NCDMB to spotlight Nwabuikwu’s book at book reading

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will spotlight Paul C. Nwabuikwu’s new book, The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal, at the fifth edition of its Corporate Communications Book Reading Programme.

The session, scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, will feature Nwabuikwu, a journalist, public policy analyst and strategic communicator, who will engage participants on the issues explored in his recently published book.

The Pain and the Promise brings together Nwabuikwu’s writings from more than three decades, covering Nigeria’s politics, economy, public policy, society and the experiences of its people.

NCDMB said the reading session would provide an opportunity for participants to examine the ideas and experiences contained in the book and discuss how national events and public policy decisions have affected ordinary Nigerians.

The author’s career has included journalism, public policy, strategic communications, advertising, brand building and opinion research. He began his journalism career in 1988 and worked with media organisations including Newswatch, THISDAY and THE GUARDIAN.

Nwabuikwu also served in government as Special Assistant on Communications to former Finance Minister and Head of the Economic Management Team, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during her two tenures in office.

The book has received commendation from prominent Nigerians, including Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka and Vice Chancellor of Baze University, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, who spoke at its public presentation in Abuja.

According to NCDMB, the book-reading programme is designed to promote literacy, critical thinking and knowledge exchange while providing a platform for engagement with Nigerian authors and thought leaders.

The Board said the initiative also forms part of its broader human capital development efforts, extending its knowledge and learning programmes beyond the oil and gas sector.

The forthcoming session will bring together professionals, students, industry stakeholders and members of the public for discussions around Nigeria’s past and present, leadership, governance, public policy and the human stories behind major national developments.

The programme has previously featured notable Nigerian authors, including HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, whose book Pirates of the Gulf was discussed, and former NIMASA Director-General and former House of Representatives member, Dr Dakuku Peterside, who presented his book Leading in a Storm.

The NCDMB said the session with Nwabuikwu would add another perspective to the intellectual conversations promoted through its Corporate Communications Book Reading Programme.