Diri Attends Funeral of Arogbo Matriarch, Announces 1,000-Seater Pavilion for Community
by Passman Akpos
Governor Douye Diri has joined the Kuku family and the Ijaw community of Arogbo in Ondo State to celebrate the life and legacy of matriarch Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku, who passed away at the age of 90.
The governor attended the funeral ceremony on Saturday, February 21, shortly after participating in the All Progressives Congress local government congress held in Kaiama, headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
Speaking during the funeral reception in Arogbo, located in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Governor Diri described the late matriarch as a woman of candour, humility, and deep commitment to community service and family values.
He noted that despite lacking formal classroom education, Mama Kuku ensured that her children received quality education and became accomplished professionals. Among her children is prominent Niger Delta activist and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, who also served as Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Governor Diri conveyed condolences to the Kuku family and the entire Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, praising the enduring legacy of discipline and respect for Ijaw tradition instilled by the deceased.
The governor recalled his last visit to Arogbo in 2013 and commended the noticeable development in the community over the past decade. He reaffirmed his administration’s philosophy that no Ijaw community should be left behind in terms of development.
As part of efforts to support community growth, Diri announced the approval for the construction of a modern 1,000-seater pavilion in Arogbo, stating that the project is expected to be completed and inaugurated before the end of 2026.
During the visit, the Bayelsa governor also paid homage to the palace of the Paramount Ruler and Agadagba of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, King Doubra Zacchaeus Egbunu, Opukutu III.
The event drew dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers from across the Niger Delta, who gathered to honour the late matriarch’s impactful life and legacy.
