By BLISS BLESSING CHUKWUMA
Hon. Adonye Kelly Diri was born on the 14th of ‘November 1967, the Nigerian civil war was renting the air when the news of his birth filtered in from a missionary hospital in Anua in the present day Akwa ibom state of Nigeria.
He was born into the family of late Amaopusenibo Francis Johnson Diri and Mrs. Comfort Ilanye Diri, he was the fourth and last child of the family.
After his primary education at the St. Thomas Primary School, mile 2 Diobu Port Harcourt, Hon. Adonye proceeded to Stella Maris College to continue his secondary education and finished in the year 1982 and much later was offered admission into University of Port Harcourt to study Sociology after which he went for NYSC and later joined NOBSAM (NIG) Ltd. A company specialized in importation of oil well drilling chemicals and allied products before establishing his own company ILAN INVESTMENT (NIG) Ltd a business he ran until his last day.
Hon. Adonye was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) where at a time he was the party leader in Opobo, a 2 times local government council caretaker committee chairman and was later elected to represent the people of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in the Rivers State House of Assembly, spanning through 8years from 2015 to may 2023.
During his tenure he built markets in Nkoro, Kalaibiama, queens town, he also renovated the Opobo Town Main Market, built the water treatment plant of Iwoma and Olom Nkoro, built the NYSC hostels in Kalaibiama town and also bought a gigantic power generating set.
Hon. Adonye Kelly Diri was a fully registered member of the Christ Church (Interdenominational) Forces Avenue Port Harcourt. He was a lover of God and demonstrated his Love for God in the house of God by assisting in building the children church section of the St. Mark’s Anglican Church Kalaibiama, Opobo, Rivers State.
Hon. Adonye was happily married to Mrs. Ukamaka Adonye Diri and their union was blessed with two lovely children.
Honorable Adonye Kelly Diri passed on sadly at the age of 56years on the 19th of August 2023 whilst receiving treatment in London.
Members of the Port Harcourt City One Love Family, his family, friends and esteemed political figures gathered to bid their heartfelt farewell to Hon. Adonye. The funeral service which was held on the 14th of October 2023 at Kalaibiama Opobo, Rivers State, will forever be etched in the memories of those who had the privilege to know and work with him.
Honorable Adonye was a man of the people, known for his unwavering dedication to serving his constituents and the state of Rivers. His charismatic leadership and exceptional allies endeared him to people from all walks of life. Throughout his political career, Hon. Adonye exemplified the qualities of a true public servant, making positive impacts t on the lives of many.
Amongst the dignitaries present to pay their respects was the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. The Governor, accompanied by other prominent political figures, conveyed his condolences to the family of Hon. Adonye. This gesture highlighted the immense respect and admiration held for the late lawmaker within his political community.
The funeral service was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison MHA, as well as other members of the House of Assembly both past and present and esteemed guests from diverse backgrounds. The presence of these individuals showed the profound influence the late Honorable had on the political landscape of Rivers State.
One notable attendee was the revered King of Opobo Kingdom HRH king (Dr) Dandeson Douglas JAJA CFR, DSSRS, the jeki V, treaty king, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler-of Opobo Kingdom and former Chairman Rivers State council of Traditional Rulers in company of his beloved wife. There presence was a testament to the strong bond shared between Honorable Adonye and the Opobo Community.
Port Harcourt City One Love Family came out in their very large numbers to pay their respects to their member, friend and brother.
The Port Harcourt City One Love Family was conceived many years ago in what will be regarded as a means of sustaining one love, peace and unity in the hearts of those who were either born, schooled, resided or worked in Port Harcourt through the 50s to the 80s, reminiscing their childhood memories that was filled with love, laughter and the concern for each other’s wellbeing which was the over riding spirit in Port Harcourt in the days of yore when they were growing up.
In their number, Members of the social group Port Harcourt City One Love, commiserated with the family of
Late Hon. Adonye Kelly Diri. The entourage of the Port Harcourt City One Love Family had, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye the vice president of the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL), Eze Kingsley Chukwunyere Ogundu(Jp) the OYO VIII of Azumini Isiokpo, ,Eze Ibrahim Mark, HRH Chief Henry Micah, ,Hon. Dienma Iyalla the Immediate past commissioner for special duties Rivers State, The president of the Port Harcourt Club 1928 Hon. Soberekon Dikibo, Hon. Tonye oniyide Briggs former commissioner for culture and tourism Rivers State, Mr Ben-Jamin Owuapu Willie the managing director of Graeme Polo Technical Services Ltd and owner of Buckles Menswear, Light & Style and CEO OS.Benjamin. Sir Kingsley Wenenda Wali, sir Eugene Abels, Mr Tambere Ibisiki Mr Nyimejira Mbie Osarollor, High Chief Kate Stanley CEO cheers bar Port Harcourt, Madam Hilda Dokubo, Emeka Wigwe, Sir Chinedu Ile KSA representing the spiritual leader of the Port Harcourt City One Love Engr Idaere-gogo Ogan Chairman Board of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority who was unavoidable absent overseas studying, Warisenibo Dakuku Peterside, Chiefs, captains of industries and other very notable personalities.
Hon. Adonye’s commitment earned him the respect and admiration of communities across the state.
As the solemn funeral service proceedings unfolded, speeches were delivered that reflected the remarkable legacy left by Honourable Adonye Kelly Diri. His dedication to his constituents, his family, his friends, associates, counterparts and his vision for a better Rivers State were highlighted, reminding everyone present of the indelible mark he left on diverse spheres.
The passing of Honorable Adonye Kelly Diri is a great For Rivers Star and the entire nation. However, the memory of his selfless service and tireless efforts will continue to inspire future generations of leaders in Rivers Staye and beyond.
In paying their final respects, those present at the funeral service committed themselves to carrying forward Hon. Adonye’s vision, ensuring that his contributions are never forgotten. The legacy of this remarkable leader will Continue to resonate within the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.
At the conclusion of the funeral service, the late lawmaker was laid to rest, surrounded by the love and reverence of those who cherished him. Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, Hon. Adonye Kelly Diri’s spirit continues in live on, forever etched in the hearts of the people he served with dedication and compassion.
