Madam Fanny Patricia igali, the mother of former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway), Godknows Boladei Igali, has been buried in Bayelsa state amidst emotional tribute from the ex-envoy
Igali, in his tribute during the funeral service, held at Bayelsa Government House Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, on Friday, said that he and his siblings would forever remember their late mother.
He ascribed the success of their careers to the support giving to them by the deceased, noting that she was a strong pillar in their lives and hidden strength to their professional excellence.
He added that his late mother was an accomodating personality who welcomed everybody with open hands and ready to leave her comfort zone to help others.
“Mama grew to be a mother to all wherever she found herself . At death, to her memory, there are several Professors, PhD holders and profesional in their numbers directly raised and trained by her. As one of the first women to acquire western education in Southern Ijaw, she invested her treasure in helping others to acquire knowledge. She is also remebered for routinely distributing succour by way of material goods to women and the vulnerable around her.
Speaking further, Ambassordor Igali, expressed gratitude to all those who found time out of their busy schedules to attend the service.
He thanked the General Overseer , Pastor William Kumuyi and members of the Deeper Life Bible church for their role at the funeral service.
In his own tribute, Engr. Iyegoa Igali of SPDC, described his late mum as a caring and loving mother.
” My wife became her own daughter and I never experienced the much talked about ‘Mother vs Wife’ tensions
“Even as a young adult, mama still continued to provde wise counsel, be a pillar of support and a fountain of strength to me and others. Her house was a place where all could come knowing that they would have a sumptuous meal, irrespective of their status in society. Mama remained an untiring caterer and Dietician.She delighted in cooking and experimented with every eatable plant to event her own genre of exotic delicacies and health drinks”, he stated.
The funeral service was attended by people from all walks of life. It was preceded by a service of songs held on Thursday.
Speaking at the service of songs, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who attended the ceremony alongside his wives, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Diri and Justice Ama Diri, described Mama Fanny Igali as a virtuous woman
Gov Diri said she was a woman that does not discriminate and takes all as her children, adding that she has raised her children with values and has a legacy in the person of Ambassador Boladei Igali and all his siblings.
“Mama was clearly the woman in Proverbs 31, which is the virtuous woman, and I’m speaking not only as governor of Bayelsa State, but also as one of her sons in-law, because her first daughter is my cousin’s wife. On behalf of the government and people of the state, we condole with the family, and pray that her soul will rest in peace.” Governor Diri stated.
The service of songs which took place at the DSP Alamieyeseigha memorial banquet hall also had in attendance, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Immediate past deputy governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman, Bayelsa State Elders’ council, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency in the house of representatives, his Sagbama-Ekeremor counterpart, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Justice Kate Abiri, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, members of the state executive council, HRM, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State council of traditional rulers, HRM, King Joshua Igbugburu, Ibenanaowei of Bomo kingdom, past Federal and State lawmakers, past Federal and State executive council members, the university community of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, other top government functionaries and captains of industry..
Mama Igali who died at the age of 85 is mother of Ambassador Boladei Godknows Igali, former Secretary to the Government of Bayelsa State and presently, chairman, Governing council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
