Members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council have
paid glowing tributes to the late Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs,
Empowerment and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei.
Leading the tributes during the council’s special
valedictory session in her honour inside the Executive Council Chambers in
Government House, Yenagoa, on Friday, Governor Douye Diri described her death
as painful and a reminder of the
fleeting nature of life.
Governor Diri said he felt an overwhelming sense of
grief over the loss of the cabinet member as she was a source of encouragement
and a pillar of support to him and other Exco members.
He said as governor, he had the privilege of
witnessing her devotion to God as she was regular at the daily morning devotion
and the monthly praise night at the Government House chapel.
The Bayelsa helmsman noted that as the state bids her
farewell, her legacies must be celebrated while those affected by her demise
should live with the reality that her chapter had closed.
His words: "As I listened to the tributes and
recollections about her, it became abundantly clear that there is a wealth of
stories and cherished
memories we could share in honour of her remarkable
life.
"I also had the privilege of witnessing her deep
devotion to God as
she was a regular and enthusiastic participant in our
morning
devotions and praise nights at the King of Glory
Chapel here in Government House. Her commitment to her faith was both inspiring
and evident in every gathering.
"In the face of such a loss, what can we say that
would adequately capture the essence of her spirit and character? Let us thus
draw
strength from our shared faith and simply say in the
words of the hymn writer: “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is
well, it is well with my soul.”
"To the immediate family of our dear sister, on
behalf of the government of Bayelsa State and its people, I extend my heartfelt
condolences. Your loss is our loss, and our hearts ache alongside yours. In
this time of sorrow, know that you are surrounded by a community that stands
with you, holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. While words may not
ease the pain, please take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the
countless lives she touched. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will
continue to guide us."
Speaking on behalf of other members of Exco, her
colleagues, including Chief Sunday Omiloli (Labour and Productivity), Moses
Teibowei (Works and Infrastructure), Daniel Igali (Sports), Mrs. Ebiuwou
Koku-Obiyai (Information, Orientation and Strategy), Thompson Amule (Local
Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) and Biriyai Dambo SAN (Attorney-General and
Commissioner for Justice), all described Mrs. Bidei as a caring and loveable
woman that will be dearly missed.
They lauded her selflessness, dedication and
commitment to service of the state and humanity in general.
Her colleagues prayed God to comfort and grant her
family the fortitude to bear her loss.
The cabinet and other government officials later joined the family for her funeral at Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
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