By Imelda Elei, Yenagoa
Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has called on Nigerians to kindly pray for his aged mother, Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan.
He made the call during the funeral service of his only surviving (elder) sister, late Madam Obebhatein Jonathan.
The burial ceremony was held at the Dame Patience Jonathan Square, Otuoke town, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
The 70-year-old Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, died on 11th of January, 2024, after a brief illness.
According him, “I have urged Nigerians to pray for my aged mother, because since the death of my sister, my aged mother has not been herself because she had buried eight children.”
The former President thanked the government and people of Bayelsa State who came from across the globe to witness the burial ceremony of his sister.
Among dignitaries who witnessed the burial were the Nigeria Minister of Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, Queen Elizabeth Ogunwusi.
Also speaking, the second son of the deceased, HRH Miruobe Dogood Qkpufu, urged female children to emulate the behavior of his late mother because, she was determined to be a graduate and she achieved it as a qualified teacher.
One her part, the daughter of late Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, Mrs. Omonibele Azibanyeluan, described her mother as a peaceful, patient and God-fearing woman who lived a life of simplicity, generosity.
Speaking at the event, the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, encouraged Nigerians to live exemplary life and be of good behavior in order for them to excel in life.
According to him, “I want to encourage our young ones today to work hard in order to excel in life and be a mirror that will use to look through yourself all the days of your life”.
