Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has challenged youths in Nigeria to aspire to occupy national leadership positions rather than limiting themselves to positions in their home states.
Otu gave the challenge during the launch of five books written by the director-general (DG), Cross River State Political Network (CRISPON), Dr Mike Abuo, to mark his 40th birthday in Calabar during the weekend.
Represented by the state deputy governor, Dr Peter Odey, the governor said, “I have never known Mike to be a poet, nor have I known him to be an author or literary persona.
“For those of us in politics, we have known Mike mostly for his mobilisation skills. However, one thing you cannot take away from this young man is that Mike always has a reason for everything he does. He is intelligent, focused, and people-oriented.”
The Governor further urged Abuo to aspire to a national leadership position,insisting that his contributions have outgrown the state.
“Mike, in Cross River State, we need you on the national stage. With your intellect and connections, Cross River is becoming too small for you.
“I want to say that at 40, your real assignment has just begun. The sky is your starting point, and I believe Nigeria will hear your name one day.
Otu challenged young people in the state to learn from Abuo’s discipline and drive.
“This country needs to hear from you, youths of this nation must learn from you. Greatness does not come overnight, it comes with focus, resilience, and hard work.” Otu maintained.
Earlier, Prof. Michael Okom of the University of Calabar, chairman of the book launch and reviewer of the books, hailed the author, who is also the State Coordinator of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD-AUDA), for his commitment to literature, morality, and youth empowerment.
In his remarks, Dr Abuo expressed gratitude to God, his family, colleagues, and friends for standing by him throughout his journey, which he described as one of “pain, gain, and perseverance.”
” I have gone through ups and downs, but God has always helped me make new gains. Today, I celebrate my birthday and also present five of my books, which took me 15 years to complete.”
Abuo explained that the books were drawn from real-life experiences, both personal and societal, and spanned issues of love, spirituality, politics, and global realities.
