The Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at the weekend, led a high-powered delegation to the funeral of the late Chief Simon Micah Ebebi, the Alei of Aleibiri and father of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi.
Other top dignitaries in attendance were the former Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson; the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Abraham Ingobere, the Chief of Staff Government House, Yenagoa, Pastor Peter Akpe and state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Solomon Agwanana.
In his sermon at the funeral mass drawn from Matthew Chapter 25, the Bishop of Bomadi Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend, Hyacinth Egbebo, underscored the eternal benefits of giving alms to the poor, shelter to the destitute, clothing the naked as well as visiting and providing care to the sick.
Bishop Egbebo enjoined Christians to uphold the truth at all times, stressing that what one does to his neighbours would determine whether one would make heaven or not after one’s earthly sojourn
Also speaking, the Parish Priest of the SacredHeart Catholic Church, Aleibiri, Rev. Father Methodius Emolade, described the late Chief Simon Ebebi as a respectable leader, committed Christian and a benevolent father.
In his tribute, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, noted that as the paramount ruler of Aleibiri for several years, the deceased served his people with dignity and honour until his passing.
While commiserating with the Ebebis, the Bayelsa Chief Executive acknowledged the departed nonagenarian’s dedication to education, adding that the late Alei was able to touch the lives of countless students as a qualified teacher.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the former Deputy Governor, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, expressed appreciation to God, the Bayelsa State Government, the Church, the Alei Traditional Council of Chiefs, colleagues, friends and all those who contributed to the success of the funeral programme.
According to his biography, the late Chief Simon Ebebi was an educationist with a Diploma Certificate in Education and taught in several schools, including the Saint modern Secondary School, Aleibiri, and Community Secondary Grammar School, Burutu.
He also served as Supervisor for Education between 1978 and 1985 under the old Rivers State, while in 1984, the Aleibiri Community elected him as their paramount ruler in recognition of his diligence and industrious nature.
Other prominent personalities at the event include, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu and his immediate past counterpart and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Forum, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd).
Also in attendance were the Deputy Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Ogbere; the Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Edwin Bubou- Obolo, Member representing Ekeremor Constituency One, Hon. Tari Porri, other members of the house, commissioners and other top government officials.