NCDMB promotes reading culture with fifth book event in Bayelsa

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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has reiterated its commitment to promoting reading culture, intellectual development and critical thinking among Nigerians.

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The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated this at the fifth edition of the Board’s Book Reading Programme held Tuesday at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower, Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

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The event brought together members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Nigeria Union of Journalists, academics and university undergraduates for literary discussions and intellectual engagement.

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Represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Dr Obinna Ezeobi, Ogbe said the quarterly programme was part of the Board’s corporate policy to promote reading, learning and the continuous exchange of ideas.

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He said, “Books give us the opportunity to learn from the experiences and knowledge of others, and to engage issues from different perspectives.”

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The NCDMB boss added that the programme was designed to provide opportunities for participants to interact with authors and thought leaders while examining contemporary issues through literature and critical discussion.

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According to him, “We bring people together to share ideas.”

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Ogbe noted that the mandate of the NCDMB went beyond the oil and gas industry, stressing that the Board was also committed to building human capacity in areas that would enable Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development.

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He said, “We support businesses, we develop institutions; we also create opportunities for Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the energy sector; we enable thought processes, and we enable people to enhance their intellectual capacities.”

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He further stressed that human capital development should not be limited to technical and professional skills, but should also encompass intellectual growth and a sustained culture of learning.

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“We must read widely, think critically,” he said.

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The guest author, Mr Paul C. Nwabuikwu, featured at the programme with his 2025 publication, The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal (1990-2025).

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Nwabuikwu, a veteran journalist, columnist and strategic communication professional, read excerpts from selected chapters of the book and responded to questions from participants.

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Explaining his motivation for writing, he said his experience as a newspaper columnist had reinforced his belief in giving depth and context to issues in order to help readers better understand events.

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“Journalism is the first draft of history,” he said.

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Nwabuikwu explained that several of the issues examined in the book were reactions to events that occurred between 1990 and 2025.

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He cited Nigeria’s military intervention in Liberia and Sierra Leone through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group as one of the events that influenced his reflections, arguing that Nigeria derived no gain of strategic importance from the costly intervention.

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On the title of the book, The Pain and the Promise, the author said it reflected the contradictions of Nigeria, where citizens experience difficulties in different aspects of their daily lives while the country continues to possess enormous potential.

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Responding to a question on his use of humour in writing, Nwabuikwu described humour as “an escape valve”, saying it enabled writers to communicate sensitive issues in difficult political circumstances.

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“When you are writing under a military ruler who was not famous for letting his enemies escape, you have to find a way of making your point that readers are sure of what you are saying but Oga is not annoyed enough to deal with you,” he said.

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On creative writing, the author advised aspiring writers to develop their individual voices rather than imitate established writers.

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“Be yourself; don’t try to write like other people,” he said, urging writers to focus on issues they are passionate about.

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The NCDMB Book Reading Programme was inaugurated in August 2024, with the Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, as the guest author.

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The second edition, held on August 25, 2025, featured former Editor of The PUNCH, Mr Dayo Oketola, while King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, was the guest author at the November 13, 2025 edition.

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The fourth edition, held on April 8, 2026, featured former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and former federal lawmaker, Dr Dakuku Peterside.

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The programme is aimed at promoting reading and literacy, critical thinking and intellectual engagement among authors, academics, students, media practitioners and members of the general public.

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