Members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council have paid glowing tributes to the late Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei.

Leading the tributes during the council?s special valedictory session in her honour inside the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Yenagoa, on Friday, Governor Douye Diri described her death as painful and a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.

Governor Diri said he felt an overwhelming sense of grief over the loss of the cabinet member as she was a source of encouragement and a pillar of support to him and other EXCO members.

He said as governor, he had the privilege of witnessing her devotion to God as she was regular at the daily morning devotion and the monthly praise night at the Government House chapel.

The Bayelsa helmsman noted that as the state bids her farewell, her legacies must be celebrated while those affected by her demise should live with the reality that her chapter had closed.

His words: "As I listened to the tributes and recollections about her, it became abundantly clear that there is a wealth of stories and cherished memories we could share in honour of her remarkable life.

?I also had the privilege of witnessing her deep devotion to God as she was a regular and enthusiastic participant in our morning devotions and praise nights at the King of Glory Chapel here in Government House. Her commitment to her faith was both inspiring and evident in every gathering.

?In the face of such a loss, what can we say that would adequately capture the essence of her spirit and character? Let us thus draw strength from our shared faith and simply say in the words of the hymn writer: ?Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.?

?To the immediate family of our dear sister, on behalf of the government of Bayelsa State and its people, I extend my heartfelt condolences. Your loss Is our loss, and our hearts ache alongside yours. In this time of sorrow, know that you are surrounded by a community that stands with you, holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. While words may not ease the pain, please take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will continue to guide us.?

Speaking on behalf of other members of Exco, her colleagues, including Chief Sunday Omiloli (Labour and Productivity), Moses Teibowei (Works and Infrastructure), Daniel Igali (Sports), Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai (Information, Orientation and Strategy), Thompson Amule (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) and Biriyai Dambo SAN (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), all described Mrs. Bidei as a caring and loveable woman that will be dearly missed.

They lauded her selflessness, dedication and commitment to service of the state and humanity in general.

Her colleagues prayed God to comfort and grant her family the fortitude to bear her loss.

The cabinet and other government officials later joined the family for her funeral at Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

?Bayelsa Cabinet bidding farewell to the late Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei

Update news