The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed appreciation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for supporting the Bayelsa State Government, which contributed significantly to the success of the burial ceremony of the late State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The Governor made the remark during the burial ceremony of the late Bayelsa State Deputy Governor at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In a communiqué made available to journalists on Saturday, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, said the Bayelsa helmsman commended the NDDC for its support to the State Government, ensuring that the solemn occasion was conducted with dignity and honour.
Dr. Ogbuku, who led a delegation from the NDDC, including the Bayelsa State Representative on the NDDC Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa, and other directors of the Commission joined other eminent personalities at the ceremony to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Governor.
At the funeral Mass, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, delivered a homily in which he extolled the virtues of the late Deputy Governor. He described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a man of love, kindness, and service to humanity, urging politicians and leaders to emulate his exemplary traits in both public and private life.
Recall that the NDDC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ogbuku, also led a delegation from the Commission in December 2025 on a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Governor shortly after the death of the Deputy Governor.
On that occasion, Ogbuku described the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a man whose dedication to duty and service to the state were outstanding.
He noted that the late Deputy Governor excelled in the various positions he held, especially as Commissioner for Works in Bayelsa State, where he played a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure development, and in his distinguished service as Senator representing Bayelsa West in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The NDDC boss affirmed that the Commission remained committed to supporting the Bayelsa State Government throughout the mourning period and burial activities.
