The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, alongside members of his executive council and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, visited the family of the late Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, on Wednesday, January 08 2025.
Mrs. Bidei, aged 67, passed away on December 30, 2024, following a brief illness. During the visit, Governor Diri, speaking with a voice filled with emotion, paid glowing tribute to the late commissioner.
The governor recounted her unwavering support, alongside her husband, Jackson Bidei, a former African wrestling champion and retired Director of Sports.
“Mrs. Bidei and her dear husband stood by me from the beginning of my political journey till date. They never wavered for one second. It is so sad that we are here for a condolence visit,” Diri said.
He described her as a woman of valor who played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Bayelsa State through her service in various capacities.
“Today, our compatriot, active party woman, a member of our state executive council, and a woman of valour, who we all thought would continue to contribute to the growth and development of our state, is no more."
" I never imagined that we would be paying tribute to this woman. But in everything, the Bible says we should give thanks to God. On behalf of the government and people of the state, I extend our condolences to the family,” he added.
Governor Diri announced that the government would bear the funeral expenses, honoring Mrs. Bidei’s service to the state.
In response, the family spokesman Mr. Ebikabowei Otobo and Mr. Bidei expressed gratitude to the governor for his personal visit, commending his compassionate leadership.
The delegation included key figures such as Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Bayelsa PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Agwana; and Chief of Staff, Dr. Peter Akpe, among others who honoured the late commissioner.
Additionally, the entourage visited victims of last Friday’s tragic accident in Sagbama, which claimed the life of the paramount ruler of Ofoni community, HRH Auditor Onakpohor.
The victims are receiving treatment at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri.
