Gov. Wike, Assembly Speaker, King Jaja, Others, Bid Farewell To Late Noble Diri

Kalaibiama community in Opobo Nkoro local government area was agog on Saturday following the burial of Alabo (Sir) Noble Nnanna Francis Diri, elder brother of Rivers lawmaker, Hon. Adonye Kelly Dirii.

The occasion featured rain of tributes to a man epitomized philanthropy, dedicating his life to putting smiles on the faces of those that met him.

Though not physically present at the event, Rivers State governor, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike penned his tribute to the man whose demise on Monday, September 7, 2021 would remain indelible in the hearts of his loved ones, friends, business and political associates.

Governor Wike described the deceased as a great personality with a big heart, adding that though his life was short lived, it was nevertheless, an eventful one of notable accomplishments and far reaching social impact.

His words: “In his death, we have lost a quiet, hardworking and progressive person and community leader who loved helping people and making a difference in the lives of others with his resources. We will all miss him greatly”.

The governor prayed the Almighty God to grant the Diri Tolofari family and Opobo Kingdom at large, the grace and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

That avowed and insatiable penchant for generosity,further elicited more tributes as dignitaries took turns to eulogize the man, said to have risen from a lowly beginning to lofty heights.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani in his tribute, urged the family of the late Diri to continue to live by the legacies he left behind, praying that his gentle soul rest in God’s heavenly bosom.

In his tribute, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government, Hon. Victor Nyeche Ihunwo, a bosom friend and former colleague the deceased’s younger brother at the RSHA, said the demise of chief noble was a rude shock knowing, according to him, how good and close he was to his friend, Hon. Adonye Diri.

The Mayor added that though the vacuum created may be difficult to fill, God in his infinite mercies, would give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Other dignitaries who showered accolades on the late Pharmacist and one-time board member of Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, include Chief Whip of RSHA, Rt. Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Clerk of the House, Stanford Oba and Head of Service, Rufus N. Godwins Barivure Kpakol.

Also present at the burial to pay his tribute was member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante who described the deceased as a philanthropist, shining light who lived an exemplary life.

Elder brother of the deceased, Elder Iwarimie Diri lamented the pains of burying a younger brother, who ordinarily should be looking up to bury you in your old age.  “But what can I do, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh”, he said, fighting back tears.

Iwarimie, a renowned footballer who for over a decade, manned the posts for defunct Sharks FC of Port Harcourt recalled that the late Diri followed his footsteps, playing football and cricket actively in Government College, Owerri, Imo State but that his sporting ambition was thwarted by a knee injury.

He assured that by the help of God, the Diri family would ensure that the children of his younger brother continued their educational pursuits.