BY John Odhe, YENAGOA
The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri has called on the womenfolk to put their best foot forward by presenting competent women who can compete favourably in politics and other walks of life to enable them make worthy contributions to societal development.
Diri says his administration will continue to identify with efforts aimed at encouraging women’s involvement in politics.
The governor stated this while speaking at a reception organized to mark the 60th birthday anniversary of the lawmaker representing Sagbama Constituency Three in the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown in Yenagoa.
The Bayelsa State house of assembly currently has two female lawmakers out of the 24 members, representing 8.33% of the house membership.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the governor acknowledged the role of women in nation-building, assuring that his administration would continue to promote inclusivity in its scheme of things.
His words: ” As a government, we will continue to identify with the advocacy and other efforts encouraging women to come into politics. But I want to use this opportunity to encourage women to present their best.
“We need competent women like Ebizi Brown who can do the job; women that can deliver and move our society forward. Women like her (Ebizi) are rare to find. Her track records are there and I know she will continue to deliver.
Preaching earlier on the topic “From Strength to Strength” during a thanksgiving service at the Divine Grace Model Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Kpansia in Yenagoa, the deputy governor described Ndiomu-Brown as an embodiment of God’s grace.
Quoting from Isaiah 40:31, Akpe, stressed the need for Christians to acknowledge God as their true source of strength and ask Him to renew it to enable them accomplish impactful assignments as well as survive adversities.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Doubara Atasin, Akpe described 60 years as a significant milestone, commended the celebrant for acknowledging God’s grace in her life and prayed God to bless her with good health and greater future.
In his remarks at the reception, the Chairman of the occasion, Vice Admiral Victor Ombu, praised Ndiomu-Brown for making a surviving mother, Mrs Grace Ndiomu and late father, Major General Charles Ndiomu proud by upholding the enviable ideals of her family.
On her part, the birthday celebrator, Chief Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, expressed appreciation to governor Diri, his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, colleagues and friends as well as her parental and marital families for celebrating with her.
Notable personalities who attended the events were the wife of the deputy governor, Dr Favour Akpe, former deputy governor of Rivers State and his wife, Sir Gabriel and Dame Christy Toby and his Bayelsa counterpart, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Abraham Ingobere and members of the State assembly, the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, and the president of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani.
Others included the chairman, governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Warman Ogoriba, Mr. Harcourt Adukeh, Gesi Asamaowei, Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Ombu, the husband of the celebrator, Alabo Edward Brown, and former acting managing director of the NDDC, Mrs Ibim Semenetari.
