NCDMB holds book reading –as King Dakolo presents “Pirate of the Gulf”

From Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has organised its fourth edition of Book Reading Series.

The event was held at the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, as part of commitment of the board to build capacity in sectors relating to the oil and gas industry.

The book reading featured the Chairman Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, who presented excerpts from his 211-page book, “Pirate of the Gulf.”

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The Ekpetiama monarch is an environmental advocate and author in his book Pirate of the gulf exposed the true perpetrators of piracy in the Niger Delta, the region’s historical ironies, the role of traditional rulers in combating oil thief, and his experiences at Chatham House in London.

Dakolo’s readings highlighted organized entities, reputable institutions, and professionals involved in oil deals, while exposing what he described as the real oil thieves amid decades of resource exploitation.

In his welcome address, NCDMB General Manager for Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, supervisor, Government Relations emphasized knowledge as the bedrock of progress. adding that
the series is aimed at promoting writing, reading, critical thinking, youth development, and creative expression.

“Sustainable development and local content extend beyond technology and infrastructure to include the mind and cultural nurturing,” Bai quoted Ezeobi as saying.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Dakolo addressed misconceptions about Niger Delta residents, citing over $10 billion in Nigerian crude oil stolen in 2022 alone.

“There is a knowledge gap and widespread misinterpretation. Certain individuals profit from discrediting the Ijaw people and Niger Delta communities, and this stigmatization must end,”

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Dakolo commended NCDMB for organizing the “classic event” that elevates authors and fosters informed discussions.

He criticized the oil and gas industry’s alleged deliberate misrepresentation, noting that nearly three decades of efforts against oil theft and vandalism have failed to apprehend a single major culprit.

King Dakolo asserted that “If those siphoning oil via vessels and tankers are prosecuted and jailed, oil theft in the Niger Delta will be eradicated,” calling for access to accurate knowledge to advance African, Ijaw, and Nigerian interests.

The book reading was attended by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, academics, and students.