Author and former lawmaker Orok Duke has charged Nigerians to actively write down their personal and shared histories, warning that failing to do so could erase the country's collective memory. He made the plea during a literary gathering in Abuja, where he presented his latest works to the public.
The gathering, titled "Readings II", brought together literary scholars, sitting and former lawmakers, and book lovers. The programme featured poetry recitals, book reviews, and readings, alongside the formal unveiling of the author's new writings.
Duke cautioned that when citizens refuse to tell their own stories, they give outsiders room to dictate their narratives. He noted that without proper records created by locals, others would step in to claim the credit and control the perspective, leaving future generations without an authentic past.
The author also appealed to the government to intervene and rescue the struggling domestic publishing sector, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. He explained that steep printing expenses and the trend of printing outside the country make books too expensive for Nigerian students.
Duke recalled that bookshops were once common across towns and books were widely affordable, unlike the current reality. To ease the burden, he urged authorities to review import duties on printing machinery and materials, noting that prohibitive costs discourage creative writers from releasing their works.
To help bypass some of the distribution hurdles, Duke said he has released electronic copies of his books so people can access them easily.
Reviewers at the Abuja session praised Duke as a dedicated researcher and skilled writer whose projects address pressing themes such as war, history, the environment, family structures, and moral values. They also observed that while many people buy books, few take time to read them, making critical reviews vital for reviving reading culture.
Senator Gershom Bassey, who represented Cross River South in the National Assembly, officially unveiled the books and described creative writing as an exceptional gift to society. Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central, represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the event.
Williams announced a contribution of N10 million from Akpabio to support the literary project, alongside a personal donation of N1 million. Guests also observed a minute of silence to remember colleagues and elders who passed away since the inaugural reading session held in 2017.
