Orok Duke Urges Nigerians to Document Their History, Preserve National Memory

Author and former parliamentarian, Mr Orok Duke, has called on Nigerians to document their personal experiences and collective histories to preserve the country’s heritage and ensure that future generations have access to their stories.

Duke made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a literary event tagged Readings II, which featured poetry recitations, book reviews and the public presentation of his latest works.

The event attracted literary scholars, lawmakers, academics and other enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate literature and the author’s contribution to knowledge.

Speaking at the gathering, Duke lamented that many Nigerians were not making sufficient efforts to document their experiences, warning that the failure to tell their own stories could allow others to shape their narratives.

“If the lion does not tell his own story, the story of the hunt will always celebrate the hunter,” he said.

He stressed that writing remained an important way of preserving personal and national legacies, urging Nigerians to take deliberate steps to record their experiences for posterity.

The author also called on the Federal Government to introduce measures that would support the local publishing industry, citing rising printing costs and the increasing reliance on foreign publishers as major challenges facing Nigerian writers and readers.

According to him, the high cost of producing books has made them increasingly unaffordable, particularly for students, while discouraging aspiring authors from publishing their works.

Duke recalled a time when bookshops were more accessible and books were relatively affordable, expressing concern that the situation had changed significantly.

He called for a review of import duties on books and printing equipment to reduce production costs and strengthen local publishing.

“We should give consideration to duties on importation of books and printing equipment. If you write and cannot publish, you become discouraged,” he said.

To improve access to his publications, Duke disclosed that he had made electronic versions of his books available to readers. He also advocated greater investment in local printing as part of efforts to promote reading and strengthen the country’s literary culture.

Earlier, reviewers at the event highlighted the importance of book reviews in encouraging reading, observing that some people purchase books without making the effort to read them.

They described Duke as a prolific storyteller and meticulous researcher whose writings cover a broad range of subjects, including history, the environment, war, family and societal values.

At the unveiling ceremony, Senator Gershom Bassey, who represented Cross River South Senatorial District, commended Duke for his literary talent and contribution to knowledge, describing writing as a special gift.

Similarly, Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central, attended on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Williams explained that Akpabio would have loved to attend the occasion but was unable to do so because of other official engagements.

He announced a donation of N10 million on behalf of the Senate President, alongside a personal contribution of N1 million, in support of the literary initiative.

The event also featured readings of excerpts from Duke’s works by dignitaries, including academics, lawmakers and literary enthusiasts.

A minute’s silence was observed in honour of colleagues and elders who died between the first edition of the reading event in 2017 and the current edition.