By Rhoda Godwin
Organisers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly known as the Prosperity Cup, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the loss as a rude shock that is difficult to comprehend.
The organisers made this known during a condolence visit to the Ewhrudjakpo family, led by the Deputy Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Elder Perela Aboro. The delegation visited the family at the residence of Mr. Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy governor.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media, Prosperity Cup, Mr. Chris Odi, Elder Lawrence Alabrah, who spoke on behalf of the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, said the Prosperity Cup family received the news of the sudden and untimely death of Senator Ewhrudjakpo with profound shock.
According to the statement, Akpe described the demise as a painful loss not only to the Ewhrudjakpo family but also to the Ofoni Federated Community, the Bayelsa State Government and the entire people of the state. He noted that the late deputy governor was a humble, resourceful and dedicated public servant whose service and commitment to Bayelsa State were exemplary.
“This is indeed a sad moment for all Bayelsans, including the Prosperity Cup family,” Akpe was quoted as saying.
While extending heartfelt condolences to the deputy governor’s wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, Governor Douye Diri and all Bayelsans, Akpe urged the family to take solace in the impactful life the late senator lived. He added that it is not the length of one’s life but the positive impact made on society that truly matters.
The Prosperity Cup Director General also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and asked God to grant Governor Douye Diri, the Ewhrudjakpo family and the people of Bayelsa State the strength to bear the painful loss.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, a retired Permanent Secretary, expressed appreciation to the Prosperity Cup organisers for standing with the family during their moment of grief, noting that the visit had brought them comfort and encouragement.
He said the family and the entire Ofoni community were still in deep shock over the tragic loss but accepted it as the will of God. “Painful as it is, we cannot question God, who gives and takes life,” he said.
Mr. Ewhrudjakpo added that the death of his brother has created a huge vacuum in the family that would be difficult to fill, and appealed to sympathisers to continue to pray for God’s strength to help the family cope with the irreparable loss.
The highlight of the condolence visit was the signing of the condolence register by Elder Lawrence Alabrah on behalf of the Prosperity Cup delegation.
