allAfrica.com: Nigeria: Dr (Mrs) Esorhe Rosemarie Mark: We See Our Initiative as the Red Cross of Africa (Page 1 of 2)

Nigeria: Dr (Mrs) Esorhe Rosemarie Mark: We See Our Initiative as the Red Cross of Africa

As efforts to find lasting peace in the restive Niger Delta region of Nigeria continues, one woman that has contributed, in no small measure, to see this through is Dr (Mrs) Esorhe Rosemarie Mark, wife of the Senate President, David Mark. Working under the auspices of Voluntary Positive Intervention (VPI) with her team of professionals, she has traversed most interior villages in the South South and South East, providing free medical treatment, free mosquito treated nets, sewing machines, providing school chairs and tables, amongst other essentials to these needy communities.

Affable and charming during an exclusive interview, Mrs Mark, in her dainty low cut hair style, dressed in a simple T-shirt and pink jacket also exhibited such genuine concerns that left one feeling warm and wanted. The interview was held during her brief visit to Lagos. She spoke on her activities so far in the Niger Delta communities, her life, her views on political issues amongst others.

What are some of the challenges you face trying to carry out this activity?

Lack of money. Another is the mind set because, we are trying to change their mind set and I respect peoples' mind. It's like trying to change your mind or mine. That is a challenge because changing their mind set is the most difficult thing to do. Frankly, when there is an answer to something I don't see it as a challenge, but it is because you have to repeat the same thing over and over again.

Oil is not the only thing in this world. You have your brains; you have your destiny; which is not necessarily to work for Shell or Chevron or Agip. But they keep repeating, "We were looking for job... Shell didn't give us a job." And, you go back again, "No. You are very brilliant you could sew, etc." Changing their mind set to accept these facts is really difficult.

From the interactions you have had with the Niger Delta youths, what would you say are the core issues and how do you think these problems can be curbed?

The issues, as we all know, is lack of development; lack of being fairly treated - in the area of jobs, education amongst others. And they have been brought forward softly, gently. And, it has also resulted in the youths taking up arms. Now, they are dropping arms, which they have dropped for me - their mother; to give me time to be able to see if things can be done.

The solution is what I have been saying. First of all, it is forming a bond. I know people will laugh at this but, that is the truth. Because, if you don't bond with someone you want to make peace with, you are not going to know that person and the way to set about making that peace. The basics, as in a generator that will provide light, drinking water, toilet, school for the children - so that they are not on canoe every morning, going to Port-Harcourt to attend primary school. They need a clinic - not a huge primary health centre as it is. Somewhere they can walk into and get their blood pressure checked, have anti-tetanus treatments etc.

These basics have to be on ground before we talk of the bigger things that are expected, of course: roads, huge buildings, bridges etc. I think the most important thing is an acknowledgment of their complaints because, if you have a child that comes to you to say, this person stepped on my toe, 50 per cent of your placation should be mild. But if you say, "Stop lying", you can't solve anything. So, just a simple acknowledgment that: Ok, we know that you have grievances; we are sorry and we will now from this point set about doing something.

Meanwhile, we are going to come and visit you to actually see the state of things. I tell you, the visit really would be wonderful. My husband, at present, is a father. It is just bureaucracy that will prevent him from going in but he wants to. But, because he's very busy. I believe it's this humane way of placating them that will bring success into anything. I think the summit that's being planned now is a good idea. I believe that it will work.

Tell us some of your experiences when you visited some of these areas.

They gave me their best water to bath with. We are all Nigerians; we don't refuse hospitality. But I know they were trying to do their best for us. They bought new a mattress for me to sleep on. They just couldn't do enough to showcase themselves. I was just too moved. One pair of sandals that I have been wearing for months was in bad shape, but the shoemaker immediately fixed it for me. And I was able to see the type of shoes he was making.

So, I thought we could have a shoe factory as well because they have land where we can do that. The way he prepared it was perfect; you won't see the thread. They were helping me in and out of the boat. There is a stretch of land along the beach. It is a very beautiful place where they used to have their Christmas parties. With my son, Tunde Mark, we are going to do a peace concert on the beach with Tu Face and my brother, who is also a musician along with other musicians.

The Federal Government ordered military option as a way to quell the crisis. Do you think this will bring lasting solution to the problem. And, what is your advice to the Niger Deltans on the proposed summit?

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