Gov. Diri Eulogises Bayelsa Billionaire Industrialist, Faloughi, At 80

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Sunday, alongside senior citizens of the state, graced the 80th birthday of Bayelsa-born Industrialist, Chief Ephraim Fagha-Faloughi.

The celebration, which had in attendance captains of industry, royal fathers, Ijaw leaders, top government functionaries and friends and family members of the business mogul, was held at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.

0

Governor Diri, in his remarks, eulogised the octogenarian for his giant strides in business dating back to the 1970s and still thriving across the country.

The Governor described Dr. Faloughi as an Ijaw patriot, who was not only involved in the Bayelsa State creation effort but also invested in the state as well as being part of positive developments concerning the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

He also stated that the octogenarian was an asset that the state was proud of for his support and immense contribution to the growth of Bayelsa.

He said: “I feel very elated that we are celebrating the living and not the dead. Today will go down in the history of this state that we gathered to celebrate the life of our elder and leader, who has been involved in virtually everything concerning the Ijaw nation and indeed in the creation of Bayelsa State."

“He put in all that he could to ensure this state was created and upon creation, he came in and invested. One of the oldest hotels in the state, Brass Suites, is Chief Faloughi’s handiwork.”

The Bayelsa helmsman averred that Faloughi, whose mother is from Brass Local Government Area in the state, was fully Ijaw despite having a Lebanese father as the Ijaw culture was equally matrilineal.

Chairman of the event and immediate past Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), described the 80th birthday gathering as a celebration of life’s achievements, which began with a lecture and dinner attended by the Governor of Osun State, Prince Ademola Adeleke. 

Rear Admiral John-Jonah said Faloughi’s achievements did not come cheap as he worked hard from the scratch.

Also speaking, pioneer Pro Chancellor, Federal University, Akure and current Pro Chancellor of the Bayelsa Medical University, Amb. Boladei Igali, paid glowing tributes to the octogenarian whom he described as one with the purest of heart and who had rendered service to the country and qualified as one of the finest gentlemen in Nigeria.

Amb. Igali noted that Faloughi chose to bear the green-white-green flag of Nigeria because he saw the potentialities in the land and that his investments were evidence of his dream to remain a Nigerian.

He added that as a young man, the industrialist sat in 20 different boardrooms and moved up the corporate ladder by dint of hard work.

Responding, Dr. Faloughi said after criss-crossing the length and breadth of the world, he realised that home was home and that Governor Diri was instrumental to his decision to retire back home because of the enormous peace he has attracted to the state. 

He recounted how he previously was reluctant to return to his state for security reasons but expressed satisfaction that  Governor Diri had recorded a lot of difference and his likes can now be proud to retire with peace of mind.

Faloughi disclosed that having prayed for his re-election, the proper thing was not to celebrate his birthday in Lagos as he usually did and thanked the Governor for his support towards the growth of his investments both in and outside the state.

Dignitaries that graced the event included the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, member representing Brass Constituency One in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Dr. Daniel Charles, his Sagbama Constituency Three counterpart, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown and a former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Harold Demuren.

Others were Mrs. Wendy Ephraim-Faloughi, former House of Representatives member, Prof Steve Azaiki, former Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Boyelayefa Debekeme, former Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, Arch. Amagbe Kentebe as well as King Ebitimi Banigo and His Highness David Serena Dokubo-Spiff.

Also in attendance were the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, and other top government functionaries.


Daniel Alabrah 

Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor 

April 15, 2024

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more