Diri Extols Virtues Of Late Philomina George At Funeral
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late Mrs. Philomina George as a loving mother whose compassion, generosity, discipline and kindness left an enduring impact on her family, community, church and society.
Mrs. George, who died on June 25, 2026, at the age of 69, was the mother of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women in Politics, Hon. Bibian George.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, stated this at the weekend during an open-air funeral service held in honour of the deceased at Foutorugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Governor said the late Mrs. George lived an impactful life and would be remembered for the positive contributions she made to the lives of those around her.
According to him, while death is an inevitable end for every human being, the legacy a person leaves behind remains a lasting testimony to how they lived.
He urged the bereaved family not to allow grief to overwhelm them but to draw comfort from the good works and memories left behind by their mother.
“Let us not be overwhelmed with sorrow. If we have understanding, we should rejoice. Let us not allow the physical emotions around us to swallow the real understanding of what is happening here,” he
said.
The Governor noted that although the loss of a loved one naturally brings sorrow, the good deeds of the deceased should encourage the living to celebrate the life she lived.
He said, “People of God, that is a good sign, and I believe her works will speak for her.”
In his exhortation, the lead pastor of Refined Peoples Assembly, Rev. Daddy-Ken Bitere, said funeral services provide an opportunity for the living to reflect on the purpose of life and consider their eternal destination.
Taking his text from Matthew 25:31-36, the cleric noted that material possessions would eventually be left behind after death, urging people to prioritise their relationship with God and live lives characterised by good works.
He called on those who had not accepted Christ to do so and be born again, while encouraging everyone to choose good over evil and make positive contributions to society.
The late Mrs. George was described by mourners as a woman of extraordinary compassion, generosity, discipline and kindness whose legacy would continue to live on through her family and the communities she touched.
Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were the Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Michael-Ogbara; Hon. Dr. Charles Daniel, representing Brass Constituency 1; and the Commissioner for Special Duties (General Duties), Hon. Johnson Onoma.
Others included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Chief Victor Sam-Ateki; Chairman of Izon-Ebe Microfinance Bank, Chief Ayakeme Whisky; former Special Adviser on Domestic Matters to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Sylbricks Obriki; Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac; Chairman of Opuokede Creek Rural Development Authority, Mr. Miller Ebiowei; and his Mini-Ikensi counterpart, Mrs. Mildred Kilete, among other dignitaries.
