Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Friday led family, government officials, and other dignitaries in paying tribute to his late mother, Mrs. Rose Diri, during her 13th memorial service held in Ayamasa, Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
The governor described his late mother as a woman of strong moral character and virtue, noting that she played a central role in shaping the lives of her children and extended family through love, discipline, and care.
Speaking during the ceremony, Diri reflected on the enduring influence of mothers in society, stressing that their sacrifices and guidance often leave lasting impressions that outlive their lifetime contributions.
He said the late Mrs. Diri remained fondly remembered for her kindness and the positive impact she made on those who encountered her during her lifetime, adding that her legacy continues to live on within the family.
According to him, although his mother passed away in 2013, the family has maintained the tradition of honouring her memory annually on May 15, describing the memorial as a private moment of reflection that has now grown into a larger gathering of public figures and associates.
This year’s event attracted an array of political leaders, government officials, and security chiefs, who joined the governor in celebrating the life and legacy of the deceased matriarch.
Among those present were Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe and his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe; Senator Konbowei Benson; and House of Representatives member, Hon. Oforji Oboku.
Others in attendance included Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; and former governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.
Also present were former DSS Director-General, Dr. Matthew Seiyefa; NDDC representative, Deinyabofa Dimaro; former presidential adviser, Kingsley Kuku; and senior security officials including the new AIG Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu, and Bayelsa Police Commissioner, Daniel Iyamah.
During the service, Governor Diri read a Bible lesson from 2 Timothy 4:6–8, while a sermon titled “Mama Rose Came, Saw and Conquered” was delivered by Rev. Godspower Asingba, who urged attendees to live lives worthy of remembrance through positive impact on others.
The memorial event concluded with wreath-laying at the tomb of the late Mrs. Rose Diri by the governor and members of his family.
