Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson Thursday promised to establish a cancer foundation in memory of his late mother, Gold Coast Dickson.
Dickson underscored the need for all to join in creating the necessary awareness about cancer that had ravaged many lives.
Dickson made the call when the State Executive Council members led by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd), paid him a condolence visit at his country home, Toru Orua in Sagbama local government area.
He said the foundation would principally screen people and create greater awareness on the dangers associated with the scourge, among others.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Francis Ottah Agbo, quoted Dickson as saying that, friends and other well-meaning individuals would be invited to support the worthy cause.
Dickson said he lost his mother to cancer and expressed sadness over her departure, describing her as her confidant, whose supportive role particularly in his upbringing and political life would remain indelible.
He referred to his mother as a humble, kind hearted, prayerful and an unseen major force that saw him through many political battles.
She noted that her death created a major vacuum in the Dickson family, the Toru Orua, Angiama communities and the state at large.
The governor also expressed gratitude to his deputy and the entire members of the executive council for their support in keeping the forte in his period of trial.
He said: “It’s clearly a trying time for me, the Toru Orua, Angiama communities and all those who came across her. My mum was not just a mother; she was my elder sister, confidant, and biggest cheer leader.
“At the end of every morning devotion, she gave me a motherly hug and pronounced blessings morning after morning. I have been through many political battles and no one has had tougher political battles than me in this state.
“My mum has been an unseen major force that has helped me through such battles. Her sudden departure has clearly left a major vacuum in my family, the Toru Orua community where she lived for well over 60 years. The community will miss her as we mourn her passing.”
In his remarks, Jonah said they were in Dickson’s hometown to identify with him in his moment of grief, describing the death of one’s parent as a major loss.
He said God blessed Mrs. Dickson because she produced the governor of the state, who made tremendous impact, not only in the state, but the Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole.
He also acknowledged Dickson’s exemplary leadership qualities and the significant contributions and positive impact he has made both at state and national levels.
A minute silence was observed in honour of late Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson.
Other sympathizers, who also paid condolence visit to Governor Dickson in Toru Orua were, members of the State House of Assembly, the Governing Council of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma among others.