NCDMB Hosts 5th Book Reading Programme, Tasks Nigerians On Culture Of Learning

By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Wednesday, 16 September 2026

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of reading, continuous learning and critical thinking, describing intellectual development as essential to national growth.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, made the call through the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division (CCD), Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, during the 5th edition of the Board’s Book Reading Programme held at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Tuesday.

The programme brought together members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Bayelsa State Chapter, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), academics, university undergraduates and other participants to celebrate literary culture, journalism and intellectual engagement.

The event featured veteran journalist and strategic communication professional, Mr. Paul C. Nwabuikwu, who presented his 2025 publication, The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal (1990-2025).

Excerpts from selected chapters of the book were read and subsequently discussed during an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage the author on his experiences, writing style and perspectives on Nigeria’s political, social and historical development.

Representing the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Dr. Ezeobi said the Book Reading Programme was a reflection of the Board’s corporate policy of promoting reading, learning and continuous exchange of ideas.

He explained that books provide an avenue for people to learn from the experiences and knowledge of others while examining national and societal issues from different perspectives.

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

According to him, the Board organises the programme quarterly to create opportunities for meaningful conversations between authors, thought leaders and members of the public.

“We bring people together to share ideas,” he added.

Ogbe further explained that the mandate of the NCDMB goes beyond activities directly related to the oil and gas industry, noting that the Board also has a responsibility to support capacity building in different areas that can enhance the ability of Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“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,” he stated.

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

The Executive Secretary therefore urged Nigerians to read widely and develop the ability to examine issues critically.

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

Speaking on his motivation for writing, the guest author, Nwabuikwu, said his experience as a newspaper columnist had strengthened his desire to provide depth and context to the issues he writes about.

He described journalism as “the first draft of history,” explaining that he considers it important to go beyond merely reporting events by providing sufficient analysis to help readers understand the significance of what is happening around them.

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

He explained that much of the content of his book was influenced by events that occurred during the period covered by the publication, from 1990 to 2025.

Among the issues he highlighted was Nigeria’s military intervention in Liberia and Sierra Leone through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), which he described as particularly disturbing.

Nwabuikwu questioned the strategic gains Nigeria derived from the costly intervention, noting that the country’s involvement came at a significant financial cost.

The author also referred to a 25 October 1999 disclosure by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo that Nigeria had spent a total of US$8 billion on the sponsorship of ECOMOG.

Explaining the title of his book, The Pain and the Promise, Nwabuikwu said the title reflects the realities of Nigerians who experience various difficulties in their everyday lives, while the country nevertheless continues to possess considerable potential and promise.

He also offered insight into the role of humour in his writing when asked by Dr. Ezeobi about the subject.

According to him, humour can serve as a means of communicating difficult or sensitive issues without unnecessarily provoking those in positions of authority.

“Humour is like an escape valve,” he said, explaining that writers working under military rule sometimes had to employ creative ways of making their points while avoiding direct confrontation with those in power.

Nwabuikwu also advised aspiring creative writers against imitating other writers, urging them instead to develop their own voices and concentrate on issues that genuinely interest them.

“Be yourself; don’t try to write like other people,” he advised.

He encouraged writers to focus on subjects about which they are passionate, saying, “Whatever you are passionate about.”

The NCDMB Book Reading Programme was inaugurated in August 2024 as part of the Board’s efforts to promote reading culture, literacy, critical thinking and intellectual engagement.

The inaugural edition featured the Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, as guest author.

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

The fourth edition, held on 8 April 2026, featured Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

With the fifth edition, the programme continues to provide a platform for published authors, academics, students, media practitioners and members of the general public to exchange ideas on literature, journalism, national development and contemporary issues.

The NCDMB said the initiative remains part of its broader commitment to developing human capacity and encouraging Nigerians to embrace reading, intellectual curiosity and continuous learning as tools for personal and national development.