After learning more about vital NCDMB, army officers now feel refreshed in their job of protecting
To maximise their training, the army officers were shown NCDMB’s Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre which represents a success story of the Board’s commitment to building capacities and aiding individuals with innovative ideas to be the best they can be.
Practically every sphere of society has a connection with a Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) mandate, which is exactly what a Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) delegation on Thursday, 6 February 2025, found out when they stopped over in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on a vital local study tour to build connection.
This moment of discovery happened precisely at the prestigious 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) building, which has served as the Board’s corporate headquarters since its commissioning on 13 August 2020 by the immediate past President of Nigeria, Mr Muhammadu Buhari.
High-ranking army officers visiting the tower were able to better familiarise themselves with Nigeria’s oil industry and understand their roles in protecting it as a matter of national security.
Even though the NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, wasn’t physically present when the military personnel carried out their study tour, but his touch was felt nonetheless. His representative, standing in for him, emphasised how much premium the organisation places on fostering the spirit of knowledge discovery and sharing.
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The Board’s Director of Corporate Services and Capacity Building, Dr Ama Ikuru, who stood in, expressed to the guests, comprising officers of the Lieutenant Colonel and General ranks, that the organisation takes research and development seriously. This is evidenced by the decision to establish fully equipped centres in selected universities covering each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the local content organisation’s corporate affairs department, the guests visiting the tower located along Oxbow Lake Road, Swali in Bayelsa’s capital were undergoing an 11-month Leadership and Strategic Course 3/2024 when they stopped by.
To maximise their training, the army officers were shown NCDMB’s Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC). This facility represents a success story of the Board’s commitment to building capacities and aiding individuals with innovative ideas to be the best they can be.
Familiarising the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja delegation with their host’s processes went even further when a different NCDMB executive addressed them.
This time, it was the Board’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, noting the mutually beneficial partnership existing between the Army and the organisation he represents. It is good the military sees NCDMB as a partner, says Halilu.
In addition, the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile said the visiting military officers afforded the Board and attendees a useful platform for interaction and knowledge sharing. He urged the guests to tell the success story of the NCDMB wherever they find themselves.
The team leader of the touring military officers was Major General Abubakar A. Tarfa (retd), who explained that their engagement at the content tower had involved members of the army who were all professionals in diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, nursing, and administration, among others.
He said the 11-month course was designed to prepare participants for higher responsibilities and that the tour would provide necessary exposure, to have the officers acquainted with the NCDMB, the role it plays as well as monitoring programmes that ensure steady growth in local content in the oil and gas industry.
Major General Tarfa also pointed out that there is a relationship between leadership, strategy and national security, and that the training and associated activities underline such realities.
He said military assistance to civil authority for oil production in the Niger Delta toward national development was a major motivating factor in their study tour of the state.
Lt. Col. Juliet Aziekwu who spoke on behalf of all the participants from the military was filled with appreciation and the feeling that we are better informed about the NCDMB and its role and as a result, we’ll put the knowledge into use.
