Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Friday led family members, political associates, and dignitaries from across the country in honouring the memory of his late mother, Mrs. Rose Diri, during her 13th memorial service held at Ayamasa community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.
The solemn ceremony, which attracted prominent political leaders and government officials, was marked by tributes celebrating the late matriarch’s life of compassion, humility, and service to humanity.
Speaking during the service, Governor Diri described his mother as a virtuous woman whose impact extended beyond her immediate family, noting that her values and good deeds continue to resonate years after her passing.
“Mothers occupy very special places in our hearts,” the governor said, reflecting on the close bond he shared with his late mother.
According to him, the true measure of life lies in the positive impact one leaves behind, stressing that the memory of Mrs. Diri has remained alive because of the lives she touched while alive.
“As we gather here, let us reflect on who we are and the kind of legacy we intend to leave behind. In all we do, we should strive to positively affect the lives of others,” he stated.
Governor Diri explained that since the death of their mother in 2013, members of the Diri family had always observed her remembrance privately every May 15.
He, however, noted that this year’s memorial assumed a broader dimension with the attendance of several dignitaries who came to identify with the family.
Among those present were the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe and his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Senator Konbowei Benson; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; and former Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi.
Others included former APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon; former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Matthew Seiyefa; former presidential adviser, Kingsley Kuku; Bayelsa representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Deinyabofa Dimaro; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu; and Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah.
The governor read the scripture lesson from 2 Timothy 4:6–8 during the service.
In a sermon titled, “Mama Rose Came, Saw and Conquered,” the Governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Rev. Godspower Asingba, urged Nigerians to live purposeful and exemplary lives that would earn them lasting remembrance.
He noted that the late Mrs. Diri distinguished herself through acts of kindness and dedication to family and community, adding that her legacy is evident in the accomplishments of her children.
The memorial service ended with the laying of wreaths at Mrs. Diri’s graveside by Governor Diri, his brothers, Friday and Ebiegberi Diri, and other family members.
