The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) hosted its Book Reading Series on Thursday at Yenagoa, featuring King Bubaraye Dakolo reading from Pirates of the Gulf.

Delivering the welcome address, Executive Secretary Felix Imatsola-Ogbe highlighted NCDMB’s commitment to capacity development across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors, emphasising education as a critical focus area for sustainable growth.

He cited the board’s establishment of centres of excellence in universities and sponsorship of essay and quiz competitions in secondary schools and tertiary institutions, aimed at grooming talent for the oil and gas sector.

Represented by Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, the board commended Mr Dakolo for educating attendees on the realities of oil theft, while staff members from media and government relations also attended the session.

Mr Dakolo said widespread misrepresentation exists in the world today, noting that certain countries and individuals profit from discrediting the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta, Nigerians, and Africans at large, inspiring his book.

He explained the book was a “faction,” blending fiction and non-fiction, reflecting real-life experiences in the Niger Delta, aiming to provide readers with knowledge to navigate misrepresentation and stand firm in truth.

Mr Dakolo applauded NCDMB for promoting education and authorship through the event, emphasising the board’s role in grooming talent for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and providing a platform for meaningful public discussion.

He said the book clarified misconceptions about oil thieves, highlighting decades of failed attempts to apprehend perpetrators, stressing that if even one oil thief were jailed, oil theft would dramatically decline immediately.

The event attracted writers, literature enthusiasts, students, and distinguished guests, with spoken word performances adding creativity and enhancing engagement, making the session both educational and culturally enriching for all attendees. 

(NAN)