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Exclusive interview with Hon Duro Meseko, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Gas Resources of the Nigerian House of Representatives.
BELOW
IS THE COMPLETE TEXT
Recently, we (African Events.com/AE) met Hon Duro Meseko (HDM) at the Inaugural launching of the Nigerian Nurses Association of USA. When we learnt that he is the largely involved with Gas resources in Nigeria, we thought it prudent to engage him in a chat on some concerns of Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as his interest in the event. Below is the complete text of the brief interview.
AE:
Good evening, Honorable. I am Oliver Mbamara of the African Events .com and we will be glad to find out what brought you out here tonight.
HDM:
Well, I was on another engagement but decided to attend this event at the invitation of my friend, Alex Kabba.
AE:
I see. So, how do you find it so far?
HDM:
Great. It is very nice that Nigerians abroad continue to come together and make effort like this. It is good for the country, and I am glad to be here and I am enjoying the comradeship.
AE:
I don’t mean to digress, but since you are the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Gas Resources, I have to ask this question. It has always been the cry of the indigenes of the communities in Nigeria from which Oil and Gas is collected, that they are always neglected even though the most part of Nigeria’s wealth is sourced from their community. Are members of the present House of Representatives doing anything to address this concern?
HDM:
Yes, there is the Nigerian Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Through this means, it is the function of the National Committee to make life better for all Nigerians particularly those in the Oil and Gas sourcing Communities. 13% of the oil proceeds from
these communities go to the people of these communities. We are on the neck of the oil companies to do their best and be compelled do enough. It is not bad as before.
AE:
We will mark your words on that and we will be watching to see how practical the House is going to get with this and if any success story can be told.
HDM:
We are doing everything to make sure it is working.
AE:
If I may return to the event tonight. You have now seen the effort being made by Nigerian Nurses in the United States, do you envisage any role by the Nigerian House of Representatives to help or partner with the course of the Nigerian Nurses Association?
HDM:
Certainly. Many communities in Nigeria are in need of such health care services as the Nigerian Nurses Association pledge to
offer, especially in the area of HIV/AIDS care and services.
AE:
That is good to know. We see that you still have the evening ahead of you; so, we will probably continue some other time.
HDM:
Thank you for having me, and I am sorry that we have to stop here but we will certainly continue some other time.
AE:
Thank you and enjoy the rest of your evening.
INTERVIEW BY: Oliver
Mbamara, Esq. and Herbert Nnorom October, 2003 |
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