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Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has mourned the passing away of Dr Bolere Ketebu, the former Nigerian ambassador to Ireland.
The Bayelsa State Governor, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the demise of the former ambassador came as a rude shock.
“I am deeply saddened over the news of the sudden passing of Dr. Bolouere Elizabeth Ketebu. Your demise came as a rude shock, knowing your commitment to the betterment of our state and our country.
“You were a thoroughbred medical professional, consummate politician, frontline activist and advocate for the rights of women; a cause to which you devoted your time, effort and resources as a former National President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS).
“Our State, Bayelsa, and indeed Nigeria will greatly miss your immeasurable service and commitment.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Ketebu family of Ubaka compound, Oborigbeigha quarters of Odi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as well as the Graham-Douglas family of Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Death is an unscionable and painful reaper. But be consoled that Dr Ketebu lived a fulfilled life of service to the people and her country. May the Lord grant her family grace and the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable and painful loss,” the statement reads.
Born on Feb. 25, 1954, Dr. Bolere Elizabeth Ketebu devoted her life to the championing of women’s rights.
She rose through the ranks from local government officer of the NCWS to become its national president.
She studied Medicine at the University of Lagos and became a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians.
Dr Ketebu was elected into the House of Representatives (representing Yenagoa Federal Constituency, between 1992 and 1993).
She conceived the micro credit scheme for women’s groups and associations, toured Nigeria for 62 days and administered the loan, but was later wrongly accused of fraud and consequently remanded in police custody.
She spent a night in Suleja prison, where she experienced first-hand the plight of imprisoned women, and was inspired to equip the prison with modern, female friendly facilities.