JUSTICE DIRI ADVOCATE SUPPORT FOR AUTHORS

Justice Patience Zuofa Douye Diri, wife of the governor of Bayelsa State, has called on the private sector and development partners to support authors both in the state and across the country.

She made the call during the formal unveiling of “When Tomorrow Beckons”, a book authored by Dr. Ebidenyefa Tarila-Nikade, and a fundraising event for Spelling Bee Bayelsa, on Sunday 21 September, 2025 in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The governor’s wife, who was the special guest of honour, commended Dr. Tarila-Nikade for her contribution to literature, urged educators and institutions to include “When Tomorrow Beckons” in their libraries, reading lists, and mentorship programmes.

In his remarks, Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF and chairman of the occasion, noted that the Ijaw people have many stories to tell due to their unique environment. He charged authors from the ethnic group with literary skills, such as Dr. Tarila-Nikade, to document and share these stories.

Also speaking, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, represented by Dr. Eli Augustus, described books as legacies passed on to future generations and pledged his support to the author.

In her remarks after the unveiling and fundraising, Dr. Ebidenyefa expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the event and encouraged young people to embrace reading and time management despite the distractions of social media.

The book was reviewed by Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa Toru-Orua, represented by Prof. Tam Gordon Azorbo, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Niger Delta University, Amassoma while the fundraising was conducted by Barrister Somina Johnbull, immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa branch.

By Bright Okpo