BAYELSA FIXES JANUARY 30 FOR BURIAL OF LATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

Bayelsa State has announced January 30, 2026, as the date for the burial of its late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60.

Governor Douye Diri made the disclosure on Wednesday during the 179th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa, bringing clarity to the official funeral plans for the former deputy governor.

According to the governor, a funeral committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, worked closely with Ewhrudjakpo’s family and the Catholic Church to design a four-day programme to honour his life and service to the state.

The burial activities will begin on January 27 with sporting events, a tribute to Ewhrudjakpo’s role as the supervising commissioner for sports. This will be followed on January 28 by a Day of Tributes scheduled to hold at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

On January 29, the state will host special valedictory sessions in his honour, first at the State High Court Complex and later at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, reflecting his contributions to governance and public service.

The final rites will take place on January 30 with a requiem mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Ofoni community, Sagbama Local Government Area, after which Ewhrudjakpo will be laid to rest.

Governor Diri noted that the programme received his approval following extensive consultations, describing it as a collective decision between the state government, the family, and the church to ensure a befitting farewell.

Meanwhile, the executive council meeting also witnessed the presentation of two awards to Governor Diri, one from the Rivers and Bayelsa branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and another from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria recognising his exceptional leadership.