Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, have hailed the qualities of Pa Jonathan Alagba, the Amananaowei of Ikibiri Town in Ekpetiama Kingdom of Yenagoa Local Council of the state.

The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Boladei Igali, and the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, were among other prominent persons who paid tributes to the monarch, who marked his 90th birthday.

Speaking at the birthday event held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital, Diri said his administration would continue to celebrate respected fathers and elders who had positively impacted society.
   
The governor extolled the nonagenarian for his service to the state as a teacher, community leader and family man, saying he brought up disciplined children, who were making great contributions to the development of the state and the country.
   
He urged the people of Bayelsa to emulate the celebrant for training his children on godly values.

Earlier in his remarks, Lokpobiri described Pa Alagba’s celebration as important to him, saying it was wise to honour and celebrate those who had advanced in life and in age.

In his remarks, Chairman of the event, Dr. Boladei Igali, eulogised Pa Alagba, noting that to live up to 90 years translates to being a perfect gift from God.
   
In separate goodwill messages, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and his predecessor and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, congratulated the celebrant on attaining the milestone age, which, according to them, was no mean feat