I’ll leave a better Bayelsa, says Diri at dad’s memorial service

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said his major preoccupation is to bequeath the legacy of a better Bayelsa and society than he met it.

Diri spoke on Wednesday 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.

Pa Diri, a retired headmaster, passed on February 12, 2023 aged 88 years.

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 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.

He advised the youths not to be deceived into believing that joining a cult would make them achieve their aspirations.

According to him, the only group he belonged to was God’s group while recalling his childhood experience.

“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 in 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 to achieve a better society.

The service featured thanksgiving and song rendition by the late Diri’s children led by the governor, prayers as well as praise and worship sessions.

Highlight of the event was the laying of a wreath at the tomb of Pa Diri.

Present at the service were the House of Representatives members representing Sagbama/Ekeremor, Ogbia, Nembe/Brass, Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituencies – Fred Agbedi, Mitema Obordor, Marie Ebikake, Rodney Ambaiowei and Oforji Oboku respectively.

Also in attendance were Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Abraham Ingobere, other state lawmakers, top government functionaries, the clergy and traditional rulers led by chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, president of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, and state service commanders among others.