…As Diri, Odili, others pour encomium on gov’s late mother-in-law
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that it is imperative for people to reflect on the kind of life they live and make amends if it would not open doors of better opportunities for their children, and others who have encountered them.
Governor Fubara gave the advice at the funeral service of his late mother-in-law, Mrs. Adeline Ndalu Jaja, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the State yesterday.
The governor noted that it was very disastrous for parents or leaders to conduct their lives without regard to building a good name that would become valuable currency for their children and those who associate with them to use as a lifeline when in challenges come.
He said: “We are all here this afternoon to say bye-bye to Mama. But, I want you to go home with something. And by the grace of God, I don’t think there will be any counter to the point I will make.
“How do we live our lives? Can we live in such a way that when we are no more, our names can open doors for our children? That is what I want you to go home with.”
Governor Fubara emphasized: “Mama has lived her life, and it has opened a lot of doors for her biological children. For those that were close to Mama, when you mention that you know so and so person, doors will open.
You must live life so that when you are no more, and our children who are left behind mention our names, those names will open doors for them. I feel that is the greatest virtue parents should leave for their children.”
Governor Fubara particularly acknowledged the fatherly role of the Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, and for ensuring that peace continued to prevail in the kingdom.
In his speech, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, conveyed the condolences of sister states in the region to Governor Fubara, his family and Rivers people for the loss they had suffered.
Governor Diri said it is always sad to have a loved one die, no matter the age, adding that late Mrs. Adeline Ndalu Jaja would have lived longer, especially now that her daughter is the First Lady of Rivers State but quickly pointed out that death is a pointer to how temporary life is on earth.