By Aniefiok Christopher
Despite writing some notable poems before completing his secondary education, Dr. Udeme Nana, the founder of Uyo Book Club, has lamented how peer group pressure had nearly ruined his educational career, but for the quick intervention of his parents.
Dr Nana, a Chief lecturer at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua in Ikot Ekpene stated this at weekend, when he turned 60 on Saturday, 12 April 2025 and was roundly celebrated at a special birthday symposium organised in his honour by Abak Book Club.
The event held at Abak Divisional Library, also featured the public presentation of Dr. Nana’s new book, entitled Musings of Yesteryears, where the author hinted that most part of what constitutes the book, were collections of literary writings he put up when he was about 17 years.
According to him, negative influence from his peers had caused the book which would have been published 43 years earlier in 1982, through the assistance of the then Commissioner for Education, but he went into hiding after failing his West African Senior School Certificate Examination at first sitting.
“Popularity and fame got into my head and I was distracted to the point that I would go into the exam halls when the examination was almost over, causing me to fail my Ordinary Level examinations, in spite of my brilliance.”
His parents, whom Dr. Nana said, were confused, later arranged for him to resit West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) which he passed in flying colours.
He, therefore, urged the youths to develop thick skin to resist peer pressure, stressing that but the fact he had understanding parents, he would have missed it in life.
The diamond birthday anniversary celebration, afforded the guests the opportunity to celebrate the impacts that the iconic scholar, pacesetter and teacher has had on the society over the years.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Joseph Ushie, Professor of General Stylistics and Literary Criticisms, University of Uyo, saluted Dr. Nana’s efforts in creating impacts in the society, particularly his role in the establishment of notable book clubs across local government areas in the state, which has rekindled the reading culture among students, books’ enthusiasts and scholars in the state.
Prof Ushie hailed Dr. Nana as a notable wordsmith, whose talents began quite early in life, praising him for his pioneering role in the establishment of Book Clubs Akwa Ibom State, which has helped to rekindle the reading culture among the youths of the State.
He congratulated him on attaining Diamond jubilee and wished him more fruitful years ahead.
Speaking at the event, Prof Friday Okon, a University Don had described Dr Nana as an accomplished scholar whose selfless service and passion for societal advancement has impacted the lives many who may have come in contact with him.
Stressing that the former Director of Press Affairs to Akwa Ibom ex-governor Victor Attah has distinguished himself at various positions he served both at the state and at the national levels.
Other guests and book enthusiasts including the Coordinator of Abak Book Club, Mrs Mary Jonas, the President Bush House Nigeria, Akparawa Michael Bush, Barr. Jerry Umoh, a Human Rights Activist and Mr Patrick Edeke in their goodwill messages, eulogised the impactful lifestyle of Dr Udeme Nana, whom they say has contributed his quota towards the advancement of his immediate environment and the society at large through his love for scholarship and promoting reading culture among the youth.
Responding to the honour done him, the celebrator, Dr. Nana appreciated everyone that celebrated him, adding that he has been fired to do more in the years ahead.
Nana stated that if he was ever afraid of criticism, that now he has become an elder statesman by virtue of turning 60, he has broken free from such fears and ready to now bare his mind on critical issues that affect the growth of the society without fear.
He also made a commitment to ensuring that he ‘would die empty’ as he is ready to let out all the talents that God has endowed him with without bottling up any.
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling/launching of the book by the guests and donation of books to the Abak Divisional Library by the celebrator, Dr. Nana and cutting of birthday cake to mark his Diamond Jubilee.
