Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late Deaconess Elizabeth Charles, mother of the Executive Assistant to the Bayelsa Governor on Public Affairs and Social Orientation, Barr. George Turnah, as a woman worthy of emulation.
Speaking during the funeral service of Mrs Charles in Edeoha town, Ahoada East Local Government of Rivers State on Sunday, Dr. Jonathan noted that despite the difficulties she encountered in life, she impacted society positively and never neglected her duties as a mother.
He urged young people to learn from her example and never allow difficulties to make them engage in vices.
He stressed that a life of violence and other vices always attracts negative consequences.
The former president advised parents to prioritise their children’s education, saying that it is a legacy they would always be proud of.
His words: “We are here because our mother and sister that left us impacted society. The late woman had only two sons but the children also impacted society.
“The lesson for us is that no matter the challenges, she managed to make sure she educated her two sons and that is why they dragged us here. Most of us don’t know her but we know her children. No matter the challenges, spend your last kobo to train your children.”
Also speaking, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, noted that the crowd at the funeral was a testament to the fact that the deceased lived an exemplary life.
Governor Diri averred that life is not about how long but how well it is lived, saying the late Mama Elizabeth lived the best possible life and urged those alive to emulate her sterling example.
He described George Turnah as a fine gift from his mother to the society and expressed appreciation to his aide for standing by him during his trying times.
While commiserating with the family, the governor urged them to take solace in her worthy legacies.
“It is not how long you live but it is how best you live. We believe this woman lived one of the best lives anyone can live. That is why we all gathered here.
“As youths, you would go through challenges. If you go through the type I went through, you would know that God is moulding you. Going through challenges is part of life. It should not make you do negative things,” he said.
In his remarks, the first son of the deceased, Barr. Turnah, thanked former President Jonathan, Governor Diri and all those who stood by his family in its trying moment, saying they were encouraged by their display of love.
Earlier in a sermon, Rev. Daniel Ihi said death is inevitable and urged the living to be concerned about what they would be remembered for.
Quoting from the scriptures, he said everyone would give an account of his life to God and called on youths to embrace God and shun vices.
Similarly, Governor Diri also sympathised with the Nyenye family of Nembe over the demise of their mother, Mrs Darling Nyenye.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Nembe-Bassambiri on Sunday, the Bayelsa governor urged the family to take solace in the fact that she lived a good life and prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Receiving him on behalf of the family, Chief Matthias Nyenye thanked Governor Diri for the visit, saying they were strengthened by his presence.
