Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed appreciation to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for the Commission’s support to the Bayelsa State Government, which contributed significantly to the successful burial ceremony of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Governor Diri made the commendation during the burial ceremony held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, noting that the intervention and presence of the NDDC helped ensure that the solemn occasion was conducted with dignity and honour.
He specifically commended the leadership of the Commission for standing with the state government and the people of Bayelsa during the period of mourning, describing the support as a demonstration of solidarity and institutional responsibility.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, led a high-powered delegation of the Commission to the ceremony. The delegation included the Bayelsa State Representative on the NDDC Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, and other Directors of the Commission. They joined other eminent personalities from across the country to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Governor.
During the funeral Mass, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, delivered a homily in which he extolled the virtues of the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo. He described him as a man of love, kindness, and selfless service to humanity, urging political leaders and public office holders to emulate his exemplary lifestyle in both public and private life.
It would be recalled that the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Ogbuku, had earlier led a delegation of the Commission in December 2025 on a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri following the demise of the Deputy Governor.
At the condolence visit, Dr. Ogbuku described the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo as an outstanding public servant whose dedication to duty and commitment to the development of Bayelsa State were remarkable. He noted that the late Deputy Governor distinguished himself in all offices he occupied, particularly as Commissioner for Works in Bayelsa State, where he played a key role in advancing infrastructure development, and as Senator representing Bayelsa West in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the Bayelsa State Government throughout the mourning period and during the burial activities, in line with its mandate of promoting development and regional cohesion in the Niger Delta.
