By Chesa Chesa
Stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, governors of Kogi, Ondo and Yobe States, as well as other prominent Nigerians, have urged the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Durosinmi Meseko, to remain steadfast in advancing Nigeria’s democracy and national development.
The call was made during the public unveiling of a book titled An Odyssey Through the Media, Activism and Leadership, held in Abuja to commemorate Meseko’s 60th birthday.
Speaking at the event, Barau described Meseko as a seasoned politician and former journalist whose broad national exposure has equipped him to contribute meaningfully to democratic growth and national progress.
“I am not surprised because he is a former member of the House of Representatives. If you have served in that chamber, you interact with people from every part of the country,” Barau said.
He noted that the House remains a microcosm of Nigeria, providing lawmakers with opportunities to build relationships across ethnic and regional divides.
“It is a mini-Nigeria and a true representation of the nation. You relate with everyone, and if you naturally have the disposition of being pan-Nigerian, it makes that relationship even stronger.
“I believe that even before he came to the National Assembly, he already possessed that disposition. He is well-travelled, broad-minded, and someone who is comfortable with everyone,” he added.
Governors Ahmed Usman Ododo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Mai Mala Buni, represented at the ceremony, joined former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in praising Meseko’s commitment to national unity, describing him as a bridge-builder and advocate of democratic ideals.
They encouraged him to remain committed to promoting national development and strengthening democratic institutions.
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), also commended Meseko’s consistency in public service and urged him to continue contributing to Nigeria’s progress.
Recalling their first meeting nearly three decades ago, Marwa said he encountered Meseko while serving as Military Administrator of Lagos State, when the celebrant was a correspondent with THISDAY covering the governor’s office.
“I immediately noticed a man of character whose sharpness of mind, loyalty of spirit and infectious enthusiasm set him apart from the very first moment,” Marwa said.
“From those early days in Lagos to the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives, and now in the corridors of political service as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of our great party, the APC, Duro has remained consistent in purpose, calmness, hard work, teamwork, loyalty and discipline.”
Marwa urged Meseko not to relent as he enters a new decade.
“As you step into 60, I charge you not to slow down. The world still needs your voice. The party still needs your counsel. Nigeria still needs men of your calibre who combine intellectual depth with practical commitment,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, described Meseko as a resilient figure and urged him to remain focused in his service to the nation.
Melaye referred to Meseko as “a man of second chance,” while praying for divine grace and renewed opportunities for others.
The book was launched by guests with monetary donations that totaled several millions of Naira, while attendees were feted with lavish dinner at the venue – Thisday Dome.
