Connect with us

NEWS

Peterside Harps on Strong Leadership at NCDMB Book Reading Series

Published

on

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), on Wednesday at its Conference Centre hosted the 2026 first quarter edition of its Book Reading Series.

With Dr. Dakuku Peterside, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration (NIMASA) as guest author, the event focused on the 204-page publication of the author, ‘Leading in a Storm: Practical Leadership Strategies in Crisis Situations’, published in 2025.

The capacity audience was drawn from higher institutions, the media, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), with several others participating virtually.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division (CCD), Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, said the book programme, which he described as “a signature event”, speaks to creativity, which is one of the core values of the Board.

He explained that the event is part of the Board’s strategy in fostering intellectual activity and sophistication among stakeholders, as well as building the abilities of Nigerians to operate productively in the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors, which is one of its core mandates.

The Executive Secretary enumerated several initiatives of the Board geared towards advancement of research and technology; notably six centres of excellence in the nation’s six geopolitical zones, each of which has a unique theme.

These are the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, with Marine and Petrochemical Technologies as theme; the Federal University of Technology, Minna (Engineering Design), and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (Local Raw Materials Substitution).

ALSO READ: PDP Chieftain Explains Why Peter Obi Could Restore National Hope in Nigeria

Others are Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola (Safety and Environment Studies); Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUS), Sokoto (Renewable Energy), and Federal University of Technology, Akure (Geology and Geophysical Studies).

Additional research centres established by the Board include Geosciences Research Centre at the University of Lagos and Marine and Offshore Training Centre at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

The latest is the Centres of Excellence in Gas Development at Delta State University, Abraka, being developed in partnership with Seplat Energy Plc.

According to Ogbe, the NCDMB is collaborating with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC), First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), to organise the first Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), which was launched on November 20, 2025 in Abuja.

The Olympiad is to encourage final-year and postgraduate students to be innovative in applying engineering principles to real-world operational challenges in and out of the oil and gas industry.

In the book conversation segment, moderated by Mr. Victor Binawari, Peterside explained the inspiration behind ‘Leading in a Storm…,’ saying, “My own lived experience informed the contents and thrusts of the work.”

He added, “Every single day, Nigerians face one crisis or another, and the experiences posit weakness of leadership.”

He recalled his time at the National Assembly, when he served as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Downstream Petroleum sector, with the unremitting crises in fuel supply.

As NIMASA Director General, he said he had to contend with recurring incidents of piracy within Nigeria’s territorial waters.

“Then the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many world leaders fumbling, unable to determine how best to safeguard the health of citizens,” he said, adding that another inspiration was drawn from an uncomplimentary remark by a professor at America’s Kellog School of Management.

He said, “The professor remarked that ‘Africa is in a near-permanent state of crises.’ I began to investigate how leaders can perform better in crisis situations; calmness, clarity, adaptability, and resilience are critically important. What kind of choices leaders make when faced with crises would reveal the stuff they are made of.”

He outlined eight competencies of leadership, namely: “Contextual intelligence- the ability to read situations accurately and understand the deeper forces at play; Calm Confidence – which provides emotional stability; Sense-making – which enables a leader to find patterns in chaos and make meaning from confusion; Strategic Decision-making; Clear Communication; Strategic Flexibility; Coordinating Teamwork, and Facilitating Learning.

“Every great leader should rank high enough in these.”

On his style, which relies heavily on storytelling, he stated that stories are relatable, memorable and engaging, and that “stories teach you principles which you can apply.”

In closing remarks, Mr. Teleola Oyeleke, Supervisor, CCD of NCDMB, thanked Peterside for readily accepting the invitation and for the wealth of experience he shared at the event.

He also thanked all participants, while advising them to read and digest the contents of the book.

He also echoed the guest author in challenging attendees to have personal development programmes.

NEWS

Fresh Bloodshed in Plateau: 15-Year-Old Herder Killed, Cattle Slaughtered

Published

on

Plateau set to clear backlog of N18bn gratuities of retired civil servants

A fresh attack by suspected gunmen in Plateau State has claimed the life of a 15-year-old herder, Sadi Aliyu, while leaving 13 cattle dead and 11 others missing.

The incident occurred in Sabon Gidan Kanar community, Jos South Local Government Area, where the teenager and other herders were reportedly grazing livestock when armed attackers stormed the area and opened fire.

Confirming the attack on Saturday, the Plateau State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, said the assailants attacked the herders without provocation.

SEE ALSO: Flood Washes Away Culvert, Cuts Off JoSTUM From Makurdi as Thousands Stranded

According to him, the teenage herder was killed on the spot, while several cattle were also shot dead during the assault.

“The victim, alongside his colleagues, was rearing cattle when the gunmen attacked them. They killed one herder and 13 cattle, while about 11 cattle are still missing,” Babayo said.

He condemned the incident, describing it as a threat to peace and security in the state.

“The continuous targeting of innocent herders and their livestock is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to peaceful coexistence and security in Plateau State,” he added.

Babayo disclosed that the matter had been reported to the Bukuru B Division of the Nigeria Police Force and Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace for investigation and necessary action.

He called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack, apprehend those responsible, and ensure justice is served.

The MACBAN chairman also urged governments at all levels to strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property, irrespective of ethnic background or occupation.

While appealing for calm, he advised members of the herding community and affected residents not to resort to self-help or retaliation.

“The association remains committed to peace, dialogue and lawful means of addressing grievances,” he stated.

The latest attack comes amid ongoing efforts by the Plateau State Government to address insecurity.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently announced a ban on night mining activities and prohibited night grazing and grazing by underage herders as part of measures to improve security across the state.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from Operation Enduring Peace were unsuccessful, as its spokesman, Captain Polycarp Oteh, had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Osun Commemorates World Environment Day with Tree Planting

Published

on

In a bold demonstration of environmental leadership, the Osun State Government, through the Office of the Director-General and Special Envoy of the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, successfully conducted a two-day tree planting campaign.

A government house statement in Osogbo on Friday has it that the exercise for restoration and afforestation, in commemoration of World Environment Day, was held on June 4th and 5th, 2026.

The impactful programme included comprehensive climate action sensitization, donation of adequate seedlings, educational books, and interactive sessions on Climate Change Education. This forms a key part of the innovative Imole Green School Initiative, which seeks to cultivate a new generation of environmental stewards while rapidly expanding green cover across the state.

Schools that participated in the exercise include Islamic College, Osogbo; Phoebe Star School, Osogbo; Oasis School, Osogbo; Olive Branch School, Osogbo; Oba Laoye Grammar School, Ede; Ede High School, Ede; and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun.

The tree planting campaign is an ongoing statewide effort, with many more schools across Osun State earmarked to receive seedlings and support in the coming months. The Office has also extended a strategic partnership to all security agencies, promising technical support and seedlings for greening their premises.

Speaking at the grand finale held at the Department of Environmental Health Science, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku, Director-General and Special Envoy of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, delivered a powerful call to action: “Over the years, my work has taught me that climate change is not merely about the environment; it is about people. It is about the child who cannot study at night because there is no access to clean energy. It is about the mother whose livelihood depends on a healthy and productive environment. It is about the community whose future is threatened by environmental degradation. That understanding has shaped our approach in Osun State.

Every tree planted is a promise to the future. It is a declaration that we refuse to be passive observers while our environment faces unprecedented challenges.”

Prof. Chinwe Obuaku reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the Imole Green School Initiative, describing it as an enduring platform for empowering students and communities to champion environmental sustainability.

The Osun State Government under His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke remains steadfast in its dedication to sustainable environmental management, renewable energy adoption, and climate resilience as foundational pillars of the state’s development agenda.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Adeleke Prompts Police Commissioner on Plot to Destabilise Osun Motor Parks

Published

on

Stop Listening To Devil's Whispering; Osun Has Moved On - Adeleke Tells Oyetola

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has raised alarm over plots by some disgruntled elements to destabilise the motor parks across the state

Consequently, he directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to nip the evil plans in the bud, according to a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo.

According to the Governor, certain individuals linked to opposition elements have concluded plans to invade motor parks across the local governments, calling the sinister moves a ploy to foist chaos on the state.

ALSO READ:

Describing the plan as a threat to public order, the governor praises the peace and tranquillity that have prevailed at the motor parks from 2023 till date and vowed never to allow instability and conflicts to resurface at the transport joints.

“Credible reports indicated some opposition elements in this untoward plan against the peace of Osun state. We already have all the details and I warn them to drop their sinister moves.

“I have further directed the Commissioner of Police to take pre-emptive action. The current peace and stability of our dear state must be sustained at all cost”, the governor noted.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x