Two NCDMB Executives Earn Doctorate Degrees at UNIPORT, Highlighting Rising Thought Leadership in Nigeria’s Energy Sector
Two senior officials from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have been conferred with doctorate degrees at the University of Port Harcourt’s 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony, marking a notable academic and professional milestone in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services, and Dr Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of Corporate Communications, received their doctoral degrees in Energy Economics, Management and Policy, and Energy Communications, respectively, during the weekend ceremony in Rivers State.
The convocation drew dignitaries and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s energy and policy landscape, including the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Director of Finance and Personnel Management, Mr Uchenna Ossaowa Andrew, and a member of the NCDMB Governing Council and former OGTAN chairman, Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi.
Dr Halilu’s academic achievement reflects years of strategic leadership at NCDMB, where he has held various high-level positions, including General Manager of Research and Statistics, Director of Planning and Evaluation, and Director of Monitoring and Evaluation. His work has contributed to shaping Nigeria’s local content frameworks and long-term energy strategy.
Meanwhile, Dr Ezeobi’s convocation was distinguished by the public presentation of his new book, Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation. Released earlier this year to mark the 15th anniversary of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, the book has already garnered endorsements from former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and several past and present NCDMB executives.
The event featured a review of the book by key industry voices, including media strategist Mr Hector Igbikiowubo and Engr. Bashir Ahmed of NCDMB, who praised its insights into communication strategies and stakeholder engagement. Mr Mayor Ikoroha, Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, described the publication as “a masterclass in strategic communication” and credited it with helping to increase Nigeria’s local content retention to 56 percent.
The convocation and subsequent celebrations, which included a book signing and receptions in multiple locations, underscored the growing intellectual capital within Nigeria’s energy leadership — and the critical role of strategic communication in shaping the future of local content development.
