Dr. Michael Nku Abuo, Founder of CRISPON.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
It was a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition as Dr. Michael Nku Abuo, Director General of the Cross River Political Network (CRISPON), combined his 40th birthday with the launch of five books that took him 15 years to write.
The event, held on Friday at the Diamond Conference Hall of the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, drew a cross-section of political leaders, academics, writers, and well-wishers who came to honour a man described as “a mobilizer, an intellectual, and a role model for the younger generation.”
Chairman of the occasion and reviewer of the books, Prof. Michael Okom of the University of Calabar, commended Abuo 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.
The five books launched include Verses of Mbube Prince, My Poems and I, Poetic Calling of Free Verses, Tales of Love, and Spiritual Musing.
Reviewing the works, Prof. Okom described them as a mirror of society, offering young people guidance in a world where immorality and vices often dominate.
“I think our young people should take advantage of his role model and follow his footsteps,” Okom said. “In these books, he has spoken boldly against vices such as immorality, abortion, and bigotry. Please, let young people across the country emulate him. We are no longer just saying we are working for young people; rather, we are working with them, and we are presenting a man they should strive to follow.”
Representing the government of Cross River State, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey gave a moving tribute to Abuo, admitting that he had always known him as a political mobilizer but was pleasantly surprised by his literary achievements.
“I have never known Mike to be a poet, neither have I known him to be an author,” Odey said.
“For those of us in politics, we have known Mike mostly for his mobilization skills. But one thing you cannot take away from this young man is that Mike always has a reason for anything he does. He is intelligent, focused, and people-oriented.”
The Deputy Governor further urged the celebrant to aspire to national leadership, 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 started. The sky is your starting point, and I believe Nigeria will hear your name,” Odey declared.
He also used the opportunity to challenge young Nigerians to learn from Abuo’s discipline and drive. “This country needs to hear from you, and the youths of this country must learn from you. Greatness does not come overnight; it comes with focus, resilience, and hard work.”
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.”
“In all, I can say it’s been God all through,” he said. “I have seen pain, I have seen gain, I have faced worries and turmoil. 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.
“These collections involve intellectual know-how and real-life experiences, from the local to the international. My message to young people is this: get the skills, be passionate about what you do, give it time, and be patient. The Bible says He will bless the works of our hands. You must have something to do before God can bless you. No hardworking person will remain in poverty.”
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, he said: “I was not born with a silver spoon. I worked myself up to where I am today, both nationally and internationally. If I can do it, every young Nigerian can.”
“Dr. Michael Nku Abuo, turning 40 was not just about personal celebration, it was about using his story and works to inspire others, especially the young, to believe in hard work, resilience, and purpose-driven living, and I want to say his works will inspire Nigerians” an attendee said.
The event, which also featured a documentary on Abuo’s life and milestones, was attended by political groups, academics, senior citizens, family, and friends.
Members of CRISPON, the Political Network he founded and nurtured, turned out in full force to honour their leader.
