Diri urges Youths against despondency as Bayelsans Fete AIG Thomas -Ako, Ikpitibo
By: Odie Ramon, Yenagoa.
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has urged youths of the state not to allow life challenges to deprive them of fulfilling their God-given destinies to positively impact society.
Senator Diri gave the encouragement at separate civic receptions in Yenagoa in honor of two illustrious sons of the state, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Abraham Thomas-Ako, and Comrade Clinton Ikpitibo, who was recently elected as the National Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).
Speaking at the reception at the weekend at Ayalla Hotel organized by the people of Nembe Constituency three to honor Dr. Abraham Thomas-Ako, on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), the Governor identified deliberate effort and perseverance as some requisites for genuine and sustainable success.
Senator Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,
congratulated the new AIG Thomas-Ako for achieving the feat, which he noted should serve as a source of inspiration to the younger generation to excel in their endeavors.
His words: “God has embedded in us distinctive qualities. Those who add value to society are the salt and light of the world. We want our youths to see AIG Thomas-Ako as a role model.
“As a government, we believe in celebrating not just the dead but those who are alive. Bayelsa State, over the decades, has been producing the best brains in various fields of endeavor.
“For instance, we had the likes of late Amb. Lawrence Ekpebu was the first African first-class graduate from Harvard University, renowned poets John Pepper Clark and Gabriel Okara, among several others who added value to society and made the state proud.”
Senator Diri, who extolled the exceptional qualities of AIG Thomas Ako’s academic and professional excellence, enjoined him to collaborate with the state government in curbing security challenges in the state.
Speaking later at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Governor Diri acknowledged the steadfastness and hard work of Comrade Clinton Ikpitibo, which had earned the exalted position of General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, and Chief Executive Officer of Ayalla Group of Companies, Chief Robert Enogha, congratulated AIG Thomas-Ako, saying that Bayelsa was proud of his remarkable achievements.
Chief Enogha, who described the newly promoted police officer as a friend, praised the celebrant for working hard to attain his present status.
The Speaker, Bayelsa State House Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, who spoke through the Majority Leader, Dr Monday Obolo-Bubou and the member representing Brass Constituency One, Hon. Charles Daniel at the separate events, also described AIG Thomas-Ako and Comrade Ikpitibo as shining examples worthy of emulation.
Also, Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Francis Idu, said he came across AIG Thomas-Ako in 1992 at the Police Academy, describing him as a man of character, an intellectual and a technocrat.
The paramount ruler of Oluasiri, Nembe Local Government Area, King Iyerite Awululu, observed that despite the educational challenges that existed in the early days at Okoroba/Aggrisaba communities in Nembe, Thomas-Ako rose to achieve excellence by dint of hardwork and perseverance.
Responding, the celebrants, AIG Abraham Nabhon Thomas-Ako and Comrade Clinton Ikpitibo, expressed appreciation to Governor Douye Diri and his deputy and other guests for the honour done them, promising that they would continue to do their best to make not only the state but Nigeria proud.
