Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced plans to hold the fourth edition of its Quarterly Book Reading Programme, with former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, as the featured author.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Board’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi, the event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Nigerian Content Tower.
Ezeobi explained that the initiative forms part of NCDMB’s broader efforts to encourage reading culture, promote critical thinking, and create a platform for intellectual engagement among professionals and stakeholders.
He noted that since its inception in August 2014, the programme has continued to provide opportunities for discourse on key thematic issues, while also advancing the Board’s commitment to human capital development beyond the oil and gas sector.
This edition of the programme will centre on Peterside’s book, Leading in a Storm, which examines leadership strategies in periods of uncertainty, crisis, and organisational change. The session will feature a structured reading, followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment and a book signing, enabling participants to engage directly with the author.
Peterside, a respected voice in leadership and governance, is widely known for his contributions to crisis management, public sector reform, and institutional transformation.
With over 24 years of experience across the public and private sectors, he has led several complex organisations and driven reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability. His book, Leading in a Storm, has received wide acclaim and was named Book of the Year 2025 by THISDAY newspaper.
Beyond his professional roles, Peterside also serves as an adjunct lecturer at leading business schools, where he mentors emerging leaders and shares insights from his extensive experience.
He has authored several publications and continues to contribute to leadership development through research, writing, and advisory engagements.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Ezeobi said it aligns with the Board’s mandate to build capacity and foster innovation.
According to him, “this programme seeks to encourage learning, innovation, and value-driven leadership,” adding that the initiative is critical to building a knowledge-based society and equipping individuals with the capacity to respond effectively to evolving economic and institutional challenges.
He further disclosed that the upcoming edition is expected to attract a diverse audience, including professionals from the oil and gas sector, academia, government institutions, students, media practitioners, and members of the public.
In his words, “this programme will provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on leadership, resilience, and transformation, while advancing the Board’s broader objective of fostering intellectual growth and national development.”
The NCDMB book reading series has previously hosted notable authors and thought leaders.
Among them is former Editor of The PUNCH Newspaper, Dayo Oketola, who presented his book, The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens.
Also featured on the platform is Senior Vice-Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspaper, Azu Ishiekwene, who was the inaugural guest at the August 2024 edition, where he shared insights from his book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.
In addition, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State, has also participated in the series, presenting his work, The Pirates of the Gulf.
The Board reiterated its commitment to sustaining the initiative as a platform for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and national growth.
