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By Akpan David, Calabar
Professor Michael Okom, a lecturer at University of Calabar who specializes in private and property law has called on younger people, including students, to flee vices and imbibe culture of morality foe a saner country.
The academic who is also the spiritual leader of Fellowship of Divine Love Bible Ministry was chairman and reviewer of books published by an aide to Gov Bassey Otu, Dr Michael Abuo, and launched over the weekend.
Some of the five books which the author, State Coordinator of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD-AUDA), disclosed, took 15 years to complete, have messages which border on morality.
The books include ‘Verses of Mbube Prince’, ‘My Poems and I’, ‘Poetic Calling of Free Verses’, ‘Tales of Love’, and ‘Spiritual Musing’.
Reviewing the works which launch coincide with author’s 40th birthday, 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, the author 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.”
Okom commended Abuo for his commitment to literature, morality, and youth empowerment.
Representing the government of Cross River State, Deputy Governor, Peter Odey admitted that the author has always been a youth mobilizer for positive feats.
“For those of us in politics, we have known Mike mostly for his mobilization skills, not in poetry or literature. But one thing you cannot take away from this young man is that he always has a reason for anything he does.”
The Deputy Governor further urged the celebrant to continue to mobilise young people for positive gains for the State and Nigeria.
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.”
Remarking, 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.”
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