By Els William
February 20, 2025 – The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) played host to an engaging intellectual discourse as Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, a seasoned media and advertising professional at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), delivered the 14th Jackson Annual Lecture at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium (PAA).
Organized by the Department of Mass Communication, the Jackson Annual Lecture has long been recognized as “an intellectual festivity that bridges the gap between academia and industry,” fostering an exchange of ideas between communication practitioners and scholars.
This year’s lecture, themed “Local Content, National Development, and Strategic Communication Imperative,” lasted over 100 minutes, during which Dr. Ezeobi explored the intricate relationship between local content policies, national development, and the strategic communication strategies needed to drive both. He highlighted how the NCDMB has, over the past 14 years, successfully employed strategic communication to make local content a national agenda—an effort that has earned the agency multiple awards and attracted interest from other African nations seeking to replicate its success.
Dr. Ezeobi further urged planners of Nigeria’s national development strategies to integrate these proven communication techniques to enhance public engagement and ensure the effective implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
“We Have Been Practicing Local Content for a Long Time”
Reacting to the lecture, Dr. Chidibere Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that local content has always been at the heart of the department’s philosophy. “We have been practicing local content for a long time,” he remarked. He also explained that the Jackson Annual Lecture is exclusively delivered by ‘Jacksonites’—graduates of the department who have excelled in communication and related fields—allowing them to share their experiences and inspire future generations.
The lecture received positive feedback, with thought-provoking questions, insightful comments, and commendations from students, faculty members, and guests, reflecting its impact on attendees.
A Legacy of Distinguished Speakers
The Jackson Annual Lecture has previously been delivered by several notable Jacksonites, including Prof. Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist and former presidential aspirant; the late Chief Tony Momoh, former Minister of Information; Mr. Paul Arinze, former General Manager, Public & Government Affairs, ExxonMobil Nigeria; Mallam Garba Shehu, former Special Assistant Media & Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari; and Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike, Manager, Communications, Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Expressing his gratitude for the honor of delivering the lecture, Dr. Ezeobi stated: “I am proud to be counted alongside these outstanding individuals. Standing on that podium and hearing the UNN anthem, Hail Varsity of Nigeria, My Alma Mater… I knew I was back to where it all began. I knew I was home.”
A Gathering of Scholars and Traditional Leaders
The event attracted a full house, with students from the Mass Communication department and related disciplines, including attendees from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, and the general public. Notably, two royal fathers and a prominent business tycoon were present to chair the occasion, further underlining its significance.
Following the formal proceedings, guests and university staff were treated to a sumptuous meal, including fresh palm wine—a another testament to the institution’s local content practice and the rich cultural heritage of Nsukka.
Local Content as a Catalyst for National Growth
The lecture reinforced the crucial role of local content in national development and the power of strategic communication in policy implementation. As Nigeria continues its journey toward economic sustainability, the insights shared at the Jackson Annual Lecture serve as a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and scholars to collaborate in harnessing local resources, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusive national growth.
*Dr. Ezeobi, a founding staff member of the NCDMB since 2010, has a distinguished career spanning the media and advertising industries. An accomplished alumnus with extensive expertise in media, energy communications, and public policy, he holds a Ph.D. in Energy Communications.