Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended his father, Pa Abraham Diri, for the sacrifices he made for his children.
Speaking at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area on Sunday during a service in honour of his 85-year-old father, Governor Diri described him as a compassionate man who never joked with his fatherly duties.
He said his dad ensured he was at peace with those around him at all times.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying his father’s care for his children impacted on all of them positively.
While thanking the octogenarian, Diri said his children would always remain grateful to him for his sacrifices.
He also expressed appreciation to the Anglican Church for honouring him and thanked all those that came to honour his father and family.
His words: “We are what we are today because of him. He nurtured us and made sure we had good moral values.
“Today we rely on God because of the way he brought us up. On behalf of the family I appreciate our father.
“I thank all of you for coming to honour him. God has been very kind to this family and community.
“My father is compassionate, firm, exudes love and harbours no bitterness. The whole of the family has been on that lane and this is the best opportunity for us to honour him.”
Delivering a sermon, Bishop of the Northern Izon Diocese of the Anglican Church, Funkuro Amgbare, described Pa Abraham Diri as a caring man that deserved to be honoured.
“Let us all learn to give honour to our fathers, who are the pillars and support base of every family,” he said.
Drawing from Ephesians 6:1 & 2, Bishop Amgbare urged the congregation to learn to honour their parents if they want to live long.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of award to Governor Diri and his father, who is also a Lay Reader in the church.
Dignitaries at the event included Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Col. Milland Dikio (Rtd), Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, represented by member representing Kolokuma-Opokuma Constituency 2, Wisdom Fafi, members of the state executive council, traditional rulers and the clergy.
