From Isaac Job, Uyo
Dr Udeme Nana, founder of Uyo Book Club and acclaimed author, revealed that at age 17, he was entrusted to two University of Calabar professors, Ime Ikidde and Okon Essien, for mentorship to hone his writing talent.
Speaking at his 60th birthday celebration hosted by Abak Book Club, where his book Musings of Yesteryears was unveiled, Nana shared how the professors shaped his career.
“Sometimes they gave me a book to read with a timeline and asked me to review it,” he recalled. A lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, and former Director of Press Affairs to ex-Governor Victor Attah, Nana urged youths to seek mentorship from seasoned academics.
“This is a lesson for young people to learn today. Don’t be shy to get closer to elderly people especially those in the academics so that they can mentor you,” he advised.
He encouraged young people to build strong foundations early and resist peer pressure, adding, “I was seen as a talented youth. Youth of today should develop thick skin to resist peer pressure while parents should be more circumspect and relate with their children showing empathy because the youths can be swayed by the philosophy of the day.”
Professor Joseph Ushie, a literary critic from the University of Uyo, reviewed Musings of Yesteryears, comparing one poem to the work of Dele Giwa, written at 21. He noted that Nana, at 60, has achieved what many authors accomplish later in life.
“The collection is not about Nigeria only but represents all touching down on disaster capitalism,” Ushie said, highlighting themes addressing political and socio-economic issues across Africa, including South Africa’s apartheid era, which ended in 1995.
“In summary, it’s a great work of art. It is dangerous to tell lies about a book. I encourage readers to buy the book and read,” he concluded.
Ushie praised the poems for tracing Nana’s growth from childhood to 60, offering insights relevant to readers across the continent.