Dickson To Establish Cancer Foundation To Immortalise Mother

Seriake Dickson, the governor of Bayalsa State, on Thursday vow to establish a cancer foundation to immortalize his late mother, Gold Coast Dickson.

Dickson stated that he move was necessary due to the urgent need to create awareness concerning the scourge of cancer that has taken numerous lives.

Dickson declared this when he received the Deputy Governor of the state Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd), who led the State Executive Council members.

He said the foundation would principally screen people and create greater awareness on the dangers associated with the scourge, among others.

Francis Ottah Agbo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in a statement quoted Dickson as saying that, friends and other well-meaning individuals would be invited to support the worthy cause.

Dickson, who stated that cancer killed his mother, described her as a pillar of support, outlined her impact in his political live which he says cannot be overemphasised.

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.”

The Nation reports that 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.

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.