NCDMB holds 5th book reading event, encourages Nigerians to embrace learning

On Tuesday, there was a celebration of reading and journalism at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa. Members of the Association of Nigerian Authors from Bayelsa State, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and university students gathered for the 5th Edition of the Book Reading Programme. This event was organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

The event highlighted Mr Paul C Nwabuikwu, a veteran writer and communication expert. He presented his book titled THE PAIN AND THE PROMISE: INSIGHTS AND FRAGMENTS ON NIGERIA AND PEOPLE, PUBLIC AND PERSONAL (1990-2025). Attendees read excerpts from the book and participated in lively discussions during the question and answer sessions.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, spoke at the event. He was represented by Dr Obinna Ezeobi, the General Manager of the Corporate Communications Division. He said the Book Reading Programme shows the board's commitment to promoting reading, learning, and sharing ideas. "Books give us the opportunity to learn from the experiences and knowledge of others, and to engage issues from different perspectives," he said. He added that the board holds this quarterly event to encourage meaningful discussions with authors and thought leaders. "We bring people together to share ideas," he noted.

The Executive Secretary also mentioned that the NCDMB's responsibilities go beyond oil and gas. He said the board supports capacity building in various areas to help citizens contribute 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 the board's commitment to developing people goes beyond just technical skills. He said it is important to "encourage a culture of learning." He urged everyone to read widely and think critically.

Mr Nwabuikwu, the guest author, shared that his work as a newspaper columnist is driven by a desire to explore important issues in depth. He said, "Journalism is the first draft of history," and he aims to provide thorough analysis so readers understand events better. He mentioned that his writing is a response to events from 1990 to 2025, highlighting Nigeria's costly military action in Liberia and Sierra Leone through ECOMOG, which he found disturbing. He revealed that Nigeria gained nothing from this intervention. (On 25 October 1999, then-President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that Nigeria spent US$8 billion on ECOMOG.)

Talking about the book's title, "The Pain and Promise," he explained that Nigerians face many difficulties in everyday life, but the country still has much potential. When Dr Ezeobi asked about the use of humor in his writing, Nwabuikwu said, "Humour is like an escape valve." He explained that when writing under a military regime, it was important to express opinions without angering those in power.

When asked for tips on creative writing, he advised, "Be yourself; don’t try to write like other people." He encouraged writers to focus on their passions, saying, "Whatever you are passionate about."

The NCDMB started its Book Reading Programme in August 2024, with Mr Azu Ishiekwene, Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspapers, as the first guest author. The second edition took place on 25 August 2025 with Mr Dayo Oketola, former Editor of The PUNCH. On 13 November 2025, they had King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, as a guest. Dr Dakuku Peterside was featured on 8 April 2026. The NCDMB aims to promote reading, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement among authors, academics, students, media professionals, and the general public.