Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late Mrs. Philomina George as a true mother with endearing qualities and impactful legacies.
George is the mother of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women in Politics, Mrs. Bibian George.
Diri spoke at the weekend during an open-air funeral service held in her honour at Foutorugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, said the late Philomina George lived an impactful life and would be remembered for her good works which positively affected her family, community, the church and the larger society.
He described death as an inevitable and necessary end, noting that God is the owner of life and only He knows the appointed time for anyone to depart.
He urged the bereaved family not to be overwhelmed by grief but to take solace in the good legacy she left behind.
His words: “Let us not be overwhelmed with sorrow. If we have understanding, we should rejoice. Let us not allow the physical emotions around us to swallow the real understanding of what is happening here.
“Death is a necessary end, whether we like it or not. The Bible says there is an appointment for everyone to die, and after death, there is judgement.
“You should know that you will die, and you will not just die but there will be judgement. The judgement is if you win, you will go into eternal bliss, but if you lose, you will roast in fire.
“That is why Mama that is lying here today, only lived for the time appointed for her by God. Yet emotions will make you cry; you feel her especially when you have something to remember about her.
“Here we are gathered, saying Lord, who will now take her position? She did this good thing, she did that good thing. People of God, that is a good sign, and I believe her works will speak for her.”
In his exhortation, the lead pastor of the Refined Peoples Assembly, Rev. Daddy-Ken Bitere, said every funeral service i
was an opportunity for the living to examine where they will be when they close their eyes in the sleep of death.
Taking his text from Matthew 25:31-36, the cleric said everything a person owns in this world would soon be forgotten after death.
He urged the unsaved to receive Christ and be born again, stressing that only good works will remain after death, and enjoined everyone to choose good over evil.
The late Mrs. Philomina George, described as a woman of extraordinary compassion, generosity, discipline and kindness, died on June 25, 2026, at the age of 69.
Dignitaries at the funeral included the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Gabriel Michael-Ogbara; his Brass Constituency 1 counterpart, Dr. Charles Daniel; and the Commissioner for Special Duties (General Duties), Johnson Onoma.
Others were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Chief Victor Sam-Ateki; chairman of Izon Microfinance Bank, Chief Ayakeme Whisky and former Special Adviser on Domestic Matters to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Sylbricks Obriki.
Others were, chairman of Ekeremor LGA, Onniye Isaac, chairman of Opuokede Creek Rural Development Authority (RDA), Mr. Miller Ebiowei; and his Mini-Ikensi counterpart, Mrs. Mildred Kilete, among others.
