Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday reminisced on the role his mother, the late Mrs Rose Diri, played in his upbringing and said it would be difficult to forget her. He spoke at the 13th memorial service in honour of the mother at Ayamasa, Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
Describing her as a woman of virtue, Diri said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, that mothers were special and play critical role in the lives of their children because of the love, care and warmth they provide.
He noted that the late Diri family matriarch positively impacted not only the lives of her children but also the entire family and all those that crossed her path as her kind deeds remain evergreen in their memories.
His words: “Mothers occupy very special places in our hearts. We were indeed very close to our mother.
“We are only remembered by what we have done after our lives on earth. Although she died many years ago, Mama’s memories will remain evergreen in our hearts.
“As we gather here, let us take a moment to reflect on who we are. In all we do, let us try to touch the lives of others. She will forever be remembered for her good nature and enduring legacies.”
The Bayelsa helmsman noted that on May 15 every year after her demise in 2013, he and his siblings gather quietly to honour her memory, but that this year’s turned out to be different as dignitaries from all walks of life joined the family for the memorial service.
Diri expressed gratitude to the guests at the well-attended service, which included his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr Favour Akpe.
Others were Senator Konbowei Benson representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, and House of Representatives member, Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency).
Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, former APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, as well as former Director-General, Department of State Services, Dr. Matthew Seiyefa.
Also present were the state’s representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission, Deinyabofa Dimaro, former presidential adviser, Kingsley Kuku, the new AIG Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu, and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa Command, Daniel Iyamah.
The governor read the only lesson at the service from the Book of 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
In a brief exhortation titled: “Mama Rose Came, Saw and Conquered,” Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Godspower Asingba, emphasised the need for people to live exemplary lives so that they would be remembered positively for their deeds.
Rev Asingba said Mama Rose touched many lives during her lifetime and left indelible marks on her children.
“We are here to celebrate her legacies because one of her fruits happens to be the governor of Bayelsa State and is delivering genuine service to his people. So let your life be a blessing to others.”
