The quiet coast town of Opobo town in Opobo Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State was agog, on Saturday, as dignitaries thronged the town to pay their last respects to the mother in-law of the governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Governor Fubara’s wife, Lady Valerie, had lost her mother, Mrs. Adeline Ndalu Jaja to the cold hands of death on December 17, 2023 at the ripe age of 87 years.
The funeral attracted top dignitaries from the political class, business community, traditional leaders, clergies, captains of industry, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, parastatals, commissions, among others.
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Notable amongst those who attended the funeral were Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili, JSC (rtd); 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 were former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; senators John Azuta Mbata and Lee Maeba; a former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara; Dr. Sam Sam Jaja; Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka; Chief Emeh Glory Emeh; former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Hon. Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, National and State Assembly members from both Rivers and Bayelsa, Publisher of Africa Update and Chairman of Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State, RIVPA Gloria Boma Harry, among others.
Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Fubara, said that it was imperative for people to reflect on their lives and change their ways if their style would not open doors of better opportunities and become valuable currency for their children.
His words, “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.
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“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”.
Governor Fubara further said that the deceased was a good example because she lived a good life, simple, and promoted justice.
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 had triumphed.
He continued, “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 our 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 expressed appreciation to 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 had stood with him to promote what is right and to protect the interest of the state.
Fubara particularly 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.
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On his part, Governor Diri conveyed the condolences of sister states in the region to Governor Fubara, his family and Rivers people for their loss.
Governor Diri said it was 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.
Governor Diri, who attended the burial with his entourage, extended the deepest condolences of government and people of Bayelsa State to the Rivers first family.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, read the biography of the late matriarch, which was a testimony of a courageous leader, who rose from a humble beginning and disciplined parentage to success, with a career in the Nigeria Police Force that spanned years of active service till her retirement in 1997.
The only lesson at the funeral service anchored on divine atonement and respite for those in grief was taken by Mrs. Vanessa Apiafi Banigo.
