NCDMB hosts book reading promotion event, sues for enhanced capacity
Ilenre Irele
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, had hosted a book reading event in Yenagoa with a stress on how writers could ply their art beneficially, using available digital resources.
Declaring the event open at the Harold Dappa-Biriye Conference Hall, Golden Tulip Apartments and Resort, Ovom, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated that the Board in its commitment to capacity building for Nigerian companies and citizens to participate in the oil and gas industry had considered it important to assist writers, journalists and university undergraduates in honing their writing skills for service in and out of the industry.
He added that a well-researched 2024 publication by a renowned Abuja-based media practitioner, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, titled ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It’, had critically important contents that could educate journalists and writers as well as students on the state of the media industry globally in present times and the necessary adjustments required to thrive.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile Esq. said: “We wanted to ensure that there is an opportunity for the media and students in this environment to tap from the knowledge of Mr. Ishiekwene.”
He noted that Mr. Ishiekwene had over 35 years of experience in reporting and editorial positions as well as management.
While appreciating the presence of leading members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, journalists, writers and students at the event, he said: “We believe that we can build the capacity of those who practise within this space, at NCDMB, talent development is key to delivering our mandate.”
In the book reading segment, the author, Ishiekwene commended the NCMB for the initiative which he noted was “to inspire the next generation of authors and writers.” Taking the audience through different chapters of the book, he highlighted pathways to rewarding media practice in the digital age.
In ‘Finding Your Voice,’ the title of Chapter 1, he explained that a young writer has to try their hands at some form of content creation, possibly starting by studying the styles of distinguished writers, and bearing in mind that persistence is key to self-discovery. Practice, he stated is the best way to find your voice, starting with a blog or the like, and striving to expand one’s reading list.
