The fifth edition of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board book reading will feature The Pain and The Promise on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. It’s written by Paul C. Nwabuikwu, writer, journalist, public policy analyst and strategic communicator.
The focus, Nwabuikwu’ recently published book: The Pain and the Promise: Insights and Fragments on Nigeria and People, Public and Personal; brings together writings spanning more than three decades and reflects the author’s broad engagement with Nigeria, its people, politics, economics, public and the changing character of society.
The programme is part of NCDMB’s sustained effort to promote literacy, critical thinking and knowledge exchange through structured engagement with leading Nigerian authors and thought leaders. Since its inception, the book reading series has provided a platform for intellectual discourse while reinforcing NCDMB’s commitment to human capital development beyond the oil and gas sector.
Participants will engage with the author and explore issues raised in the book, which connects national events and public policy with the experiences of ordinary Nigerians. The session will provide an opportunity for meaningful conversation on Nigeria’s past and present, leadership, governance, public policy and the human stories behind major national developments.
Nwabuikwu’s professional and intellectual journey spans journalism, public policy, strategic communications, advertising, brand building and opinion research. His career began in journalism in 1988 and has included roles with some of Nigeria’s leading media organisations, including Newswatch, THISDAY and THE GUARDIAN. He has also served in government, including as Special Assistant on communications to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during her two terms as Minister of Finance and Head of the Economic Management Team.
