Dickson Pays Last Respect to Literary ICON, Dr. Okara

- Urges Bayelsans to emulate his humility and statesmanship.

His Excellency, Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON joined Bayelsans, Nigerians and people from across the globe to pay his last respect to the Bayelsan born literary icon, Dr. Gabriel Gbaingbain Imomotimi Okara whose commendation ceremony took place at Bumundi town, Ekpetiama, Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State.

His demise attracted the attention of both men and women, the young as well as the old, from far and near who trooped in their numbers to Bumundi to bid the icon farewell.

Pa Gabriel Okara will forever be remembered for his immense contributions in the literary world and his humanitarian services.

Hon. Dickson in his tribute thanked God for giving Bayelsa, the Ijaw Nation and Nigeria, a great icon like Dr. Gabriel Okara, stressing the good deeds of the "Man of Letters", as he is fondly called, urging Bayelsans to emulate such.

His Excellency enjoyed the Family to take heart as Dr. Okara's demise was not just a loss to the family but a loss to him personally, the Restoration government, Bayelsa state, the ijaw nation and Nigeria at large.

" We have lost a great patriarch. I remember the silent advice he gives and the prayers he offers anytime he comes around which has contributions to the development of our dear State. He will be dearly missed."

The governor equally used the opportunity to charge Bayelsans from far and near to emulate Pa Okara's statesmanship.

"Pa Okara contributed his quota in promoting his own. He associated with and impacted his people in his own little way, hence this massive turnout of people at this event today. He did not deal like very many Bayelsa politicians who spend all their lives away from their own and only return when they need political favours."

"Once again, accept the condolences of the State, and be rest assured that the state will work in partnership with the Okara Foundation to ensure a successful journey in the operation of the Foundation."

I pray God gives the Okara Family the fortitude to bare this great and irreparable loss and grant our departed father eternal repose.