Gov. Douye Diri Honours Late Mama Kuku in Arogbo, reaffirms promise of 1,000-Seater Pavilion as Construction commences
The Governor of Bayelsa State and Governor General of Ijaw Nation, His Excellency, Douye Diri, on Saturday joined the Kuku family and the people of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku, who passed on at the age of 90. The governor attended the funeral ceremony shortly after participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congress held in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku was remembered as a woman of candour, humility, and unwavering commitment to community service and family welfare. Though she did not receive formal classroom education, she ensured her children attained quality education and grew into accomplished professionals. Her enduring values and deep respect for Ijaw traditions are reflected in her children, including prominent Niger Delta leader, former legislator, and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, SHC (Hon.) Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku Esq., who also served as Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Speaking at the funeral reception, Governor Diri conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State to the Kuku family and the entire Arogbo community. He described the late matriarch as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and moral strength whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
The governor recalled his previous visit to Arogbo in 2013, noting the visible transformation within the community over the past decade. He used the occasion to reaffirm his long-standing promise of a 1,000-seater modern pavilion for Arogbo Kingdom, emphasising that the project was not a new approval but a commitment made years earlier. He further announced that construction of the pavilion is already ongoing. According to the governor, the facility is designed to enhance social, cultural, and community activities and is expected to be completed and inaugurated towards the end of 2026.
During the visit, Governor Diri also paid homage to the Agadagba/Paramount Ruler of Arogbo-Ijaw Ibe, His Imperial Majesty, Pere Zacchaeus Doubra Egbunu Esq., (JP, FCAI, LL.M) Opukutu III, reaffirming the enduring cultural and ancestral bonds among Ijaw communities across state boundaries.
The event attracted dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the Ijaw nation who gathered to honour the memory and remarkable legacy of the late matriarch.
