Ikpeme in Boldness To Succeed | The Guardian Nigeria News

Book: Boldness to Succeed: The Journey of Life
Author: Tom Paul Etuk
Pages: 152
Reviewer: Dr. Gospel Ikpeme
Publishers: Ts-K Press & Publishers

In a world where stories shape our lives, the personal narrative of the extraordinary Tom Paul Etuk gifts us a tale that transcends the mundane. In Boldness to Succeed: The Journey of Life, Elder Tom Paul Etuk unveils his awe-inspiring life journey, igniting a profound sense of inspiration. His work is a masterful narrative that demonstrates how boldness, tenacity, and an unwavering belief in oneself can lead to unparalleled success. In a season of self-doubt, Tom Etuk offers us raw courage, resilience, and, ultimately, victory.

This is more than just an autobiography; it is a demonstration of the power of bold dreams and unwavering determination, as shared by the amazing Elder Tom Paul Etuk. He invites us to witness the incredible transformation of an ordinary life into an extraordinary tale of boldness, triumph, and the unrelenting pursuit of success. We see in its pages a revelation of what it truly means to conquer life’s trials. It is the tale of triumph over adversity.

This compelling 152-page book, elegantly divided into eight distinct chapters, serves as a poignant testament to the unwavering human spirit of the author and the remarkable strength of perseverance. The captivating string of stories is an odyssey through a life marred by adversity, yet ultimately triumphant, a narrative that resonates with readers on a profound level. Written in a very simple and direct style, the book is packed with wisdom and insights.

Through the author’s masterful storytelling ability, we are transported to different time periods and locations, immersing ourselves in the vivid landscapes and vibrant culture of Akwa Ibom State, the norms, and traditions of the indefatigable Annang people as well as the robust nature of Lagos and the vibrancy of Abuja. The narrative seamlessly weaves together themes of loss and love, suffering and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. I call Elder Tom Paul Etuk the weaver of words, the master storyteller.

Etuk’s story begins in a small village somewhere in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom in Nigeria, where he was born into a very humble family. He had to start working at a young age, after the demise of his loving father, to help support his family, and he experienced many hardships along the way. But he never gave up on his dreams.

Eventually, he managed to achieve success in both his career and his personal life. Etuk’s narrative begins with a time of profound hardship in his early years, as he and his family struggled to make ends meet after the loss of his dear father. His childhood was marked by not just economic challenges, but also dramatic moments, such as his time as an inmate in a charity home in Ikot Ekpene. We see in the pages a boy and later a man who had to do all sort of things to survive – harvesting of palm fruits, fishing, housekeeping, teaching, bush clearing, farming, hunting and much more. I see on the pages of this book the undying Nigerian spirit that cannot be conquered.

There are stories within the pages of the book that I find amusing. For example, I found it interesting that amid dire poverty and high level of hardship in Etuk’s family, his mother, Madam Esther Tom Paul of Ekparakwa, thought about a wife for her son. So, Tom Etuk tells a heartwarming story about how he met his beloved wife.

The story is not the contemporary love narrative – the type you find in our modern societies. They were not both students at the university, who fell in love at first sight and agreed on their terms to marry each other. Well Tom Paul Etuk’s mum, Madam Esther Etuk, asked her friend, Mrs. Phinas Nkanga, to give her daughter, Imaobong, to her son, Tom Etuk, and that was it. That simple? Just like that? Well, our world has changed so much and very quickly too since then. Did that marriage work? Well, it did. They have been married for over decades now and have one very handsome young man.

Through vivid storytelling, Etuk takes us through the trials of clearing weeds, setting animal traps, launching birds, and searching for snails. His anecdotes paint a picture of determination, as these menial tasks became both a means to feed his impoverished family and stepping stones to his future. As we progress through the narrative, we are constantly surprised and delighted by the unexpected twists and turns. The story unfolds in a way that keeps us engaged and eager to uncover the next revelation. The pacing is expertly balanced, allowing for moments of reflection and introspection amidst the thrilling events.

In subsequent chapters, Etuk’s journey unfolds like a gripping novel. From showcasing his talents as a footballer, always playing number 10 on the field, to his endeavours in basket production and bush clearing, we witness his unwavering determination to overcome every obstacle life throws his way. His pursuit of education, despite the hardships, stands as evidence to the resilience of the human spirit. He even became a houseboy to the school headmaster and the games master at various times just to ensure that he had education and could do sports.

The author’s life takes a pivotal turn when he receives an appointment from the Ministry of External Affairs as a mere messenger but that position opened his eyes to opportunities and tells him that you too can sit as one of the bosses.

So, his ascent up the ladder of life is a proof to the rewards of unwavering determination. The book takes an inspiring twist at a time when Tom Paul Etuk turns to Christ. We can clearly see that his devotion to Christ and service to God mark the beginning of key transformation moments in his life. It is evident that we cannot do so much without God.

As Etuk journeys through the University of Cross River State, now Uniuyo, his life takes yet another dramatic turn, fraught with challenges, from a bitter experience with teaching practice to a spellbinding ordeal in an exam’s hall. His unwavering spirit shines through as he battles through these hardships, ultimately emerging as a graduate, ready to face life’s next chapter. It is interesting to note that his ordeals do not end when he becomes a graduate. In fact, it is like becoming a graduate opens door for another round of deprivations, shame, and dishonour.

The narrative takes a relatable turn as the author ventures to Lagos in search of better prospects after becoming a graduate, then he journeys to Abuja too only to find himself as a wheelbarrow pusher – even as a graduate. This chapter is a masterclass in resilience, highlighting the struggles of even the educated in a challenging Nigerian environment. It is after here that fate intervenes, leading him to Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, a turn of events that forever alters the trajectory of his life.

In more subsequent chapters, we witness Etuk’s rise in the professional world, his pursuit of higher education, and his noble commitment to entrepreneurship. The tale is both enlightening and encouraging, showing that hard work, determination, and unwavering faith can pave the way to success, no matter where one starts.

The final chapter is not just a conclusion to the book but a call to action, where the author imparts his wisdom and recommendations to those in search of hope. His words resonate with timeless truths that apply to anyone seeking to rise above adversity.

Boldness to Succeed: The Journey of Life is a story that makes you laugh, cry, and, most importantly, believe in the human spirit’s infinite capacity for resilience and transformation. This book is not just a narrative; it is an anthem for those who refuse to yield in the face of hardship and boldly pursue success. Elder Tom Paul Etuk’s journey is an inspiration to all of us, proving that with boldness, determination, and unwavering faith, success is not just a dream; it is a journey worth undertaking.

Etuk’s book is a must-read for anyone who is struggling to achieve their goals or who is simply looking for inspiration. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
Jon Hamm said, “Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not the end of the world, and in many ways, it’s the first step toward learning something and getting better at it.” Tom Paul Etuk failed many times but he kept becoming better. And need I remind you too of the words of Mark Twain. Twain said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” When next someone refers to your size, tell that person, “It is not the size of my height, it is the size of the fight in me.”

Overall, this book is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the author’s immense talent and creativity. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to touch our hearts and minds. Through its seamless fusion of emotions, themes, and beauty, this work is a true masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on readers. Etuk’s book is not just a story about his own life. It is also a message of hope and encouragement to others. He shows that it is possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams, no matter where you come from or what circumstances you face. It is the size of the fight in you that matters after all.