CRISPON DG Marks 40th Birthday with Launch of Five Books
By Benjamin GBOR
The Director General of Cross River State political Network, Dr. Prince Michael Nku Abuo, on Friday, August 22, 2025, marked his 40th birthday in a remarkable way with the official launch of five literary works. The event, held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar was graced by dignitaries, colleagues, friends, and family members who gathered to celebrate his dual milestone of life and intellectual accomplishment.
Among the books unveiled were Tales of Love, My Poems and I, and Poetic Calling of Free Verses, alongside two others.
Reviewing the books, Prof. Michael Okom, described Tales of Love as a collection of poems on the joys and struggles of love, blending “romanticism short of eroticism” with a call for virtue and honesty in relationships. He noted that the book draws attention to both the ecstasy of genuine love and the pain of betrayal, likening its depth to the works of John Keats.
On My Poems and I, Prof. Okom observed that the collection reflects history, memory, and personal reflection — ranging from odes to Great Britain, tributes to respected leaders, and moving verses about the author’s late mother, to poems that tackle global issues such as AIDS, injustice, and human resilience. He described the work as “rich with encouragement, motivation, and inspiration.”
Turning to Poetic Calling of Free Verses, the professor highlighted its spiritual and philosophical depth, noting its focus on existential struggles, political corruption, the search for hope, and man’s need for God. He described it as a work that “blends spirituality, social consciousness, and human reflection,” and praised the DG for using poetry as a tool to confront the complexities of human existence.
Representing the state government, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Peter Odey praised Dr. Michael’s resilience, intelligence, and unique gift for mobilisation.
“For those of us in the political space, we know Mike for one thing — mobilisation. He has conquered Cross River State, and the way he puts people together shows he is destined for a national stage. Cross River is now too small for him,” the Deputy Governor said.
In his remarks, Dr Abuo expressed gratitude to God, his family, and the Crispon community for their support. He also used the platform to announce the flag-off of a 500-member civic team, tasked with boosting voter registration across the state. According to him, volunteers drawn from the gathering would receive training on mobilising new voters and would be equipped to meet registration targets within 48 hours.
Speaking with candour, he urged young people to embrace integrity, consistency, and hard work. “Learn a skill, be passionate at what you do, and resources will come to you. Poverty is not enough reason to be a thief,” he said.
He also shared a deeply personal testimony about his late mother’s sacrifices, saying the memory keeps him humble and service-minded.
“Every day of my life, the only regret I have is that my mom is not here to witness this. But her story keeps me humble and reminds me to live for others,” he said.
The event ended with goodwill messages, book presentations, and the cutting of his birthday cake.
