Douye Diri Set to End Unfriendly Traditional Practices Against Women in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State government has announced that it would work towards ending unfriendly traditional and customary practices that inhibit the burial of married females in some communities in the state.

Governor Douye Diri came out with this during a condolence visit to the Yenagoa residence of Chief Douye Douglas Naingba, his Technical Adviser on Ijaw National Affairs who lost his wife.

Governor Diri noted that his administration would consider legislation to end practices that forbid women from being buried in some communities.

He expressed concern over the practice saying it was unfair to the female gender.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah quoted the governor that his administration would work with the state house of assembly to provide a legal framework to end discriminatory practices against women.

As part of efforts to tackle the issue, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing as well as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to liaise with leaders of Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw local government area to get a proper location for the cemetery.

Governor Diri who described the death of a loved one as painful particularly a spouse, prayed God to grant Chief Naingba the fortitude to bear the loss.

According to him, the deceased was a caring woman who left a worthy legacy stressing that those who mourn should be consoled by her legacies.

In his response, Chief Douye Douglas Naingba expressed appreciation to the governor for his show of love and friendship adding that his family was strengthened by his visit.