From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded plans to host the fourth edition of its Quarterly Book Reading Programme, featuring renowned leadership expert and former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
The book reading session will hold on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The programme is part of NCDMB’s sustained effort to promote literacy, critical thinking, and knowledge exchange through structured engagement with leading Nigerian authors and thought leaders.
Since its start in August 2014, the book reading series has served as a platform for intellectual discourse on thematic subjects, while reinforcing NCDMB’s commitment to human capital development beyond the oil and gas sector.
This edition will focus on Dr. Peterside’s book “Leading in a Storm”, which explores practical approaches to leadership in times of uncertainty, crisis, and institutional change.
Participants will engage with the author through a reading session, an interactive question-and-answer segment, and a book signing, providing a direct interface between the author and a diverse audience of professionals, industry stakeholders, and emerging leaders. Dr. Peterside is recognised for his work in crisis leadership, public sector reform, and organisational transformation.
With over 24 years of leadership experience across both public and private sectors, he has led complex institutions and driven reforms aimed at improving performance and accountability.
His contributions to leadership development have earned recognition from global scholars and practitioners, with Leading in a Storm described as a practical guide for navigating complex leadership challenges.
The book was also named Book of the Year 2025 by THISDAY newspaper, further cementing its relevance in contemporary leadership discourse. Beyond his professional engagements, Dr. Peterside serves as an adjunct lecturer at leading business schools, where he mentors emerging leaders and shares insights from his extensive experience.
He is also the author of other publications and continues to contribute to leadership thought through research, writing, and advisory roles.
Speaking on the essence of the book reading programme, the General Manager, Corporate Communication NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi pointed that the programme seeks toencourage learning, innovation, and value-driven leadership.
He referenced the Board’s capacity building mandate, highlighting that the agency views the engagements as critical to building a knowledge-based society and strengthening the capacity of individuals to respond effectively to evolving economic and institutional challenges.
Ezeobi further disclosed that this fourth edition is expected to attract a wide range of participants, including professionals from the oil and gas industry, academia, government institutions, students, media, and 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.”
Some of the authors who have featured in the book reading programme have included former Editor of The PUNCH Newspaper, Mr. Dayo Oketola, who authored “The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens,”The Senior Vice-chairman and Editor-in-chief at Leadership Newspaper, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene was the first guest on the platform in the August 2024 edition, where he shared insights from his book, “Writing for Media and Monetising It.
HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Bayelsa State has also shared his book, The Pirates of the Gulf.
