By Ere Robinson Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!YENAGOA – The Bayelsa State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Tonye Yemoleigha, on Wednesday received a series of condolence visits at the NUJ Secretariat in Yenagoa following the passing of his father, Chief Bestman Yemoleigha.
The first delegation was the Community Secondary School (CSS) Sagbama Class of ’99, led by its President, Mr. Taribolou Ekadi. Speaking on behalf of the group, Ekadi described the late Chief Yemoleigha’s death as a painful loss not only to the NUJ Chairman and his family but also to their class.
He assured Mr. Yemoleigha of the unwavering support of his classmates during the mourning period and burial arrangements.
Next was the Bayelsa State Chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by Chairperson Mrs. Grace Orumieyefa, who was represented by the Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Blessing Agadaga.
Orumieyefa, in her message, encouraged Mr. Yemoleigha to remain strong, noting that the Holy Spirit would provide him with the comfort and courage needed during the difficult period. She further lauded the NUJ Chairman’s leadership and pledged NAWOJ’s full support, both morally and financially.
Also, a delegation from Aleibiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, led by Retired Superintendent of Police and State Deputy Coordinator of the Bayelsa Safety Corps, Mr. Ondo Gbekumo, and accompanied by Chief Suru Oyarede, PhD, and others, paid their respects.
Gbekumo emphasized that the community shares deeply in the Chairman’s grief, adding that Aleibiri elders were fully behind him and would shoulder the burial arrangements together with his family.
In his response, Mr. Yemoleigha expressed profound gratitude to all the groups and communities for their solidarity and support.
He reflected on his late father’s life of sacrifice and discipline, recalling how as a teacher with modest earnings, his father went to great lengths to provide for his family and instill strong values in his children.
He also narrated his father’s later pursuit of a Law degree and his active role as a community leader and Chief.
“Even if my father had lived another 30 or 40 years, it is not just about the years but the memories, the impact he made on us as children, and the roles he played in his community,” Yemoleigha said emotionally, adding that the show of support has brought him relief in this time of grief.
The late Chief Bestman Yemoleigha, a respected teacher, community leader, and Chief in Nembe traditional circles, is fondly remembered for his contributions to education and grassroots leadership.
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