Fourteen former employees of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) who served in its seven directorates were recently feted at a Retirees’ Celebration Dinner. The event, held at the Conference Centre, Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, was attended by the retirees and their former colleagues. They received Special Awards of Excellence for their contributions to the organisation.
The ceremony featured a cultural performance that added colour to the celebration and provided an opportunity for the celebrants and their former colleagues to interact in a relaxed atmosphere. The emotional high point of the occasion was the testimonials from serving staff members, who shared personal experiences and reflections on their years of working with the retirees. The testimonies highlighted the lasting impact the celebrants had on their colleagues and the institution.
Mohammed Umar, a retiree and former Director, Legal Services Directorate (LSD), recalled the challenges faced during the implementation of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board Act. He noted that major oil and gas industry players were initially hostile towards the new enactment, but with tact and perseverance, they gradually embraced the law. As a result, local content grew from 5% in 2010 to 61%.
Another retiree, Daziba Obah, who served as pioneer Director, Planning Research and Statistics (PRS) Directorate, Acting Executive Secretary of NCDMB, and Director of Corporate Services, recounted the challenges faced during the construction of the 17-storey NCT. He also mentioned that funding research and development posed a challenge, but NCDMB took up the responsibility and successfully hosted the maiden Research and Development Fair and Conference in 2017.
Isaac Yalah, a retiree and former Director, Planning Research and Statistics (PRS), attributed the success of NCDMB to its ability to bring out the best in workers. He described the US$350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) as a game changer for indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry. The fund enabled several Nigerian service companies to access single-digit facilities and acquire necessary operational assets.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Esueme Kikile, commended the retirees for their dedication and contributions to the organisation. He wished them good health, peace, happiness, and fulfilment, and acknowledged that their contributions extended beyond their duties, as they shared knowledge, built relationships, and mentored colleagues.
The retirees honoured include Dr. Ama Ikuru, Adelana Akintunde, Dr. Obinna Ofili, Angela Okoro, Taridouye Gagariga, Ombu Atonbara, Okpetu Gabriel, and Peter Isu Odo, among others. The awards ceremony was a testament to the impact of the retirees on the organisation and the oil and gas industry. The event celebrated their achievements and acknowledged their role in shaping NCDMB into a leading organisation in the country.
Key points
- The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has honoured 14 former employees with Special Awards of Excellence for their contributions to the organisation.
- The awards ceremony was attended by the retirees and their former colleagues at the Conference Centre, Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
- The retirees played a significant role in shaping NCDMB into a leading organisation in the country, particularly in the implementation of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board Act.
