The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded the fifth edition of its annual book reading programme, calling on Nigerians to prioritise a culture of continuous learning to drive national development.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including prominent members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Bayelsa State Chapter, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The programme also saw active participation from academics and university undergraduates, focusing on the importance of intellectual engagement across different age groups.
By hosting the NCDMB book reading programme, the agency seeks to address the declining reading habits in the country and encourage the acquisition of knowledge as a fundamental tool for professional success.
Fostering human capacity through education
The initiative aligns with the NCDMB’s broader mandate to develop local capacity within the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, the Board is tasked with ensuring that Nigerian professionals are sufficiently trained and intellectually equipped to manage complex industrial operations. The Board views literacy and lifelong learning as essential components of this human capital development strategy.
During the event, representatives from the literary and media sectors emphasised that reading is central to critical thinking and effective communication. The involvement of the NUJ and NIPR demonstrated the link between a strong reading culture and the high level of professionalism required in journalism and public relations.
The inclusion of university undergraduates was a deliberate move to target the next generation of the Nigerian workforce. Participants noted that broadening one’s knowledge beyond the standard classroom curriculum is necessary to remain competitive in a globalised economy, particularly in technical sectors where constant learning is a requirement.
The presence of the ANA Bayelsa State Chapter also points to the agency’s commitment to engaging local intellectual communities within the Niger Delta region. By decentralising such academic activities, the NCDMB aims to ensure that the benefits of its social intervention programmes reach students and scholars in host communities.
The Board has not yet announced the schedule or the specific literary works to be featured in the sixth edition of the programme.
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