THE LIFE AT FORTY: DR. PRINCE MICHAEL ABUO IN RETROSPECT
The aphorism "life begins at forty" is an obsolete and antiquated idea that was propagated centuries behind and geniuses have proven that life actually begins the very day you start rationalizing situations in order to proffer solutions to human problems. One of these geniuses that have made noticeable history which is gaining the speed of light currently is Dr Prince Michael Nku Abuo, SSA to the governor of Cross River State on Grant and Intervention and the founder of Cross River State Political Network, CRISPON.
This man before his thirtieth birthday had facilitated employment, grands and political appointments to hundreds of Cross River youth. This is a clarion call to the youths of our time to emulate the achievements of these young Nigerian, who is breaking boundaries politically. You mustn't be a politician before breaking out of those preconceptions that have kept us hypnotised, making us believe that we must attend age forty before making meaningful impacts in our families and societies.
At age forty, Dr ABuo simultaneously launched five books he authored. In his statement, "My life has actually begun." I ridiculed that statement because he did not know that his life started even before thirty considering his selfless services to humanity. We must know that age is never a barrier to human progress; if not William Shakespeare wouldn't marry at age eighteen or published books that are still influencing and shaping humans' quest for knowledge, Afro stars like Davido, Two Face Idibia, Wizzy, and a host of others wouldn't make it to the heights they are today. Our political leaders, ranging from the nationalists to the military epoch were all under-forties.
When the Holy Bible says a man's gift makes way for him, truly the Bible is correct. You can imagine that the governor of Cross River State, his Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who was not in the state when the books were launched, privately launched the books upon his return to Calabar. This is to remind us of the fact that when we put in our very best enthusiastically in the little office given to us, we either covertly or overtly earn the trust and admiration of our masters and employers as the case may be. From this man's exhibition of creativity, dexterity cum humility in political mobilisation and governance, it is evidently clear that humility and creativity are integral parts of leadership and follwership.
You can still rewrite the story of your life, family and community if you are inspired by the trajectory of Dr ABuo. Always remember that age is not an obstacle to greater achievement, but your attitude and perception about life does. Don't also forget that life doesn't begin at forty, but the day you start proferring solutions to problems around you. Work in your weaknesses and display your innate abilities for the world to see and the world will give you a fertile ground to flourish.
John Ayuk Takim
