DONALD DUKE – A LEADER WITH SIX-SENSES

He came from Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State. Was barely known in the society, then suddenly, in 1999, he came into power as the Executive Governor of Cross River State and then “CHANGE CAME”.

A man of vigour and great influence had assumed the seat of power. His visions were divine; they could not be comprehended by normal men. His walk was charismatic and his looks could cause ships to move on dry-land. This factors he possessed, made him sell out and made people follow up on his dreams even when they did not believe in it, as his dreams and vision for a state that was almost lost in history and politics of the nation was above mortal standards.

He rose up like an Eagle, with a dream to place the map of the world in Cross River State and not vice-versa, and “He did IT!” The world was coming to Cross River. This living legend, whose name has been printed in diamond in the sands of Cross River State and never to be forgotten, re-engineered and revitalised the lost glory of Cross River State.

He fully overhauled and re-engineered the now famous Obudu Ranch Resort. The resort boasts of the longest cable-car in Africa and the second longest in the world. This resort was fully equipped with five-star facilities and a world-class Presidential Suite, worthy of any President in the world.

This man of vigour and excellence with a high taste for beauty and neatness, brought “CHANGE” to Cross River State and changed its look forever, with perfect and daily swept roads and well lit streets, this little state in the South-South region of Nigeria was nicknamed “Little London” and was given prominence in Nigeria and abroad. All Cross Riverians at home and in diaspora were proud to say “I am a Cross Riverian”.

He re-engineered the education sector and fully setup a well and running State University which had 100% accreditation by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) in all its courses, rare-achievement for many new academic institutions. This gave access to many Cross Riverians getting world-class university education and instant eligibility to participate in the compulsory National Service after graduation.

He scored another first when his above-mortal visions propelled him to declare December 1st to December 31st each year as a state holiday, thereby giving birth to the Cross River State Christmas Festival. He scored yet another first in bringing world-class international artistes to perform “FREE” at heavily populated shows during the festival. He is the mastermind behind the Calabar Christmas Carnival which draws Cross Riverians, Nigerians, Foreigners and Corporate bodies from all works of life to Calabar, therefore providing sky-rocketing profits for accommodation providers in Cross River State.

And then...

What proved him to be a man with a six-sense of Vision, was his vision for TINAPA BUSINESS RESORT. This was a vision to bring Dubai to Calabar, thereby cutting all traffic from the Emirate City to the Paradise Land (CALABAR)...AND HE DELIVERED!!!

History will never fully be written about this man because writing cannot comprehend his works and his beyond-human visions, which he brought to reality in a place where no-one thought it could.

You were awarded with CON (Commander of the Order of the Niger) and you deserved it.

You are a MASTERPIECE!!!

Written by Eta Uso (Jr.) (A witness to this feats)