What My Late Dad Taught Me-Diri
Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday attributed his lifestyle to his late father, Pa Abraham Joseph Michael Diri, saying it was through him that he learnt how to be disciplined and humble. Diri, a retired headmaster, died on February 12, 2023 at the age of 88.
Diri who is currently celebrating his five years in office is also marking the second anniversary of the death of his father. He said his major preoccupation was to bequeath the legacy of a better Bayelsa and society at large than he met it.
Diri spoke during a memorial service in honour of his father, Pa Abraham Joseph Michael Diri, at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
The governor said his late father inculcated positive virtues in him and his siblings and that he would continue to remember him and others who laboured to make society a better place. He equally stated that he would leave a better society for his children than what his father left, and that his children would also leave a better society for their children.
The governor urged Bayelsans, particularly politicians, to love one another and avoid acts capable of destabilising the state and advised the youths not to be deceived into believing that joining a cult would make them achieve their aspirations.
“We went to school in mud houses but today we are handing over something better to our children. Our children will hand over something better to their own children. Society will continue to grow but it does not grow one day.
“If there is no peace, there will be no development. Our people should have love for one another. If the state is in constant division, you will drive away everybody. Even the citizens will not want to come home again. Let us not pull down one another. Instead, let us support ourselves and our state will be better.”
Diri explained that the first memorial of his father did not hold as it coincided with his inauguration for a second term in office, and appreciated the church, political associates and everyone who attended the service.
In his sermon, the Bishop of the Northern Izon Diocese of the Anglican Church, Rt. Rev. Funkuro Amgbare, described the late Pa Diri as a man who left legacies that positively impacted society.
Bishop Amgbare, who noted that the late Diri was hospitable, a trainer, unifier and peace maker, urged the congregation to emulate him in order to achieve a better society.
