INTERVIEW: Why I will miss Nigeria – US Embassy Official Jeanne Clark

The US Embassy Press Attache, Jeanne Clarke, says she finds Nigerian music positive and uplifting. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mrs Clarke noted that even though she does not understand what is being said, she will always treasure Nigerian sounds.

The diplomat, whose time in Nigeria ended 11 August, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES’ Chiamaka Okafor, talked about her time in Nigeria, her hope for the country and what she would miss about the most populous country in Africa.

Excerpts

PT: So tell me about your time here in Nigeria, working and interacting with Nigerians.

Mrs Clark: Sure, one of my prime responsibilities as I am sure you are aware is engaging with the media and I am quite proud of the media programming we have been able to accomplish really across Nigeria during this time.

There is nothing more important to a democracy than freedom of expression and we have tried to work very closely with Nigerian media houses and associations to be able to further that conversation, to deeply examine the roles of editors in a democracy. Recognising who gets their voice heard matters a lot in a democracy and it certainly has to be an inclusive space, where the voice of men and women and people of all ethnicity and diversities are encouraged to participate in Nigeria’s vibrant democracy.

PT: Did you live in different parts of Nigeria and how long has it been, I mean your stay?

Mrs Clark: I have worked in Nigeria for almost two years. I have…