The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to education and capacity building as it hosted the 8th Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition Award Ceremony on Monday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, emphasized that the competition aims to promote writing proficiency, raise awareness of local content’s benefits to the economy, and engage youths in national development. He described local content as “an economic imperative for sustainable development, job creation, and national security.”
Engr. Ogbe highlighted NCDMB’s broader educational interventions, including the recently launched “Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative”, which supports youth training, education, and funding for local contractors. He expressed confidence that the essay competition would continue to inspire awareness of Nigeria’s leadership in local content, particularly within Africa.
The essay topic, “Nigerian Content and Opportunities in African Local Content Advancement,” resonated with NCDMB’s vision as other African nations look to Nigeria as a model.
Ojedele Jesuferanmi Emmanuel, a 16-year-old 200-level student from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, emerged as the overall winner, receiving a top-grade HP laptop, a plaque, and N1 million. Second place went to Miracle Chibuike Okoli (23), who received N700,000 and a laptop, while Mary Okogbe (19) secured third place with N500,000 and a laptop.
NCDMB continues to foster academic excellence and empower Nigerian youths, positioning them to play vital roles in the oil and gas industry and the broader economy.
