Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday appreciated the crucial role of women in child upbringing and urged mothers to pay adequate attention to their parenting roles.

He noted that proper upbringing of children ensures a better society as the foundation starts from the home.

Jonathan stated these while paying tribute to the late Madam Molly Ogoun at Anyama-Ogbia, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa during a condolence visit to the bereaved family.

The late Ogoun, a community leader, died in November 2020. Two of her children are prominent clerics who are allies of the former President.

The ex-President had in the condolence register eulogized the late matriarch for her exemplary life.

Jonathan equally noted that during her lifetime, Ogoun had instilled in her surviving children orderliness, decorum as well as other countless virtues.

He also called on the children to sustain their late mother’s endearing lifestyle, describing her as a devoted Christian who dedicated her entire life on earth to the service of God and humanity.

The former President prayed God to continue giving the families the fortitude to bear the demise of their matriarch.

“I commiserate with the Ogoun and Egirani families on the demise of your dear mother who passed away at the age of 82 years.

“Mama was a devoted Christian who dedicated her time to serving God and humanity. Her honesty, kindness and dedication to good causes endeared her to many in her family and community,” Jonathan wrote.

Also, Chief Benson Agadaga, a close ally of Jonathan who accompanied him to the condolence visit, described the late Ogoun as an epitome of peace and a disciplinarian mother.

Agadaga, Chief of Staff to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, noted that mothers world over have been support bases to their children and families at large.

According to Agadaga, the honesty, peaceful disposition and cordiality of the children of the late Ogoun is attributed to the way in which she raised them.

The former President was received by children of the deceased, Apostle Manager Ogoun, Peter Ogoun as well as Dr. Stanley Ogoun, a don at Niger Delta University, who expressed appreciation to Jonathan for the visit.

Dignitaries that accompanied Jonathan include King A. J. Turner Paramount Ruler of Opume kingdom, in Ogbia, Monarchs from Emakalakala and Akipdlai communities, Chief Iboro Edaba and Chief Victor Igbaba respectively.

Also at the event were Senator Nimi Amange, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, President of Azikel Refinery, Hon. Gabriel Ogbara, Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Political Matters.

Others were the Executive Assistant to the Bayelsa Governor, Mr. George Turnah, former Bayelsa Commissioner for Education, Mr. Tobias James, and Hon. Okoba Egai, amongst others.

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