Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made a public donation of N50 million to the Cathedral Church of St Luke, Anglican Communion, in Nembe City, Bayelsa State. The donation, made in memory of the late Mama Ayebadieye Edward Igbeta, a beloved mother and matriarch, aims to support the completion of the cathedral in her honor.
Mama Igbeta, who passed away at the age of 79, was the mother of Dr. Ayebaesin Jacob Beredugo, Principal Secretary to Governor Fubara. The late septuagenarian was remembered for her love, kindness, and unwavering maternal virtues, which touched the lives of those around her.
Governor Fubara, speaking at the funeral service held at St Luke Anglican Church in Bayelsa, praised the late Mama Igbeta for her sterling qualities, encouraging her children to uphold the valuable lessons she imparted during her lifetime. Describing Dr. Beredugo as a trusted ally and key stakeholder in his administration, Fubara offered words of consolation to him, acknowledging that the loss of a mother is irreplaceable, yet urging him to find comfort in faith.
“We are here as a government to show that in this difficult time, we stand with him,” Governor Fubara said. “We know that there is no consolation here that can fill the gap of this loss, more especially the loss of a mother. But we want to draw his mind to the good Book: that it is the Lord that giveth, and it is also the Lord that taketh.”
The governor went on to share his belief that Mama Igbeta’s virtuous life had paved the way for her to find eternal peace in the afterlife, stating, “We live in a corrupt world, and when you are a saint in the world, when it pleases the Almighty, He takes away the soul to a better place where death is no more, where you don’t have to look for food again, where you have peace.”
In a powerful show of support for the local church and community, Fubara also committed the Rivers State Government to the completion of the cathedral, noting that the building’s current state of disrepair required urgent attention. “We have been made to understand that the Cathedral needs strong support,” Fubara said. “We will support the building in memory of Mama with the sum of N50 million.”
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The service also featured a sermon by the Rt. Rev. Victor Okporu, Bishop of the Diocese of Western Izon, who spoke on the topic “Hope in the Face of Death.” He encouraged the congregation to place their hope in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and prepare for eternity with Him.
In a heartfelt tribute, Godwin Ekine, the brother of the deceased, read a biography of Mama Igbeta, describing her as an embodiment of love, care, and kindness. “She was peaceful and kind-hearted,” Ekine said, adding that her legacy of generosity and compassion had touched many lives.
