Pa Diri: Etete, I Go Dye, Actors Condole Gov Diri

The Chief Executive Officer of Century Energy Group, Ken Etete, has paid tribute to the late Pa Abraham Diri, father of the Bayelsa State Governor, saying his death was painful.

The Bayelsa-born business mogul, who paid a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri and his family at his Sampou community home in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area on Friday, described the departed Pa Diri as having lived a worthy life.

He urged his immediate family and the people of Sampou to take solace in his legacies.

Etete said his family has had a good relationship with that of the governor’s, and that the loss of Pa Abraham also affected them.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked the Century Energy CEO for the visit, which he said was a demonstration of love for his family and the people of Sampou.

He described Etete as an exceptional son of Bayelsa, who did not abandon his people and has stayed in touch with them,  urging him not to relent.

The governor acknowledged the relationship between the Etetes and the people of Sampou, saying they have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship.

He said: "This visit shows your love and commitment to your people. You are very exceptional.

"I am not surprised that despite your busy schedule, you still made it because of the love you have for this family. Let me on behalf of my family and government of Bayelsa State thank and appreciate you for the visit."

Also, frontline comedian, I Go Dye and Nollywood actors led by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) president, Emeka Rollas and Ime Bishop Umoh popularly known as Okon Lagos, were in Sampou to condole with the Diri family.

Mr. Rollas, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said Nollywood was grateful to the state government for supporting the development of the entertainment industry, particularly for hosting and sponsorship of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for many years.

He equally commended the governor for appointing entertainers, MC Okpeke and Okosufa Ebizimor (known as AJ ) and others into his government as well as assisting the AGN during the election of the state chapter of the guild.

According to Rollas, "we thank the state government for its support to the entertainment industry. We all know that AMAA started in Bayelsa State and for many years the state was hosting and sponsoring AMAA, an event of that magnitude.

"Even though this is a condolence visit, it is an opportunity to say thank you for supporting the industry."

He also stated that he expected the industry to reciprocate the state's gesture by scouting for budding talents and nurturing them to stardom.

On behalf of the guild, Okon Lagos presented a copy of the Holy Bible to the governor.

In his response, Governor Diri expressed gratitude on behalf of his family to the guild.

"Seeing this array of visitors at our country home is really comforting," he said.

He equally applauded members of the guild for their role in society and stressed the need for collaboration to groom Bayelsa youths who wish to eke out a living in the entertainment industry.

Also, First Bank Nigeria represented by the Group Head, Public Health Director, Nkiru Harris Eze, paid a condolence visit to the governor.

The six-day funeral rites of the late Pa Diri, who died on February 12 aged 88, will commence on Wednesday, May 3 with a service of songs at the Peace Park in Yenagoa while his remains will be interred on Saturday, May 5 at his residence in Sampou community.

Daniel Alabrah 

Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor