Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has urged Nigerians to document their personal experiences, family histories and community struggles to preserve the country’s collective memory and prevent important historical accounts from being lost.
Duke made the call while announcing the public presentation of five books in Abuja on October 5, featuring three prose works and two poetry collections exploring the Nigerian Civil War, family history, Calabar’s evolving identity and personal experiences.
The author described Welcome to Uyo: The Nigerian Civil War Through the Eyes of the Calabar Child, 1967 to 1970 as his magnum opus, saying the book was inspired by his childhood experiences during the Nigerian Civil War and the humanitarian crisis that unfolded in Uyo, now the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Duke, Uyo became a major refuge for displaced persons during the conflict, exposing him at an early age to the devastating consequences of war.
He recalled witnessing death, hunger and the loss of classmates, experiences he said left lasting emotional scars and strengthened his resolve to document the period for future generations.
Duke explained that his family lived in Uyo after his mother, a teacher, was posted to the town, where large numbers of refugees sought shelter. The experience, he said, offered him firsthand insight into the suffering of civilians, particularly children who had little understanding of the conflict but endured its physical and psychological consequences.
He also recounted how people died in large numbers during the war, with burial grounds within the then Teachers Training College in Uyo reflecting the scale of the humanitarian tragedy.
The author noted that many children who experienced such trauma would ordinarily have required psychological support, stressing that preserving their stories was essential to understanding the human cost of the war.
He disclosed that the book’s cover features a photograph of his family taken during the period, adding that those familiar with him might be able to identify him among the children in the picture.
Another prose work, Three Generations of the Okerekes in Calabar, Before, During and After the Civil War, examines the experiences of three generations of a family and how historical developments shaped their lives and the wider Calabar community.
The third prose publication explores contemporary Calabar and neighbouring communities, documenting modern experiences and stories beyond the historical narratives commonly associated with the city.
The two poetry collections, according to Duke, feature tributes, reflections on societal challenges and personal experiences, using creative expression to preserve memories and communicate important social realities.
He said the forthcoming presentation would bring together academics, journalists, literary enthusiasts and other stakeholders to review the publications and stimulate discussions on history, literature and documentation.
Former presidential spokesman and journalist, Dr Reuben Abati, is among those expected to participate in the book reviews, alongside professors and other academics from various institutions.
Duke stressed that the initiative went beyond launching books, describing it as a call for Nigerians to take responsibility for documenting their experiences and preserving the histories of their families, communities and institutions.
Citing the popular African proverb, “Until the lion writes its own story, every story about the hunt will glorify the hunter,” he argued that historical accounts written by outsiders might not fully capture the experiences and perspectives of the people concerned.
He therefore urged individuals, professional associations and community organisations to embrace writing and publishing as practical tools for preserving their legacies.
The author specifically suggested that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) could encourage members to contribute articles and historical accounts that could be compiled into books documenting the union’s activities, achievements and challenges over the years.
Such publications, he said, would provide valuable historical records for future generations while ensuring that the contributions of individuals and institutions were not forgotten.
Reflecting on his personal and professional journey, Duke said his decision to return to academic pursuits later in life was partly motivated by his desire to encourage others to pursue their ambitions regardless of age or professional commitments.
He disclosed that he obtained his master’s degree in December 1991 before subsequently pursuing a doctorate, describing the experience as evidence that long-held educational aspirations could still be achieved despite the demands of professional life.
Beyond academics and writing, Duke recalled his years in media and public service, including his contributions to broadcasting and information management in Cross River State.
He cited his involvement in the development of Cross River Television during his tenure in charge of information and culture between October 1994 and 1996, noting that his career exposed him to several aspects of media production and public communication.
The author also recounted his experience during the political crisis surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, alleging that he was arrested and detained for several months because of his involvement in the political struggle at the time.
He said the experience reinforced his conviction that personal and political histories must be documented to prevent significant events from being forgotten or misrepresented.
Duke lamented that many people who contributed to societal development were inadequately documented or appreciated during their lifetimes. He called on professional bodies and communities to recognise such contributions and preserve them for posterity.
He maintained that documentation should not be restricted to celebratory events, arguing that painful experiences, political struggles and difficult periods were equally important parts of individual and collective histories.
The author further disclosed that he had several unpublished manuscripts awaiting release and expressed hope that the forthcoming presentation would inspire more Nigerians to share their experiences through books and other forms of documentation.
He also extended his condolences to members of the media community over the death of veteran journalist Anietie Ben Akpan and announced plans to donate copies of his books to the NUJ council’s library.
Duke invited journalists and members of the public to attend the Abuja presentation, reiterating that his central message was for Nigerians to tell their own stories before time erases the memories of those who witnessed important events.
For the author, the five publications represent more than literary achievements; they are a call to preserve personal memories, confront historical realities and ensure that future generations have access to accounts written by those who experienced them firsthand.
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