Diri Approves 1,000-Seater Pavilion for Arogbo as He Mourns Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku at 90

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday, February 21, attended the funeral ceremony of the late matriarch, Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku, in Arogbo community, Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, where he announced the approval of a 1,000-seater modern pavilion for the community.

The governor’s visit came shortly after participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congress held in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA. From Kaiama, he proceeded to Arogbo in solidarity with the Kuku family and the people of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom to celebrate the life and legacy of the nonagenarian.

Mama Keketobou Jane Kuku, who passed on at the age of 90, was described as a woman of candour, humility and unwavering commitment to community service. Despite lacking formal education, she was said to have placed immense value on education and ensured that her children received proper training, with many of them attaining university degrees.

Her values and deep respect for Ijaw culture were reflected in her children, including foremost Niger Delta activist, politician, former federal lawmaker and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs/Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku.

Speaking at the well-attended funeral reception, Governor Diri conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State to the Kuku family and the entire Arogbo community. He noted that the late matriarch lived a fulfilled life marked by sacrifice, discipline and service to humanity.

The governor also reflected on his previous visit to Arogbo in 2013, pointing out the noticeable transformation the community has witnessed over the past decade. Reaffirming his administration’s development philosophy that no Ijaw community should be left behind, he announced the approval for the construction of a 1,000-capacity modern pavilion in Arogbo.

According to him, the pavilion, which is expected to be inaugurated before the end of 2026, will serve as a major venue for social, cultural and community events, further strengthening unity and development within the kingdom.

Governor Diri further paid homage to the Paramount Ruler and Agadagba of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, His Majesty, King Doubra Zacchaeus Egbunu, Opukutu III, at his palace, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering peace, unity and sustainable development across Ijaw communities within and outside Bayelsa State.

The event drew dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers and members of the Ijaw nation from across the Niger Delta, who gathered to honour the memory of a matriarch whose life left an enduring imprint on her family and community.