By Ebikekeme Okobofagha
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF, joined His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, CON, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as guest lecturer at the third annual memorial public lecture in honour of the late Sir Chief Dr. Abraham Ayebakepreye Ambaiowei, MFR, JP.
This year’s memorial celebration was organised by the Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Founding Fathers Forum.
The theme of the lecture was “Convergence and Coalescence of Federalists as an Imperative for the Survival of the Nigerian State.”
On his arrival in Amassoma, Bishop Kukah was warmly received by the Ambaiowei family, traditional chiefs, elders of Amassoma, and members of the Bayelsa State Founding Fathers. Before proceeding to the main campus auditorium for the event, Bishop Kukah, in company with the Ambaiowei family, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of NDU, Prof. Allen Agih, in his office.
In his presentation, Bishop Kukah expressed appreciation to Ambassador Igali—who also serves as a Board Director at the Kukah Centre in Abuja—for facilitating his visit to Bayelsa. He noted that this was his seventh visit to the state, coming shortly after an engagement in Ghana with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
Speaking with his characteristic fearless candour, Bishop Kukah emphasized the importance of federalism for Nigeria’s survival, stressing that the nation has the potential to be truly great if leaders act in the right direction. He also used the platform to deliver a strong message to those in power on the need for accountability and good governance.
The anniversary was chaired by former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Alabo Dr. Gabriel Toby, while the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as chief host.
In a solemn moment, the Ambaiowei family led Bishop Kukah and his entourage to the graveside of Sir Chief Abraham A. Ambaiowei, where a wreath was laid by Bishop Kukah alongside Dr. Gabriel Toby.
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