Why NCDMB wants to squeeze at least one writer in to power our lives and local content
It was the 8th award and prize-giving ceremony on Monday 16 December when the Board’s Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatshola Ogbe, giving the keynote address in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State admitted that launching and organising essayist platforms is one of NCDMB’s multiple interventions.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) finds itself needing more agency to get the word out about the remarkable work it does to build locally sourced capacity within the oil and gas industry, hence the reason why participants of the Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition 2024 yesterday, were getting the prep talk to power up their output through the writing form of communication.
It was the 8th award and prize-giving ceremony on Monday 16 December when the Board’s Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatshola Ogbe, giving the keynote address in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State admitted that launching and organising essayist platforms is one of NCDMB’s multiple interventions to lift the standard of education in Nigeria but it hardly ever ends there.
Engr. Ogbe says his organisation wants to promote proficiency in writing, create awareness of local content and its benefit to the national economy, and engender citizen engagement from the undergraduate level.
Knowledge gathering is good, but after this comes the question of who to pass this on to. The Executive Secretary underscored this by noting the importance of inculcating local content consciousness among undergraduates. He said local content is an economic imperative for the sustainable development of our local economy, the creation of job opportunities, and national security. By fostering this understanding, NCDMB aims to engender citizen engagement from an early stage.
Sustaining interest in local content forever
While still at the award ceremony, the Executive Secretary expressed hope that the particular essay competition attendees gathered would continue to generate interest and awareness about the Nigerian Content law and philosophy.
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He reiterated that the Board is committed to capacity development and opening opportunities for local communities. This commitment is exemplified by the recently launched Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative, which aims to enhance the contributions of the oil and gas industry to host communities through funding for local contractors, support for basic education, and training of youths in relevant industry skills.
Engr. Ogbe praised the transparent process of selecting the competition winners, commending the professors who dedicated their time and intellect to the task. We have built a strong and reputable brand, and every project we get involved in must be excellent, professional, and world-class, he stated.
Broader educational engagement
Earlier in his welcome address, the CEO of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, Mr. Eyinimi Omorozi, described the Annual Undergraduate Essay Competition as an elite programme designed to promote academic excellence and raise awareness about Nigerian Content.
He expressed appreciation to Engr. Ogbe for ensuring the programme’s sustenance over eight consecutive years.
The Chairperson of the occasion, Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo, represented by Mrs. A. Tawari of the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund, commended the finalists for their dedication and urged undergraduate students to remain focused on their studies.
The winner of the 2024 edition, 16-year-old Ojedele Jesuferanmi Emmanuel, a 200-Level student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, received a top-of-the-range HP laptop, a glass plaque, and a cash prize of ₦1 million. The first runner-up, 23-year-old Miracle Chibuike Okoli, and the second runner-up, 19-year-old Mary Okogbe, also received impressive prizes.
Expanding elsewhere
In addition to the essay competition, the NCDMB is extending its educational initiatives to other areas, including the Science Quiz Competition for High School students. These initiatives aim to build a robust pipeline of future professionals who are well-versed in the principles of local content and can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.
The Science Quiz Competition, in particular, is designed to stimulate interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects among high school students. This not only prepares them for future careers in the oil and gas industry but also fosters a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
Engr. Ogbe’s vision for the future includes a Nigeria where local content is deeply embedded in the fabric of the economy, leading to job creation, poverty reduction, industrial development, and inclusive economic growth.
By engaging with the media and educational institutions, the NCDMB aims to ensure that the achievements and benefits of local content initiatives are well-communicated and understood by the public.
The topic of this year’s essay writing contest was “Nigerian Content and Opportunities in African Local Content Advancement,” and it reflects the Board’s broader strategy of positioning Nigeria as a leader in local content development in Africa.
By sharing its experiences and successes, Nigeria can help other African countries implement similar strategies for sustainable economic growth.
Overall, the NCDMB’s proactive approach in partnering with the media and educational institutions underscores its commitment to transparency, capacity building, and the long-term development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Through these efforts, the Board aims to create a well-informed and engaged citizenry that supports and benefits from local content initiatives.
