Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce must extend beyond technical training to include reading, critical thinking and intellectual development, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) said on Tuesday.
The board made the call at its fifth Book Reading Programme in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, attended by authors, journalists, public relations practitioners, academics and university students.
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NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the board’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi, said human capital development required more than technical and professional skills.
“We must read widely, think critically,” Ogbe said, describing the quarterly programme as part of the board’s efforts to promote reading, learning and the exchange of ideas.
The programme featured Paul C. Nwabuikwu, a columnist and strategic communications practitioner, who discussed his 2025 book, The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal (1990-2025).
Nwabuikwu said the book was shaped by his reactions to political and social events in Nigeria between 1990 and 2025. He cited Nigeria’s military intervention in Liberia and Sierra Leone through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) as one of the episodes that influenced his writing.
He also spoke about the role of journalism in documenting public affairs, saying writers should provide sufficient context and depth to help readers understand events.
“Journalism is the first draft of history,” Nwabuikwu said.
Asked about his use of humour when writing about politically sensitive subjects, he described it as “an escape valve”, particularly when writing under military governments where criticism could have consequences.
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Nwabuikwu advised aspiring writers to develop their own voices rather than imitate established authors.
“Be yourself; don’t try to write like other people,” he said, urging writers to focus on subjects they are passionate about.
The NCDMB launched the Book Reading Programme in August 2024 as a platform for interaction between authors, academics, students and media practitioners. Previous editions featured Leadership Newspapers Editor-in-Chief Azu Ishiekwene, former PUNCH Editor Dayo Oketola, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, and former public official Dakuku Peterside.
The board said the programme is designed to promote reading, literacy, critical thinking and intellectual engagement.
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.
