Book Reading Programme is to promote creativity, capacity devt – NCDMB

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reiterated that its book reading programme is to promote creativity and capacity building among Nigerians.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who stated this at the Q1 2026 Book Reading programme featuring the book: Leading in a Storm, authored by Dr Dakuku Peterside, held at the Nigerian Content Tower, disclosed that the event aligned with the mandate of the Board.

Ogbe, represented by General Manager Corporate Communications, Dr Obinna Ezeobi, noted that NCDMB’s involvement in bankrolling many competitions and programmes in the fields of science, research, and creativity underscores the Board’s commitment to innovation and capacity building, which are central to its mandate in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry.

noted that the session was designed to expose participants to practical leadership insights applicable within and beyond the workplace.

Ezeobi, who pointed out that Book Reading promotes literacy and education, stressed that it is linked with the NCDMB vision for capacity building.

‘’For this programme, we are building a platform for authors and intellectuals to discuss issues that affect Nigeria. This programme aligns with the NCDMB mandate in different ways. This is a platform to build capacity. Of Course, today we are discussing leadership. And leadership promotes Nigerian Content. With leadership, we can achieve innovation and strengthen the Oil and Gas industry, ‘’ he said.

On the criteria used to invite authors, Ezeobi explained that authors and their books must be able to represent the NCDMB brand which has been adjudged four times back-to-back as the best Federal Government agency by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council(PEBEC) for its integrity and professionalism.

Peterside, a former member of the House of Representatives and former Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who read excerpts of the book, said the book drew practical leadership lessons from leaders in the public and private sector, explained that effective leadership in times of crisis requires adaptability, clarity, and resilience.

While noting the difference in crisis leadership from crisis management, which he said often relies on established procedures, he outlined a seven-point crisis leadership framework that revolves around contextual intelligence, emotional regulation, sense-making, agile decision-making, communication, coordination and teamwork, and continuous learning during and after crises.

Peterside, who disclosed that he has been able to shift from active public service to being a private citizen because he has been very intentional in his career progression, maintained that leaders are ultimately defined by their actions in challenging moments, rather than in periods of stability.

The event featured an interactive question-and-answer session and drew participants from the Association of Nigerian Authors (Bayelsa Chapter), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, journalists and media organizations, student groups, and literary enthusiasts.

The NCDMB Book Reading Programme remains a flagship platform for knowledge exchange, reinforcing the Board’s role as a leader in capacity development and thought leadership within the sector.