SOMETHING about Governor Donald Duke defies easy categorisation; something, perhaps, about his unusual calm and self-assurance, which belie the huge challenges of his office and the profound nature of his achievements as the chief helmsman of Cross River State. Always devoid of pretensions, yet acutely aware of his place in the evolving scheme of things, he is a reminder that even in the midst of all our problems and difficulties, the future of our country looks good.
Born in Calabar on September 30, 1961 to Mr. Henry Duke and his wife, Genevieve, his childhood and youth were remarkable, secure and successful. He loved and respected his parents, particularly his famous father, who, as chairman of the old Board of Customs and Excise, was legendary for his integrity and uprightness. By all accounts, he was not an exceptional student at either Corona School, Lagos or Federal Government College, Sokoto. But when his spirit got out of hand, he was recognised as a very promising student! Perhaps, the earliest clue to what he was destined to become was as an undergraduate at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where, as a member of the Students' Union executive, his passion for debates, his thorough, retentive and curious mind, one which constantly asked questions about the future of our country - all came to the fore.
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