By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Delta State Deputy Governor, Dcn Kingsley Otuaro, Bayelsa State Gov. H.E Douye Diri, Minister of Petroleum (State), Timipre Sylva and former Gov of Delta State, H.E Chief James Ibori, day attended the funeral service of Late Mrs. Yeiebimo-Ere Kasua Penawou (Nee Corsin), mother of Chief Joseph T. Penawou (The Iyasere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom) and Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou (Special Adviser to Gov Okowa on Local Government Affairs)
The service was conducted by the Practical Grace of God’s Mission Church, in Okpokunu, Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State.
Born on May 19, 1947, Mrs Penawou passed on February 12, 2021, at the age of 74.
Also in attendance were the Deputy President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Affairs and veteran political strategist, Elder Omeni Sobotie, Senator James Manager, the senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Inatimi Spiff from Bayelsa State and some members of the House of Representatives including Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, representing Warri and Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituencies, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Abraham Ingobere and Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere
The event also attracted the Chief of Staff to the Delta State Governor, Olorogun David Edevbie, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Barr. Chiedu Ebie, and some members of the political class from Bayelsa and Delta State, including Chief Timi Alaibe, former Executive Director of NDDC.
Some members of the State Executive Council, Captains of the Oil&Gas industry, clergies and traditional rulers also put in appearance including the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom.
Extolling the virtues of the deceased, Otuaro said that the late Mrs Penawou lived a life of devotion and service to mankind.
While praying God to grant the Penawou family the fortitude to bear the pains over the lost of their mother, the Delta State Deputy Governor charged them to keep up the with the good life their mother lived before she died.
According to Otuaro in his condolence, “the late Mrs. Kasua Penawou belonged to the teaching profession long held out as guide to society. But as a wife cum teacher, she maintained a special curriculum from which her pupils, children and the fortunate world around her drew remarkable inspiration …all of which deepened the pain of her departure”.
Adding, Otuaro said ” I urge the Penawou family to be comfortable in Mama’s laudable imprints on the sands of time: her Godly devotion, exemplary respect for her husband, taking to business to support the entire family and her passion to teach her pupils to greatness. It is heartwarming that these delectable qualities rubbed off on a great many including Hon. Kelly Penawou and Chief Joe Penawou… decent personalities who have used Mama’s enduring lessons…in politics and business, in service of the State and Nation”.
He consoled all to be comforted that Mama’s abiding trust in God and labour of her past, produced heros of the present to make her smile way to the warm bosom of the Lord.
In tributes, Prince Kelly Penawou and Chief Joseph Penawou, the Iyasere of Akugbene said it was an honour and privileged to be sons to the late matriarch of the Penawou family.
The sermon was officiated by Apostle & Pastor (Mrs.) Bendream Umukoro, Pastors Alphonsus Irobo and Jeff Okhuebor, from the Practical Grace of God’s Mission Church.
The highlights of the burial ceremony was the funeral service before her interment, entertainment of guest by Masters of Ceremonies Okey Bakkassi and Gordons, Cultural troupes from Bayelsa and Delta States, including live band music from Barrister Smoonth, which Otuaro, Sylva, Ibori and others danced to its redition.