Bayelsa State Government has reiterated that parents must instill discipline and moral values into their children for a productive society and families.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo (state Deputy Governor) made the statement during a weekend visit to Benin City in Edo State, where he led an official delegation of state government members to pay their last respects at Late Madam Hannah Cocodia’s mother, Chief Collins Cocodia.
In a statement by Mr Doubara Atasi (his Senior Special Assistant on Media), the Deputy Governor stated that only a morally balanced and based on sound principles like fear of God, honesty truthfulness hard work, and contentment can create a virile society.
He insisted that parents have greater responsibilities to perform in children’s upbringing because those with criminal tendencies in the society such as Yahoo boys, kidnappers, cultists, conmen, bandits and prostitutes all come from families.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo however described Mrs. Hannah Cocodia’s demise as a tragedy that created a vacuum in the family.
He encouraged the family to find comfort in the fact the deceased had led an extraordinary life, as can be seen from the many testimonies in her honour.
His words: “We commiserate with the Cocodia family. We also want to express our sympathy for the Osheje, Omonigho and other extended families members.
“Our heart as a government and the good people of Bayelsa State goes to you in mourning the loss of your beloved mother, aunty and sister.
“Her death at the age of 75 years has also created emotional vacuum because she’s no more present to talk to anyone.
“Mama was a good mother. A good mother is one that has died. If a mother is gone and no one is there to support her children, it will be clear what kind of mother she was.
“We want to commend her for bringing up her children in the fear of God and moral standard. Mama did a wonderful job parenting her children. Hon Chief Collins Cocodia’s lifestyle and quality are clear indicators. We celebrate her motherhood.
“Let me use this medium to talk to all mothers. A happy family is a positive contribution to a happy society. Nigeria will be a peaceful country if all Nigerian families are free from Boko Haram, kidnapping, unknown gunmen and yahoo boys as well as 419s.
“This is true because, every cultist, kidnapper, bandit, yahoo boy, unknown gun man or 419 is from a family. Today, we honor this mother. Let’s train our children as children filled with the fear of God.”
