From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei.
Mrs Bidei, married to Mr Jackson Bidei, a popular wrestler from old Rivers State and sports administrator, reportedly died on Monday, December 30.
The state government, in a press statement by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said Governor Douye Diri received the news of the death of Mrs Bidei with shock.
The statement reads in part: “Our hearts go out to the bereaved family, especially the widower, Chief Jackson Bidei, and children. Our prayers are with the family at this depressing moment of grave bereavement.
“Our sincerest sympathies and prayers are with her loved ones at this difficult time.
“May they all find comfort in the knowledge that Mrs Bidei’s life and work had a profound impact on our state and its people.
“As we mourn Mrs Bidei, we will dearly miss her and her passion as a dedicated public servant and a loyal party person, who worked tirelessly to promote the welfare and empowerment of women in our state.
“Her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others will keep her memories ingrained in our minds.
“As a member of the Executive Council, who played a crucial role in shaping policies and programmes that benefited the people of Bayelsa State, her death has denied our state of her inspiring contribution and created a vacuum that is difficult to fill.
“We shall remember her as a kind and compassionate individual who always placed the needs of others ahead of her own.
“It is our conviction that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the many initiatives she championed during her lifetime.
“The Governor and the entire government of Bayelsa State are saddened by her loss and will miss her wise counsel and dedication to our collective efforts to build a better and prosperous future for our state.
“We will always remember her as a true servant of the people and a champion of women’s empowerment.”