Celebrating Meseko at 50

BY Anayo Okolie

For Hon Durosinmi Meseko, frontline journalist and former member, House of Representatives from Kogi State, today is a special day to glorify God. The journalist turned politician believes that he owes no one gratitude except the almighty God who has graciously kept him alive till today.

Gushing like a young damsel before her would be husband, Hon Meseko told THISDAY that but for God Almighty, he would not be alive today.

“God has been so gracious to me. I never thought I would live upto 50 years given the myriads of near-death nasty experiences I have passed through in life. Twice I miraculously escaped from the jaws of hired assassins, thrice survived car accidents, twice survived food poison and many other vicissitudes of life but God has always been there for me. So for me, achieving this milestone of 50 years is one of the greatest achievements. I am grateful to God, would remain grateful till eternity.”

Hon Meseko started his life even as a young man with an uncanny spirit of philanthropy. According to him, “nothing in life gives me more joy than giving. My life is giving. As early as age 7, I was already a giver. I recall how I used to receive severe floggings from my late father for daring to dash out my personal items like sandals, shirts to my friends who lack such things. My parents could not understand why I give out almost any of my belongings without blinking an eyelid. Eventually, it dawned on them that I was born with the heart to give to the less privileged. This is the philosophy that guides my life till date”.

Hon Meseko, a graduate of political science from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria started his journalism career in Kano in 1990 after he won the Best Youth Corper Award in the State. He was given automatic employment by the Military Administrator of the old Kano State, Colonel Idris Garba. After the employment, he was posted to The Courier magazine, the state’s owned magazine as Political Writer. He rose to become the political editor of the magazine within two years. In 1992, Meseko inching for a wider horizon in journalism joined the wave making TELL magazine in Lagos as Reporter. At TELL, he became the first Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), TELL Chapel.

Following Meseko’s relentless articles upbraiding the military dictatorship led by General Ibrahim Babangida, he was arrested, detained and tortured in 1994 by the operatives of the State Security Services, SSS. In 1995, Meseko moved his services to TheNews/Tempo magazine. And in 1996, he joined THISDAY newspapers as Senior Assistant Editor rising to become Political Editor of the Newspaper in 1998.

However, Hon Meseko’s record in journalism did not escape the radar of the late strongman of Kwara politics, Dr Olusola Saraki, who appointed him Chief Press Secretary in 1998. In 2000, he returned to mainstream journalism only to be appointed Manager, Public Affairs, Albarka Airlines. From Albarka, Meseko won his election to represent the people of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency in House of Representatives between 2003-2007. He was Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Gas Resources.

After his stint in House of Reps, Meseko ran for governorship position in Kogi State and performed very well.

Among others, Meseko served as one of the advisers under the administration of Capt Idris Wada.

From PDP, Meseko crossed over to the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in 2015. He is currently the Director, Media and Publicity, Audu /Faleke Political Organisation.

“As an avowed welfarist, nothing will stop me from living the remaining part of my life to serve humanity. As a philanthropist, I desire to do more for the less privileged, “ he stated.