Diri, Lokpobiri, PANDEF, Others Pay Tribute To Bayelsa Monarch

Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri and Minister of State for Petroleum Senator Heineken Lokpobiri have hailed the qualities of Pa Jonathan Alagba, the Amananaowei of Ikibiri town in the Ekpetiama kingdom of Yenagoa local government area of the state.

The national chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Boladei Igali and the chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, were among other prominent persons who paid tributes to the monarch, who marked his 90th birthday.

Speaking at the birthday event in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, Diri said his administration would continue celebrating respected fathers and elders who had positively impacted society.

The governor extolled the nonagenarian for his service to the state as a teacher, community leader, and family man, saying he raised disciplined children who made great contributions to the state’s and the country’s development.

He urged the people of Bayelsa to emulate the celebrant for training his children in godly values.

Diri said, “Pa Alagba does not look 90 years old. It is like he is just five years my elder brother. As a state, we should celebrate our fathers and elders who brought up their children in the way they should and will not depart from it when they grow up.

“For instance, you brought up your son, Tonye, very well as a teacher, which is why he and his siblings are where they are today.

“I use this opportunity to call on all Bayelsans, particularly our mothers and fathers, to emulate this family. When you give birth to children, please do not abandon them. Train them up and give birth to the number of children you can train.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Pa Alagba’s celebration as vital to him, saying it was wise to honour and celebrate those who had advanced in life and age.

Lokpobiri appreciated God for blessing the celebrant with good health and a sound mind. He acknowledged that the monarch’s son’s record in the oil industry was a testament to his father’s great attributes.

The minister emphasised that he could judge the celebrant’s success by what he knew about his son, Dr. Tonye Alagba, the Managing Director of NNPC Engineering & Technical Company Limited (NETCO), whom he described as the best gift to the country’s oil industry, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

In his remarks, Dr. Boladei Igali, Chairman of the event, eulogised Pa Alagba, noting that living to 90 years is a perfect gift from God.

Igali, who is the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), wished the monarch a long reign on the throne and described his children as a pride to the state.

In separate goodwill messages, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and his predecessor and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, congratulated the celebrant on attaining the milestone age, which, according to them, was no mean feat.

Responding, the celebrant, Pa Alagba, thanked Governor Diri, his entourage, and everyone who attended the event for sacrificing their time to honour and celebrate him. He prayed to God to honour them with long lives and good health.