Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that people should think about how they live and make changes if it won't bring better opportunities for their children and others they meet.
Fubara offered this 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 on Saturday.
This information came from a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to the press.
The governor noted that it is very harmful for parents or leaders to live without caring about creating a good reputation that will be useful for their children and those who know them when they face challenges.
Fubara 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.
“Mama has lived her life, and it has opened a lot of doors for her biological children. Even those people that are close to Mama, when you mention that you know so and so person, doors will open.
“So, I want everybody here to go back and reflect on it. You must live life so that when you are no more, and our children who are left behind mention our names, those names open doors for them.
“I feel that is the greatest virtue parents should leave for their children. ”
He further said Mama was a good example because she lived a good life, was simple, and promoted justice; and stated that she is already with God.
The governor also declared that his confidence is in God who is the foundation on which his administration is anchored.
He assured that despite the contending challenges, the State and his administration have triumphed.
“I want to thank every one of you this afternoon, more especially our leaders, true leaders of our dear State. Leaders, because one of the reasons why one is called a leader is your experience and age.
True leaders are here to support us in these trial times. I want to thank all of you, and to say, continue to stand for what is right and what is true, ” Governor Fubara said.
He expressed appreciation to his brother Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for his show of love by being physically present while he buried his late mother-in-law.
The governor also thanked the true leaders of the State who have stood with him to promote what is right and to protect the interest of the State.
Fubara especially acknowledged the fatherly role played by 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 have suffered.
Diri expressed that it's always sorrowful to lose a loved one, regardless of their age. He mentioned that Mrs. Adeline Ndalu Jaja could have lived longer, especially now that her daughter is the First Lady of Rivers State. However, he also emphasized that death reminds us of the temporary nature of life on earth.
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, recounted the life story of the late matriarch, which was a testament of a brave leader who emerged from a modest beginning and disciplined upbringing to achieve success. She had a career in the Nigeria Police Force that lasted until her retirement in 1997.
Among the dignitaries who attended to pay their final respects were the former governor of Rivers State, Sir Dr. Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili, (rtd); State Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu; Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo; and former National Chairman, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus.
Others included former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; Senators John Azuta Mbata and Lee Maeba; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara; Dr Sam Sam Jaja; Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka; Chief Emeh Glory Emeh; National and State Assembly members from both Rivers and Bayelsa.
