…urges Ijaws to celebrate their parents, leaders while alive
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri today, graced the 97th birthday celebration of His Highness, King Christian Atani Okpofaa Otobotekere, JP, Amananaowei of Tombia-Ekpetiama.
King Otobotekere is father to Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja.
Gov. Diri thanked all who came to celebrate with King Otobotekere, and stated that, as Ijaws, we should always honour our leaders, fathers and those who have contributed to the development of the State and Ijaw nation.
“I’m truly very elated today that we are not celebrating this man upon his death, because we have had this culture of celebrating our parents when they are dead. Today, the Otobotekere family has deemed it necessary to celebrate their father when he is still alive.
I want to specially thank the Honourable Minister for Water Resources and others who have found time to come and celebrate with the family.
For us as a Government, we have been preaching love and unity, and this is one of the ways to unite us as a people and for us to exude love to one another. On behalf of the government and good people of Bayelsa State, I say, thank you to all of you who have come from far and near to honour this icon of several parts.” Gov. Diri stated
The celebration which took place at the DSP Alamieyeseigha memorial banquet hall, Yenagoa, also had in attendance, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Suleiman Adamu, Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State executive council, HRM, King Bubaraye Dakolo, AGADA IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, Captains of industry and other top Government officials.
