The Honourable Commissioner for Community Development in Bayelsa State, Hon. Alfred Watson Belemote, has extended heartfelt appreciation to a wide array of dignitaries, friends, political leaders, religious organizations, and community stakeholders for their support during the successful funeral of his late father, Chief Gbalinyo Watson-Iti, who passed on at the age of 90.
In a statement personally signed by the Commissioner on behalf of the Onu family of Idumangi Chieftaincy House, the Dikuma Chieftaincy House of Dikuma-Ama, the Eseni Group of Houses, the Adigio family, the Atonye family, and the Aguma-Iti Group of Houses, all in Okpoama Kingdom, Hon. Belemote expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions whose overwhelming show of love and solidarity made the funeral memorable.
He acknowledged the magnanimous support of the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Also appreciated were prominent leaders such as Chief Timipre Sylva, former Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources; Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, former Deputy Governor; and Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
Others honoured in the appreciation include Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei (Secretary to the State Government), Barr. Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, mni (Head of Service), Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, Dr. Peter Akpe, Barr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), Hon. Gibson Munalayefa, Barr. Peter Afagha, High Chief Collins Cocodia, and several Commissioners, Advisers, and Special Assistants to the Governor.
Hon. Belemote also thanked Rt. Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Omubo Ayonatiminyo, Chief Robert Ayalla and the Former Legislators Forum, as well as lawmakers from the Bayelsa State House of Assembly including Hon. Ted Elemefuro and Hon. Moses Marlon, and the leadership of the State PDP, Brass Local Government Council, and Nembe LGA.
Spiritual support during the funeral rites was credited to Dr. Daddy-Ken Bitere of the Refined People’s Assembly, Bishop Nicks Enekeme and members of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Okpoama, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Brass LGA Chapter, and other officiating ministers.
Further appreciation was extended to Comr. Tonye Yemoleigha and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comr. Frederick Fabor and the team at NDTV, Prince George and Fidelity Bank, and the Search for Common Ground Family.
Community elders, youth groups, political families, and traditional rulers were not left out. Hon. Belemote specially thanked His Royal Highnesses Henry Micah, Sambo Ikurisi, and Tugun Ibofa, the Okpoama Kingdom Council of Chiefs, and the Watson Descendants of Okpoama. He also acknowledged in-laws and family members from Bonny Kingdom, and dignitaries from Effurun-Otor and Akassa.
Also recognized were PDP Ward Leaders across the 10 wards in Brass LGA, former and serving lawmakers such as Hon. Prosper Nwaguzo, Hon. Emmanuel Charles, Hon. Iniyobio Obiene, Prof. Alex Eseimokumoh, Hon. Amakiri Etebu, and others, along with distinguished personalities including Mrs Obiazi Marvdora, Chief and Mrs Nyananyo Tubo Miela, Barr. Ateki Joseph, Chief Ambrose Akierrite, Hon. Asari Timipre Kelly, Engr. Ben Felix, Dr. Inebaraton Preye, Mr. Theophilus, and delegations from Akassa, Odioama, Egweama, and H-Block.
He concluded with prayers and best wishes for all those who offered moral, financial, and spiritual support, stating that the overwhelming turnout and contributions showed the depth of respect for his late father and the unity of the Okpoama people.
The burial ceremony, held over the weekend, was a celebration of life and legacy for Chief Gbalinyo Watson-Iti, a revered nonagenarian known for his wisdom, leadership, and contributions to community development.