From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Executive Council, on Friday, held a special valedictory session in honour of a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Ken Kayama, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Mr. Kayama, who died on June 24, 2025 at the age of 61, was a member of the state cabinet between 2001 and 2003 during the administration of the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
In his tribute, Governor Douye Diri said the deceased was not only a supporter of his administration, but also a friend and worthy ally.
The Bayelsa governor noted that the ex-commissioner rose above narrow affiliations and partisanship and was optimistic about the success of his ASSURED Prosperity Agenda for the state, stating that this was a rare embodiment that stood him out among his contemporaries.
Governor Diri stressed the need to recognise and appreciate those who offered their talents, energy, passion and knowledge to advance the common good, and that the late Kayama served the state with sincerity and distinction.
He expressed his condolences to the family, on behalf of the government and people of the state.
“To his immediate family, dependents, and all who held him dear, I extend, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, our heartfelt condolences. We know that words may seem insufficient in the face of such a loss, but we offer them nonetheless as a token of our solidarity and our respect. Your husband, father, brother, and relation was a worthy son of Bayelsa, a committed public servant, and a man who left a legacy of service,” the governor said.
Speaking on behalf of his 2001/2003 cabinet colleagues, a former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Francis Igodo, described Kayama as a compassionate friend who loved his people and community.
Igodo said his departed colleague introduced friendly football match between the state executive council and the House of Assembly and was among the four youngest commissioners, including himself.
In his tribute, the Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, said Kayama’s life was the celebration of a pioneer, whose legacies continued to echo through sports, politics and community life in the state.
Igali noted that the deceased, fondly called “001” by sports commissioners, earned the title as the first Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state, and that he laid the foundation for others, including the current governor who was a former commissioner in that ministry.
The Bayelsa Sports Commissioner said his relationship with the deceased revealed an exceptional and brilliant personality, who loved sports, especially wrestling, adding that the state lost a great family man, mentor, and bridge builder.
The special valedictory session was attended by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and deputy governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, former Secretary to the State Government, Amb. Felix Oboro, and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Talford Ongolo as well as immediate and extended family members of the deceased.
