…his remains expected in Port Harcourt on 26th September
Hon Adonye Kelly Diri, a business man and politician based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State died on the 19th of August, 2023 in the United Kingdom.
The late former lawmaker who represented Opobo/Nkoro State Constituency from 2015 to 2023, passed away while seeking medical treatment in London.
Born on the 14th of November, 1967, Adonye was well loved by his family and friends to whom he gave his all in terms of caring for their needs voluntarily and when called upon.
At the Service of Songs held at the – TBC, a church in Colindale, London, on Friday, 22nd of September, 2023, the space was filled to capacity by family and friends who came from within and outside the United Kingdom.
It was an evening that was well captured by the words of the preacher from the scripture, Acts 9 v 36 – 42, with the theme; What Will You Be Remembered For?
Adonye was compared to Dorcas, whom scripture records as doing good works and dedicated to charity. He lives, the preacher went on to say, because his works remain a testimony.
With tributes from Aidi Whyte, STEMACO Old Boys Association, Mike Williams and Elder Kenneth Barber, a Senibo from Opobo, the evening was a reminder of a man whose life was a reflection of the dictum, never cease to give a helping hand.
The Pa Johnson Diri family of KalaIbiama, Opobo, whose sole survivor is Eleanor(Aya) France- Diri, is a reminder of the void left by her 3 siblings. Her strength and fortitude to bear this pain, was committed to the hands of God. Prayers were also said for Adonye’s Wife and Children.
A section of Adonye’s biography, read by his niece, Cherish, stated ‘how the good amongst us must depart early if not soon’ remains one of life’s mysteries.
Adonye has departed this world, but, his memory lives in the minds of all whom his hand of friendship, goodwill, good works, not forgetting his razor sharp wit, came in contact with.
Adonye by himself made the night of tributes a success through the generous lifestyle he lived. Friends and family only did what he himself would have done.
However, gratitude must be extended to friends who actively participated in diverse ways to make the event a success amongst whom are, but not limited to; Idris Wabara, Okey Emmanuel Odor, Opubo Okafor, Eze Adele, Larry Boms, Charles Jumbo, Ola Adollo, Aidi Whyte, Charles Dappa, Sowari Claude-Wilcox, Collins Shaggy Odunaike and Prince Higwe.
Adonye’s remains would depart the United Kingdom to arrive Port Harcourt on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
According to the funeral arrangements released and signed by Iwarimie Diri on behalf of the Diri family, on arrival in Port Harcourt, the body of the former lawmaker would be deposited at the SPDC Mortuary on the 26th of September.
A man admired for his generosity and dedication to public service, Adonye Diri’s demise has left his constituents, family, friends and well wishers in mourning, as he was highly admired for his principled approach to governance and his passion for community development.
The late lawmaker’s family have concluded arrangements to receive his body, and give him a fitting farewell.
The funeral proceedings for the late former House Committee Chairman on Health, will be a solemn and reflective occasion.
According to the funeral arrangements, a service of songs will hold on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Christ Church, Forces Avenue, Old GRA in Port Harcourt.
On Friday, October 13, 2023, his body would depart the SPDC Mortuary to his Parkland Estate residence, off Dr. Peter Odili Road and later proceed to Rivers State House of Assembly for a Valedictory session.
The body would thereafter be taken to Opobo/Nkoro LGA Secretariat, and from there to Kalaibiama Town and would be received by Alapu and Seniapu in Council of Diri Tolofari War Canoe House in general and well wishers.
On Saturday, October 14, 2023, a funeral service will hold at St. Marks Anglican Church, Kalaibiama Town and thereafter interment at his residence. An outing service at St. Mark’s Anglican Church on Sunday would cap up the burial proceedings.
According to a close friend of Adonye, “as he makes his journey home to be with his maker, let’s all pay him our last respect with our presence at his funeral”.
