Gov. Diri attends service of songs in honour of Mama Betinah Friday Benson

…… Says, late Betinah has added value to Bayelsa for bringing forth sons like Konbowei Benson……as Konbowei mourns mother

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri alongside his wife, Dr.(Mrs.) Gloria Diri, and the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, today, attended the service of songs in honour of Mama Betinah Friday Benson, which held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

Mama Betinah, who died at the age of 84 years is mother of Rt. Hon. Konbowei Friday Benson, Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District.

Governor Diri in his remarks said, Mama Betinah Friday Benson lived a good life by the kind of children she brought forth.

READ ALSO: Gov. Diri attends youth leadership and entrepreneurship programme

According to the Governor, the story of Mama Betinah is well known to all in the state because, she was kidnapped twice but never died in the hands of her kidnappers, but died peacefully at what could be referred as a ripe age of 84 years. And that for him, it’s a celebration of life.

“We celebrate this great woman who has added value to our state and country, by the kind of children that she has brought forth, particularly her son, the Distinguished Senator Konbowei Friday Benson who we have all related with, over the years”.

Governor Diri further prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Several persons earlier gave their tributes in honour of Mama Betinah. Among them was Mrs. Timipah Yabefa, who said, when her parents died, she was raised by Mama. And under her care, she never felt one day that she was an orphan because, mama never discriminate. She concluded that mama was indeed a good woman, full of life. And that she would be greatly missed.

Similarly, Mrs. Amara Leah, chairman, Olodiama RDA, described late Mrs. Betinah Friday Benson, as a politician and a historian. A politician because she always wanted to know the affairs of her children, particularly that of Senator Konbowei Friday Benson. A historian because, mama would tell your history from your parents, down to your grand parents, and was very humorous to be with.

Also, Hon. Kuroakegha Dorgu, chairman Bayelsa State Physical Planning and Development Board said, it was correct that mama was described as a politician because, he ones served as Vice Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA to Senator Konbowei Friday Benson, and also served in the state Assembly alongside with him. And in all of those period, whenever he visited them, mama was interested in knowing what has happened in the polity. Dorgu further said, mama was also a hardworking woman because you always see her going to the farm even at her old age.

When it was the turn of the Chief mourner, Rt. Hon. Senator Konbowei Benson, who was accompanied by his lovely wife, Mrs. Ayibapreye Konbowei, said, his mother, Late Mrs. Betinah Friday Benson, was so attached to him that he never believed that she has died. But that listening to the tributes this evening brought him to consciousness that his mother has truly died, and that tears run through his eyes uncontrollably.

Senator Konbowei briefly narrated how his mother toiled to raise him and other siblings after their father died at 56years in 1985. He said, when God raised him to the pinnacles of politics, his mother became the target and was kidnapped twice, both incidences she survived after being subjected to trauma.

READ ALSO: Gov. Diri attends youth leadership and entrepreneurship programme

According to the Senator, though she was 84years, Mama Betinah could not have died now because her wise counsel is still much needed. But that he can not question God because, as a Christian, he believed that God has called her home.

Senator Konbowei thanked Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, his political associates and all other well wishers for standing by the Benson’s family all through the period of their grief, asking God to continue to bless everyone for their support.

Other top government officials that attended the service of songs include, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd.), immediate past deputy governor of Bayelsa State, members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency) and Hon. Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency), Rt, Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, former speakers of the House, Rt. Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, Rt. Hon. Edwin Monday Bubou Obolo, members of the state House of Assembly, Barr.(Mrs.) Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, Head of Service, Bayelsa State, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, immediate past Secretary to the State Government, immediate past members of the state Executive Council, the clergy and other top government officials.