liabilities, which the respondent ever had, may now have, or May hereafter claim to have against Meta in respect of the matters.”
Association Alleges Illegality In Settlement
But the Data Privacy Lawyers Association contended that the consent judgment was entered into unlawfully, arguing that it was done without lawful statutory authority, in violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and in derogation of the constitutional right to privacy guaranteed under Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The Association further said the action was taken “to the grave prejudice of millions of affected Nigerians and the public interest, as well as the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
In the notice, the Association warned that unless the issues raised are urgently addressed within the statutory notice period, it would approach the Federal High Court to seek multiple reliefs.
These include an order setting aside, vacating, and nullifying the consent judgment on grounds of fraud, collusion, material non-disclosure, lack of statutory authority, and violation of the NDPA, 2023.
It is also seeking a declaration that the consent judgment is “null, void, unconstitutional, and of no legal effect,” as well as a declaration that the NDPC lacks statutory authority to waive, compro
Other reliefs sought include an order restoring and reviving the Final Order against Meta Platforms, including the $32.8 million fine, and an order restraining any further reliance on or enforcement of the consent judgment.
The Association also asked the court for other orders the Court may deem fit in the interest of justice, public accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights.
In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Association urged the NDPC to provide a written explanation of the legal basis for entering into the Terms of Settlement, clarify the statutory authority relied upon to waive the remedial fine and set aside the Final Order, and take steps to remedy the issues raised.
The letter, the Association said, constitutes the requisite pre-action notice under applicable law.
It warned that unless the concerns are satisfactorily addressed within 30 days of receipt of the notice, it will proceed to institute legal proceedings without further recourse.
mise, or extinguish liabilities, sanctions, or remedial fines arising from established violations of the Act.
As Christians in Nigeria and around the world mark the birth of Jesus Christ, Globacom has extended warm Christmas greetings, describing the season as one of goodwill and togetherness.
Reflecting on the significance of Christmas in a message released on Tuesday, the technology company said the period offers an opportunity for renewal, calling on Christians to uphold the values embodied by Jesus Christ, including love, humility and compassion for humanity.
Globacom noted that the circumstances of Christ’s birth continue to offer timeless guidance for society. “The noble yet humble birth of Jesus teaches virtues such as obedience to God, humility, love for mankind and a strong commitment to the common good. We encourage Christians to consciously practise these virtues as true followers of Christ,” the company stated.
Against the backdrop of today’s social and economic challenges, the company emphasized the shared responsibility of people of goodwill to care for others and to give generously, pointing to Christ’s acts of compassion, including his feeding of multitudes as recorded in the Bible.
Beyond the celebrations, Globacom urged Nigerians to sustain the true spirit of Christmas by consistently demonstrating love, promoting peace and fostering harmony—values that defined Christ’s life and teachings.
The company also wished its customers and Nigerians at large a joyful Christmas, while reaffirming its commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality services throughout the festive period and beyond, urging customers to take advantage of its wide range of innovative products and services to stay connected and share the joy of the season with loved ones.
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