Amanze ChinonyeTwo senior executives of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have achieved a major academic milestone after being conferred with doctorate degrees during the 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State.
Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services, and Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of Corporate Communications, received doctoral degrees in Energy, Economics, Management and Policy, and Energy Communications, respectively.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTheir academic success attracted commendation from industry stakeholders and colleagues, many of whom attended the convocation ceremony and receptions held in their honour. The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, led the delegation of board officials, including the newly appointed Director of Finance and Personnel Management, Mr. Uchenna Ossaowa Andrew, and Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi, former chairman of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) and a member of the NCDMB Governing Council.
Dr. Halilu, whose career spans roles such as Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, is widely known for his thought leadership in policy development and institutional strategy. His doctoral degree further reinforces NCDMB’s commitment to building knowledge-driven capacity within Nigeria’s energy governance space.
Dr. Ezeobi’s convocation was marked by the public presentation of his latest book, “Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation.” The book, released in April 2025 to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, has been endorsed by several high-profile figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and the current and former Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources.
READ ALSO: Industry Leaders Defend Local Content, Rally Behind NCDMB At NOG Energy Week
At a post-convocation reception, dignitaries praised the academic accomplishments and the book’s strategic relevance. Chief Nathan Egba, former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, described the book as a “powerful chronicle of the NCDMB’s influence on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and a vital contribution to policy discourse.”
Additional commendations came from Mr. Teddy Bai, Supervisor in NCDMB’s Corporate Communications Division, and Mr. Hector Igbikiowubo, Media Adviser to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, both of whom described Dr. Ezeobi’s work as a blueprint for public-sector communication and stakeholder engagement.
Mr. Mayor Ikoroha, Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State, delivered a comprehensive review of the book, calling it “a masterclass in strategic communication” that offers critical insight into how Nigeria’s local content retention has grown to 56%.
The celebration concluded with a book signing and photo session, underscoring not only the academic achievements of the NCDMB executives but also their continued impact as thought leaders, policy contributors, and advocates of national development through local content promotion.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
