From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Cross River State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has announced plans to present five books in Abuja on November 5, 2026.
The publications explore the Nigerian Civil War, family history, Calabar’s identity and personal experiences, with the author saying they are intended to preserve historical records, document family memories and stimulate discussions about contemporary society.
The books comprise three prose works and two poetry collections.
Duke described Welcome to Uyo: The Nigerian Civil War Through the Eyes of the Calabar Child, 1967–1970 as his magnum opus, explaining that it was inspired by his childhood experiences during the war.
He said his mother, who was a teacher, was posted to Uyo during the conflict, exposing the family to the hardships faced by displaced people seeking refuge in the town.
According to him, Uyo became an important refuge for people fleeing the war, while the humanitarian crisis affected residents and children who had little understanding of the conflict.
Duke recalled witnessing death, hunger and the loss of classmates during his childhood, saying those experiences later motivated him to document the events.
He also spoke about the large number of people who died during the war and burial grounds established within the premises of the then Teachers Training College in Uyo.
The author said the experiences of children during the conflict deserved greater documentation, noting that many endured traumatic events that could have required psychological support.
He disclosed that the book’s cover features a photograph of his family taken during the war, adding that people familiar with him might recognise him among the children pictured.
Another publication, Three Generations of the Okerekes in Calabar, Before, During and After the Civil War, examines the historical experiences of a family across three generations and their relationship with developments in Calabar.
The third prose work explores contemporary life in Calabar and surrounding communities, while the two poetry collections contain tributes, reflections on social issues and personal experiences.
Duke said academics, journalists, literary enthusiasts and other stakeholders were expected to attend the presentation.
Former presidential spokesman and journalist, Dr Reuben Abati, is among those expected to participate in reviewing the publications.
The author said the books were also intended to encourage Nigerians to document their personal experiences, family histories and community struggles for the benefit of future generations.
“Until the lion writes its own story, every story about the hunt will glorify the hunter,” Duke said, emphasising that individuals and communities should take responsibility for documenting their histories rather than leaving their stories entirely to outsiders.
He urged professional organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), to encourage members to document their activities and contributions to society.
Duke also recalled obtaining his master’s degree in December 1991 before later pursuing a doctorate.
He spoke about his involvement in the development of Cross River Television between October 1994 and 1996, as well as his reported arrest and detention during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He called for greater recognition of individuals who had contributed to society and disclosed that he had other manuscripts awaiting publication.
The NDDC board member also expressed condolences over the death of veteran journalist Anietie Ben Akpan and announced plans to donate copies of his books to the council’s library.
