November 26, (THEWILL) – Former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, and Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amb. Godknows Igali, were among notable personalities that joined the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to celebrate the 90th birthday anniversary of one of the founding fathers of the state, Sir Lambert Eradiri.
Also present at the well-attended event which took place on Monday at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet in Yenagoa, were the first military Governor of old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu; former Secretary to State Government, Professor Allison Edmund-Oguru; and the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Speaking at the event, Diri described the celebrant as one of the greatest personalities that the Ijaw nation has ever produced considering his achievements and far-reaching contributions to national development.
He emphasised the need for the Ijaws to celebrate the legacies of their compatriots such as Sir Eradiri and other illustrious daughters who had contributed their quota for the development of the state and the Ijaw nation “while they are still alive and not only when they had departed.”
Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commended Sir Eradiri’s philanthropic efforts, especially his scholarship programmes that sponsored over 200 graduates through the university system.
Enthralled by the sterling qualities of the Agudama-Ekpetiama-born foremost pharmacist, the governor declared his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to institute an annual lecture in honour of the nonagenarian’s contributions to the pharmacy profession.
He said, “A lot has been said about our father today. But the point that needs to be made here is that our lives are meaningful to the extent to which we make the lives of others meaningful.
“When you go through his profile, you would discover that most of the time he had always laboured not for himself, but for the benefit of others.
“We must always have others in our mind by contributing to those who are less privileged. Our celebrant today had sponsored 225 graduates through the university as of 2011.
“I don’t think even a government scholarship can run as much as that. So we want to thank you for the contributions you have made to the education sector in our state and Nigeria.
“I want to conclude with a charge to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to work with the Bayelsa State government to institute an annual lecture in his honour now that he is still alive and not after he had gone.”
Also speaking, former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, thanked God for the life and achievements of Sir Eradiri at 90, describing him as a great man who has profound love for the Ijaw people.
Going down memory lane, Jonathan recalled that he came into close contact with the celebrant in 1995, noting that Eradiri as a bridge-builder connected all Ijaws across the various kingdoms to achieve a common goal.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
